Around the W - Week 5
A vast summary of what took place in the WNBA during the 5th week.
Another week of the WNBA has come and gone and we’ve had some shuffling in the standings. Let’s take a look at how every team did this week.
Atlanta Dream
Weekly Record: 1-2
Overall Record: 5-6
The Atlanta Dream went 1-2 this past week, dropping two games to the defending WNBA Champions the Seattle Storm. On Wednesday, they lost 95-71 to Seattle. Tiffany Hayes was the only player to score in double figures for the Dream with 22 points (a game-high). Elizabeth Williams also had a nice game with eight points and 13 rebounds.
On Friday, the Dream kept the game a bit closer but fell again to the Seattle Storm by a final sore of 86-75. Courtney Williams led her team with a double-double 19 points and 11 rebounds. Cheyenne Parker had 17 points and Tiffany Hayes added 11 points in a losing effort.
The Dream responded well with an impressive 101-78 victory over the Washington Mystics. The win was even more important because it counted towards the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup standings. Atlanta had five players score in double figures with Courtney Williams leading the way with 21 points. Odyssey Sims was the next leading scorer with 20 points. Tiffany Hayes added 18 points and a team-high six assists. Cheyenne Parker had 11 points and Tianna Hawkins contributed 10 points off the bench.
Atlanta is still missing Chennedy Carter who remains out with an elbow injury. The Dream are currently 5th in the WNBA standings even with a losing record. Hopefully, Carter can return soon to give them another boost.
Chicago Sky
Weekly Record: 2-0
Overall Record: 4-7
After having one of the worst weeks in the WNBA the week before going 0-3 which continued a seven-game losing streak, the Chicago Sky finally got back in the winner’s circle picking up two important wins over the Indiana Fever this past week. Both of the victories were a part of the Commissioner’s Cup standings which helps keep the Sky afloat in the CC standings.
On Wednesday, Chicago beat Indiana 92-76. Candace Parker finally returned to the lineup after dealing with a swollen ankle for a couple of weeks. Courtney Vandersloot led five Sky players in double figures with 17 points and nine assists. Stefanie Dolson and Azura Stevens both had 12 points. Kahleah Copper added 11 points and Allie Quigley scored 10 points off the bench.
While Saturday’s game was significantly closer, the result ended up being the same with the Sky defeating the Fever 83-79. Allie Quigley was key to the victory scoring the final six points for Chicago over the last two minutes. Quigley hit a three, knocked down one of two free throws, and nailed a midrange jumper in traffic in the lane. Quigley scored 16 points which were the 2nd most on the team. While Quigley was the hero late, it was Candace Parker who really impressed in just her second game back from injury. Parker led the team with 20 points and also a game-high 14 rebounds. She also had four assists which were 2nd only to Courtney Vandersloot. Kahleah Copper (14 points) and Stefanie Dolson (11 points) were the other two players on Chicago to score in double figures.
While the Sky dug themselves a pretty large hole starting the season 2-7, they have plenty of time to regroup and make a push for the playoffs. Chicago currently holds the 2nd worst record in the WNBA at 4-7, but they are just one game behind the 8th seeded Minnesota Lynx.
Connecticut Sun
Weekly Record: 0-1
Overall Record: 8-3
The Connecticut Sun had a full seven days off in between games and played just one game this past week. They were soundly defeated by the Seattle Storm 89-66. It didn’t help that Jonquel Jones is off participating in Eurobasket qualifier games in an attempt to qualify for the Fiba World Cup games for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Sun struggled to score without J. Jones taking up so much defensive attention. Connecticut had just three players score in double figures with no one reaching more than 14 points. DeWanna Bonner led the team with 14 points, while Brionna Jones added 12 points (10 in the first half). Kaila Charles also scored 14 points, but it was all in “garbage time” with Seattle leading by roughly 20 points in the 4th quarter.
While the Sun dropped their only game of this past week on Sunday, they still currently hold the 2nd best record in the WNBA at 8-3. Jonquel Jones will miss at least four games and potentially as many as six. Connecticut needs to find ways to win games without her as dropping the next 3-5 games would likely drop them to the middle of the pack in the standings.
Dallas Wings
Weekly Record: 2-1
Overall Record: 5-6
The Dallas Wings continue to surge as they went 2-1 over the past week picking up two important wins against the Phoenix Mercury.
On Tuesday, the Wings edged the Mercury 85-81. Arike Ogunbowale led the team with 22 points. Her Notre Dame teammate Marina Mabrey added 14 points off the bench. Satou Sabally was the only other player to score in double figures with 11 points.
Then on Friday, the game against Phoenix wasn’t even close. Dallas handed the Mercury an 18-point loss at 77-59. Not surprisingly, Ogunbowale led the team in scoring again with 20 points. Satou Sabally continues to look good scoring 17 points and pulling down six rebounds. Moriah Jefferson added 11 points. Number one overall pick, Charli Collier contributed with six points and four rebounds. Collier hasn’t really had a major breakout game since her first game of the season when she had 11 points and 10 rebounds.
In their final game of the week on Sunday, the Dallas Wings fell short against the Aces in Las Vegas, 85-78. Satou Sabally led her team with 24 points and eight rebounds. Isabelle Harrison nearly had a double-double with 13 points and nine rebounds off the bench. Arike Ogunbowale struggled in this game shooting just 2-12 FG and scoring 11 points. Marina Mabrey scored in double figures with 10 points but also had a poor shooting night going 3-14 FG from the floor.
Mabrey has cooled off a bit in recent games after shooting a very high percentage. She’s had four poor shooting performances in her past six games. Even still, she’s averaging nearly 17 PPG and is a top candidate for the Most Improved Player of the Year Award.
The Wings are currently 5-6 and the 6th seed in the WNBA. Their three-game win streak was snapped by Las Vegas, but they’ve definitely shown a lot of promise with the young talent they have on their roster.
Indiana Fever
Weekly Record: 0-2
Overall Record: 1-11
As mentioned above, the Indiana Fever dropped two games to the Chicago Sky this past week. The Fever have dropped seven games in a row now and face the Seattle Storm twice this week.
During their 92-76 loss against Chicago, the Fever actually got some real solid contributions from their starters. Kelsey Mitchell led the way with 24 points including shooting 50% (9-18) from the floor and 60% (6-10) from the three-point range. Tiffany Mitchell scored 20 points as well. Jantel Lavender added 14 points and seven rebounds.
In their 2nd loss against the Sky, they kept the game much closer falling 83-79. Four players scored in double figures with Teaira McCowan having a fantastic game scoring a team-high 20 points and pulling down 13 rebounds. Kelsey Mitchell added 16 points, while Tiffany Mitchell contributed with 10 points. Lindsay Allen added 12 points and a team-high six assists off the bench.
At 1-11, the Fever continue to struggle. In last week’s Around the W article, I spoke about how Indiana just doesn’t seem to have the firepower to keep up with other teams. They actually had better scoring this week with multiple players reaching the 20-point mark in their two games. But it still wasn’t enough.
Indiana looks primed to land the top pick in the 2022 WNBA Draft as long as they don’t get unlucky (again) in the WNBA Draft Lottery. If things don’t get better soon, could we see a coaching change later this season or before next year?
Las Vegas Aces
Weekly Record: 1-0
Overall Record: 8-3
The Las Vegas Aces also had a full seven days off in their schedule and only played one game last week on Sunday. The Aces defeated the Dallas Wings 85-78 in a Commissioner’s Cup game.
A’ja Wilson played like the MVP scoring a game-high 28 points and pulling down 14 rebounds. Liz Cambage chipped in with 14 points and eight rebounds. Kelsey Plum added 13 points off the bench in the victory.
Vegas improves to 8-3 and is currently tied with the Connecticut Sun for the 2nd best record in the WNBA. However, because they lost the season series to the Sun, they are currently positioned as the third seed in the WNBA.
With the Sun missing Jonquel Jones for the next few games, look for the Aces to try and move into 2nd place this upcoming week if Connecticut were to falter.
Los Angeles Sparks
Weekly Record: 0-2
Overall Record: 4-5
After Los Angeles had an impressive 2-1 week in the previous week, this past week they dropped both of their games. Neither game was particularly close. They dropped a game on Thursday to the Washington Mystics 89-71. Only two players scored in double figures with Te’a Cooper leading the way with 11. Brittney Sykes added 10 points off the bench.
On Saturday, the Minnesota Lynx handled the Sparks 80-64. Te’a Cooper led the way with 17 points. Amanda Zahui B. contributed with 15 points and eight rebounds. Kristi Toliver pitched in with 13 points a team-high five assists. In this game, Amanda Zahui B. got into an altercation with Napheesa Collier. Some shoving and bad-mouthing took place. It was just reported by the WNBA that Te’a Cooper left the sideline (she wasn’t on the court during the altercation) and got into the scrum. By both NBA and WNBA rules, that is an automation suspension. Cooper will be suspended for one game which will be against the Phoenix Mercury this Wednesday.
At 4-5, the Sparks have fallen out of the playoff standings for now sitting at 9th overall in the WNBA.
With both Ogwumike sisters still out with injuries, the Sparks may continue to struggle until they return.
Minnesota Lynx
Weekly Record: 1-1
Overall Record: 4-5
The Minnesota Lynx split their two games this past week going 1-1. On Tuesday, they lost a close game to the Washington Mystics 85-81. Napheesa Collier led her team with 22 points and nine rebounds. Sylvia Fowles had 15 points and Layshia Clarendon scored 14 points and six assists. Crystal Dangerfield added 10 points and six assists.
On Saturday, the Lynx defeated the Los Angeles Sparks 80-64. Sylvia Fowles led the way with 15 points and a team-high nine rebounds. Crystal Dangerfield had an impressive game off the bench with 16 points including knocking down 80% (4-5) of her shots from beyond the arc. Rachel Banham added 12 points off the bench as well.
With the return of Napheesa Collier and the signing of Layshia Clarendon, the Lynx have now won three out of their last four games and currently sit in the 8th and final playoff spot of the WNBA standings. They are certainly trending in the right direction.
Unfortunately for Minnesota, it’s not all positive news. They announced that Aerial Powers has ligament damage in her thumb that will require surgery. And Natalie Achonwa has a sprained MCL. Both players will be out indefinitely. On top of that, it was announced that first-round pick Rennia Davis will miss the entire 2021 season with her foot injury.
New York Liberty
Weekly Record: 1-0
Overall Record: 6-4
The New York Liberty played just one game last week defeating the Phoenix Mercury 85-83. Betnijah Laney continues to impress leading the team with 23 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds. Laney has played so well this season, she’s even been in some preliminary MVP discussions.
Jazmine Jones added 16 points and seven rebounds off the bench. Sami Whitcomb got the start at Point Guard in place of the injured Sabrina Ionescu and had a fantastic game. Whitcomb scored 14 points and added six assists. Lastly, Kylee Shook added 10 points and five rebounds for the Liberty.
With the victory, the Liberty improve to 6-4 on the season which puts them currently as the 4th seed in the WNBA. They are surprisingly one of the four teams in the league that have a winning record right now. An impressive feat considering this team won just two games in all of 2020.
The Liberty have been the feel-good story of the season, especially considering they haven’t even been at full strength for the majority of their games. Natasha Howard remains out with a knee injury and now Sabrina Ionescu is out with an ankle injury/tendinitis.
I’m honestly a little concerned about Ionescu’s ankle problems. To my knowledge, she was diagnosed with a Grade 3 level ankle sprain last season. That is described as a full and complete tear of the ligament - resulting in severe pain, swelling, and bruising. The ankle is completely unstable.
I also believe that Ionescu opted not to have surgery which is shocking to me if she had a Grade 3 sprain. But it would also explain why she is still having trouble with the ankle this season as many had suggested even before she sat out of a game this past week.
From my own personal experience, I tore the ligament in my ankle playing basketball back in 2007 and needed surgery to recover. I could not plant my foot and change directions without severe pain shooting through my foot and ankle. And I might have only had a Grade 2 sprain. I can’t imagine how much pain Ionescu could be in if she had a Grade 3 sprain and did not have surgery to repair it.
Phoenix Mercury
Weekly Record: 0-3
Overall Record: 5-6
The Phoenix Mercury had a poor week dropping three straight games. As mentioned above, they lost two games against the Dallas Wings and then their most recent game against the New York Liberty.
On Tuesday they dropped a close game to the Dallas Wings 85-81. Brittney Griner had an incredible performance scoring 27 points and 16 rebounds (both game-highs). Skylar Diggins-Smith added 22 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Megan Walker added 10 points.
Then on Friday, they dropped another game to the Wings 77-59. Brittney Griner led the way with 19 points and six rebounds. But other than Griner, no one really showed up in this game. Skylar Diggins-Smith was the next leading scorer at just 11 points. She did have five rebounds and five assists. Kia Nurse added 10 more points. Former Seattle Storm draft pick, Haley Gorecki did get to play a few minutes in this game. It was nice to see her get an opportunity with Phoenix.
They ended their week with another loss, this time to the New York Liberty 85-83. Britney Griner had another monster game with 29 points and 14 rebounds. Skylar Diggins-Smith also came up big with 25 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Brianna Turner had a solid game with nine points and eight rebounds. But they just didn’t get enough help outside of their big two.
Diana Taurasi is set to return around the end of the month from her fractured sternum. The team could certainly use her offensive firepower that she can provide. They just need to tread above water until Taurasi can return.
At 5-6, the Mercury are currently the 7th seed in the WNBA. They are just 1.5 games out of 4th place as several teams in the league are however around .500 record.
Seattle Storm
Weekly Record: 3-0
Overall Record: 10-2
The Seattle Storm were the only team to go 3-0 this past week (Chicago went 2-0) as they improve to a league-best 10-2 on the season. Even more impressive because all three of their games were on the road.
They spent the first two games in Atlanta. On Wednesday, they easily defeated the Dream 95-71. Seattle had six players score in double figures with all five starters contributing to that scoring total. Jewell Loyd led the way with 18 points. Breanna Stewart came through with 15 points, nine rebounds, and five assists. Stephanie Talbot had a huge impact off the bench scoring 13 points to put the game away in the 4th quarter. Sue Bird (11 points), Mercedes Russell (11), and Katie Lou Samuelson (10) were the other players to score in double figures.
On Friday, they defeated the Atlanta Dream again by a final score of 86-75. Jewell Loyd led the way again with 20 points, while Breanna Stewart had a double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds. Epiphanny Prince gave them a good burst off the bench with 11 points.
The Storm finished off their week by dispatching the Connecticut Sun 89-66. Seattle took advantage of Jonquel Jones’ absence in this game. Seattle led by 19 points in the first half and by as many as 26 points in the 4th quarter. Breanna Stewart led the way with 22 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and three steals. No player on either team had higher numbers in any of those categories. Sue Bird chipped in with 13 points including knocking down 75% (3-4) from beyond the arc. While no other player scored in double figures, the bench combined for 34 points total.
Washington Mystics
Weekly Record: 2-1
Overall Record: 4-6
The Washington Mystics had a good week finishing 2-1 picking up victories over Minnesota and Los Angles.
On Tuesday, they defeated the Lynx 85-81. Tina Charles continues her dominance scoring 31 points and pulling down eight rebounds. Myisha Hines-Allen was the second-leading scorer with 19 points. Ariel Atkins scored 17 points and Natasha Cloud gave them 11 points and a game-high eight assists.
Then on Thursday, the Mystics had a dominant victory over the Sparks with a final score of 89-71. Ariel Atkins led the team with 23 points. Tina Charles had a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Theresa Plaisance added 11 points and six rebounds off the bench. And Myisha Hines-Allen rounded out the group with 10 points and six rebounds.
After two impressive victories earlier in the week, Washington got shellacked 101-78 by the Atlanta Dream. Hines-Allen led the way with 16 points and six rebounds. Ariel Atkins had 15 points and Tina Charles gave them 13 points. A low total for the WNBA’s leading scorer. Plaisance added another ten points off the bench in this game.
With a record of 4-6, the Washington Mystics currently hold the 10th best record in the WNBA. They have struggled a lot this season with Elena Delle Donne still not playing for the team due to her back injury. Will Delle Donne return before the Olympic break? Will Delle Donne return at all this season? The answer to that question will likely determine how far the Mystics will go this year.
Other WNBA News
It was announced that Tina Charles and Breanna Stewart both won Player of the Week honors. Jewell Loyd won the Player of the Week honor for the previous week.
The WNBA also announced that they will hold an All-Star game in Las Vegas this season. This is unique because up until this point, the WNBA has always removed the All-Star voting and the All-Star game from any Olympic season.
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