WNBA Power Rankings: Aces, Valkyries, Mystics upload

The Aces, 2022 and 2023 champions, the MiSTICS and the Valkyries Expansion team go upwards in the WNBA Power Rankings; Will they hold the rhythm?

You might think that, in its eighth season at the WNBA, A’JA Wilson He has already seen everything. But he admits that she and Las Vegas Aces They have faced new challenges this year. Wilson’s response is part of the reason why MVP has been three times: it is committed to finding the solution.

“That’s when I have to be not only the vocal leader, but prove it. I have to keep calm for my companions to understand that we are fine,” Wilson said Sunday. “Although the situation is very unknown, I take it as a great learning season for all.”

ACES have a .500 record, and last week it was a reflection of the inconsistency that has frustrated them this season. On Wednesday, they easily defeated the last classified of the League, Connecticut Sunby 85-59. But the next night, again at home, they lost 94-83 against the Washington Mystics. On Sunday, they beat the Phoenix Mercurythe most racing team of the WNBA, by 84-81, ending the streak of six consecutive victories of Mercury.

Who are the real aces? Both the best and less good have alternated. As the coach said Becky Hammon After the defeat against the mystics: “My frustration has been to see greatness and absolute disasters at specific times. And how there is no midpoint. I just want a solid and basic basketball: screen, box out. Things that have been listening to all their lives.”

The Aces did many things, Hammon said, stopping Phoenix. Can you take advantage of that during their next four -game tour against the Eastern Conference teams, Indiana FeverConnecticut, New York Liberty And Washington? Las Vegas made a transfer with the Dallas Wings Monday by the eaves NALSSA Smithwho has had ups and downs in his career in the WNBA, but could help relieve the pressure on Wilson in the inner area.

ACES had a 14-20 record in 2018, Wilson’s rookie year, but since then they have had a winning record and have reached the playoffs every season, including two championships. It is understandable that the Acales’ fans have come to be taken for granted that will have great teams.

“And right now, we are simply not at the top,” Wilson said. “And that’s fine. It’s not the end of the world. We still have all the potential to be the best. But I can’t be discouraged … we have to learn to get the at odds, play with your back against the wall and still prevail.”

1. Minnesota Lynx (14-2)

Previous ranking: 1

Next 7 days: vs. IND (July 1), vs. Was (July 3), vs. GS (July 5), vs. Chi (July 6)

He Minnesota Lynx He lost his second game of the season on June 24, falling 68-64 against Washington with La Alera Estrella Napheesa Collier out (back). Collier returned with the same usual effectiveness in Friday’s victory for 96-92 in extra time against the Atlanta Dream and on Sunday’s beating by 102-63 about Connecticut. This is a busy week for Minnesota, with the final of the Commissioner’s Cup on Tuesday, but Lynx has the advantage of playing at home all week at the Target Center.

2. Phoenix Mercury (12-5)

Previous ranking: 2

Next 7 days: @ Dal (July 3), vs. DAL (July 7)

He Phoenix Mercury He saw his streak of six consecutive victories against Las Vegas on Sunday, but he really gave a great show in the two previous games. In his 106-91 victory over New York on Friday, Mercury established franchise records in triples (18) and assists (30). In the previous match, on June 21 against Chicago, they scored 107 points and brought 17 triples. Phoenix became the first WNBA team to score at least 35 triples on a two -game streak. They remained quite good from the line of three in the defeat by 84-81 against Las Vegas (10 of 24 for 41.7%), but only dressed 27 of 71 (38%).

3. Atlanta Dream (11-6)

Previous ranking: 4

Next 7 days: vs. Sea (July 3), vs. GS (July 7)

Actually, it was not a very good week for the Atlanta Dreamwhich ended with a 1-2 record. Tuesday’s defeat by 68-55 against Dallas can be attributed to poor offensive performance (23.4% of success in field shots) that looked much more like the Atlanta of last season than to this one. However, Dream uploads a position at the Power Rankings, considering that its defeat against Minnesota on Friday was in extra time and that they beat New York for 90-81 on Sunday. Brionna Jones He matched his best mark of the season with 21 points against Liberty.

4. New York Liberty (11-5)

Previous ranking: 3

Next 7 days: vs. LA (July 3), vs. Sea (July 6)

In it New York Liberty They are probably happy not to play the Commissioner’s Cup on Tuesday: they will have a little more time to rest and rejuvenate after a difficult tour in which three of four games lost. Last week, they defeated the Golden State Valkyries Wednesday, but lost against Phoenix and Atlanta on Friday and Sunday. The Liberty is very strange to Jonquel Joneswho will leave several weeks for a right ankle sprain. But now they have eight consecutive games at home, interrupted only by the game of the stars on July 19. This month could see the Liberty recover his best level, even if Jones does not return until August.

5th Golden State Valkyries (9-7)

Previous ranking: 6

Next 7 days: @ Min (July 5), @ Atl (July 7)

The Golden State Valkyriesexpansion team, are among the five best of the Power Rankings after winning seven of their last nine games, including against the Chicago Sky and Seattle Storm Friday and Sunday. However, its top scorer and rebounding, Kayla Thorntonhe was injured in the victory against the Storm, and his condition is uncertain. In addition, Golden State will play 10 of his next 12 games as a visitor.

6. Las Vegas Aces (8-8)

Previous ranking: 7

Next 7 days: @ Ind (July 3), @ with (July 6)

Las Vegas Aces They sent their first round of 2027 to Dallas by the eaves NALSSA Smithwho was the second selection of Indiana in 2022. Smith is having its worst season to date after being transferred by the Faver to the Wings in February. Averages 6.7 points and 4.9 rebounds. But if he manages to approach the offensive threat that was in his first three seasons (when he averaged 13.5, 15.5 and 10.6 points, respectively), it could be valuable to Las Vegas.

7. Washington Mystics (8-9)

Previous ranking: 9

Next 7 days: @ Min (July 3)

The Washington Mystics Two positions amounted to and almost exceed the Aces, who defeated 94-83 on Thursday in Las Vegas. The Mystics also defeated Minnesota 68-64 last week. The only thing that prevented Washington from going up one more position was his 79-71 defeat against Dallas on Sunday, the same day that the Acts won in Phoenix. But ultimately, mystics are playing much better than many expected. The rookie Sonia Citron He has led the team in annotations in three of the last four games, with an average of 19.8 points during that period.

8. Indiana Fever (8-8)

Previous ranking: 8

Next 7 days: @ Min (July 1), vs. LV (July 3), vs. LA (July 5)

He Indiana Fever He won 94-86 in Seattle on June 24 and then received the news that Caitlin Clark It would be low again, this time due to an injury to groin. Meanwhile, the absence of five games of Dewanna Bonner It was resolved, since Indiana dismissed it with the explanation of both parties that it did not fit well in the team. Indiana lost 85-75 at home against Los Angeles Sparks Thursday and then recovered on Friday in Dallas with a 94-86 victory. Kelsey Mitchell He led the game with 32 points against the Wings. We will see what version of the Faver is presented against Minnesota in the final of the Commissioner’s Cup on Tuesday night.

9. Seattle Storm (10-7)

Previous ranking: 5

Next 7 days: @ Atl (July 3), @ NY (July 6)

He Seattle Storm It was achieved by four other teams that ascended, which explains its sharp fall after the defeats against Indiana and Golden State last week. Among those defeats, there was a victory over Connecticut. Skylar Diggins It was the most prominent point, with a total of 64 points. If you have been following the Power Rankings this season, you know that the Storm has risen and lowered more than any other team. If they are doing well on their next tour of the east coast, they will rise again.

10. Dallas Wings (5-13)

Previous ranking: 10

Next 7 days: vs. Pho (July 3), @ Pho (July 7)

The Dallas Wings They achieved their second good consecutive week with a record of 2-1. They beat Atlanta and Washington, but lost against Indiana. These results could have been promoted a little more in the Power Rankings, except for their general record. But Dallas has the opportunity to improve that brand, especially if the base Paige Bueckerschosen head of the game of stars as a rookie, he continues to play well. He has scored in double digits in the 13 games he has played. The wings signed the eaves NALSSA Smith Before this season, but they decided that they was not working and they transferred it to Las Vegas on Monday.

11. Chicago Sky (5-11)

Previous ranking: 12

Next 7 days: @ Minn (July 6)

After losing six of seven games, the Chicago Sky He had a good week by winning two of three games, both against Los Angeles. This catapulted the Sky over Sparks in the Power Rankings. The pivot Kamilla Cardoso He scored 27 points, his best personal brand, against Los Angeles on Tuesday, before leaving to play with Brazil in the Americanup. The eaves Angel Reese He has had four consecutive games with at least 16 rebounds; He has averaged 17.3 points, 17.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists during that period.

12. Los Angeles Sparks (5-12)

Previous ranking: 11

Next 7 days: @ NY (July 3), @ Ind (July 5)

Los Angeles Sparks They lost two games against Chicago last week, but defeated Indiana between them, after the Faver lost to Caitlin Clark (groin) for another injury. The Sparks glimpsed their past glory with the retirement ceremony of the shirt of Candace Parker On Sunday, and then they had a reminder of their current difficulties at 92-85 against Sky.

13. Connecticut Sun (2-15)

Previous ranking: 13

Next 7 days: vs. LV (July 6)

The June downturn has ended for the Connecticut Sunbut Julio is not expected to improve. They have lost nine parties in a row; His only victory last month was on June 6 against Atlanta. SUN announced on June 24 that the base Marina Mabreyteam leader in annotations and assists, would be low from two to four weeks due to a left knee injury. A positive point: the rookie forward Aneeesah Morrow He registered his first doubles of the WNBA in the last two Connecticut games.