WNBA Power Rankings: A'JA, Napheesa and the Forecast MVP race

ACES remain solid in second place thanks to A’JA Wilson, who is battle for an unusual MVP fourth in the WNBA.

The eave of Minnesota Lynx, Napheesa Collierhas dominated the race for the most valuable player (MVP) award of the WNBA for much of the season, but we should have known that the contest would not be so simple.

After missing seven games for an ankle injury, Collier is still in full, scoring 32 points on his return on Sunday. However, A’JA Wilson He has taken a big step forward during the last month to win his fourth MVP, which would be an unprecedented title, such as the driving of the streak of 11 consecutive victories of Las Vegas Aces. Collier (23.9 points per game) and Wilson (23.2) are the best scorers in the League, with Wilson Second in rebounds (10.2) and Collier Tenth (7.6) … and, even so, they are not alone at the top. Alyssa Thomaswho on Friday registered his sixth triple-double of the season and the 17th of his career, is also an excellent candidate for current leader of the League Assistance (9.2) in his first season with the Phoenix Mercury.

We experience this type of MVP scenario in 2023, when Wilson, Thomas and Breanna Stewart They ended with a hinge 1-2-3. That year, Thomas, then player of the Connecticut Sunhe obtained the greatest amount of votes for the first place, but Stewart won with the largest number of points in total.

With 17 remaining regular season, Collier, Wilson and Thomas have practically assured the first All-Wnba team and will continue to fight for the MVP title. The thing will be especially interesting on September 4, when Wilson and the ACES receive Collier and Lynx.

1. Minnesota Lynx (30-7)

PREVIOUS RANKING: 1

Next 7 days: vs. Sea (August 28), @ with (August 30), vs. DAL (September 1)

He Minnesota Lynx He suffered his first consecutive defeats of the season last week, falling against New York and Atlanta. But he recovered to defeat Indiana as a visitor and at home, receiving Collier back in the second game on Sunday. While it was a little dominant week, Minnesota is still aimed at first place.

2. Las Vegas Aces (25-14)

PREVIOUS RANKING: 2

Next 7 days: @ Atl (August 27)

Las Vegas Aces They secured their place in the playoffs with their 79-74 victory in Chicago on Monday and now they have a 14-3 record from the recess of the stars game, with additional victories against Atlanta, Phoenix and Washington last week. They only have five games left, including three at home, while seeking to secure second place.

3. Atlanta Dream (24-13)

PREVIOUS RANKING: 3

Next 7 days: vs. LV (August 27), vs. Dal (August 29), @ with (September 1)

He Atlanta Dream He fell in Las Vegas last week, but then beat Minnesota and New York. Despite scoring less than 80 points in each of their last five games, they won three of them and lost the other two for only two points each. His remaining calendar is favorable, with only one of his last seven games against a team that is currently in playoff positions.

4. Phoenix Mercury (22-14)

PREVIOUS RANKING: 5

Next 7 days: @ La (August 26), vs. Chi (August 28), vs. NY (August 30)

He Phoenix Mercury It has a record of 6-4 in August, with two losses each against Atlanta and Las Vegas, two racing teams. There is no WNBA eaves with an elite game capacity such as Thomas, who does not score (16.0 points per game) at Collier or Wilson level, but is third in rebounds (8.8), in addition to leading the league in assists.

5. New York Liberty (23-15)

PREVIOUS RANKING: 4

Next 7 days: vs. Was (August 28), @ Pho (August 30)

Breanna Stewartabsent for 13 games for a bone bruise in the right knee, promised to be back for his birthday, and fulfilled it. He returned Monday with 19 points and five rebounds in a victory of the New York Liberty by 81-79 on Connecticut. Stewart, who turns 31 on Wednesday, led 4 of 12 field shots, but 11 of 13 from the free throw line. The base Natasha Cloud He was discharged due to a nose injury, but he is expected to return on Thursday.

6. Seattle Storm (20-18)

PREVIOUS RANKING: 10

Next 7 days: @ Ind (August 26), @ min (August 28), vs. Chi (August 30), vs. LA (September 1)

Do not look now, but here comes the Seattle Storm again. His 3-0 week, with victories about Chicago, Dallas and Washington, it was very necessary after a six defeat streak at the beginning of August questioned his future. The 30 points of Nneka Ogwumike Against the Mystics, including the horn basket that sealed the 84-82 victory, marked their second largest score in a game this season.

7. Golden State Valkyries (19-18)

PREVIOUS RANKING: 6

Next 7 days: vs. Was (August 30), vs. IND (August 31)

The consecutive defeats against Phoenix last week extended the streak of defeats of the Golden State Valkyries To three games, but they recovered with a victory in Dallas. The base Veronica Burton Continue to rise with the Golden State Valkyrieswith a total of 60 points and 35 assists in the last three games.

8. Los Angeles Sparks (17-18)

PREVIOUS RANKING: 9

Next 7 days: vs. Pho (August 26), vs. IND (August 29), vs. Wash (August 30), @ Let (September 1)

Los Angeles Sparks They are still in the contest for the playoffs and they have nine games left to achieve it, but they should chain a winning streak after alternating victories and defeats in their last seven meetings. Los Angeles Sparks They only played a match last week – a victory over the horn against Dallas – and must make the most of their next three games at home.

9. Indiana Fever (19-18)

PREVIOUS RANKING: 7

Next 7 days: vs. Let (August 26), @ la (August 29), @ gs (August 31)

He Indiana Feverwho lost twice against Minnesota last week, still clings to a position in the playoffs, despite having descended to the ninth post of the Power Rankings. The loss of three bases –Sydney Colson, Aari McDonald and Sophie Cunningham– For injuries that ended their seasons while waiting for the return of Caitlin Clark has meant a huge load for Kelsey Mitchellhence your companions recently wear “MVP Mitchell” t -shirts. It has been the Pilar del Fever, with an average of 20.7 points and 3.4 assists.

10. Washington Mystics (16-22)

PREVIOUS RANKING: 8

Next 7 days: @ Ny (August 28), @ gs (August 30), @ la (August 31)

The 0-4 streak last week, with defeats against Connecticut (twice), Las Vegas and Seattle, could have ended the realistic hopes of the Washington Mystics to reach the playoffs. This week they have three games away from home in four days, going from the east coast to the west coast. The Washington Mystics They have not yet left the postseason, but it will be difficult.

11. Connecticut Sun (9-28)

PREVIOUS RANKING: 12

Next 7 days: @ Dal (August 27), vs. Min (August 30), vs. ATL (September 1)

What fly has chopped at Connecticut Sun? For the first time in the season, he had a winning streak last week; His two victories about Washington were his first consecutive since the playoffs last year. This was followed by a victory against Chicago and then led New York to the limit on Monday, falling 81-79. He Connecticut Sun He is eliminated from the playoffs, but he is playing his best basketball of the season.

12. Chicago Sky (9-28)

PREVIOUS RANKING: 13

Next 7 days: @ Pho (August 28), @ Let (August 30)

There have not been many brilliant moments for him Chicago Sky This season, but they had two last week: the return of Angel Reese After a back injury after missing seven games and a victory in New York. He Chicago Sky He also lost matches against Seattle, Connecticut and Las Vegas. He Chicago Sky He remembered more successful moments on Monday, when the shirt of Candace Parkerkey to its WNBA title of 2021, was withdrawn.

13. Dallas Wings (9-29)

PREVIOUS RANKING: 11

Next 7 days: vs. With (August 27), @ Atl (August 29), @ min (September 1)

Paige Bueckers He established a WNBA rookie record with 44 points, also the most scored by any player in the league this season, but it was not enough to beat the Sparks on Wednesday. The Dallas Wings They suffered two more defeats against Seattle and Golden State. The Dallas Wings They have a 1-9 record in August, but it has been a show to see Bueckers play.