WNBA Power Rankings 2022: Week 1

Week one of the season is in the books, so it’s now time for a “way too early” team power rankings. Stay tuned for weekly updates and let me know your thoughts on Twitter at @Swaggy_DgB!

1. Washington Mystics: 3-0 

The Mystics are #1 in the WNBA after three games. Tash Cloud is a SHOOTA! Elena Delle Donne is healthy. Their defense is impeccable. The chemistry is vibing. Coach T has built a team of players who can interchange positions 1-4, hell maybe 1-5. There is no selfish basketball being played in D.C., everyone is eating. Yes they are this good. This cohesive team is dangerous.

2. Las Vegas Aces: 2-1

Pace and space is the name of the game under Becky Hammon. The team has been set free to shoot outside of the paint. Dearica Hamby is crashing the glass. A’ja Wilson is recording double-doubles and extending her game out past the arc, shooting the three. Kelsey Plum has gone OFF! You heard? Gone off. She is doing what she does best… push the pace of the game. The “pointGAWD” Chelsea Gray is making sure the ball is moving. Each starter on the squad scored in double digits in both of the first, two games. 

3. Atlanta Dream: 2-0

The only other team, aside from the Mystics, that are currently undefeated. They have won both away and at home under retired player Tanisha Wright. Who coached her first games as head Coach in the WNBA. The rookie Rhyne Howard is the motor that is powering this team. She looks like a seasoned vet on the court. Everyone is getting little touches here and there. I think they will stay in the top 5 for the next few weeks. 

4. Chicago Sky: 1-1

Chicago lost their home season opener in OT to the Sparks on a questionable foul call. They found rhythm against New York, winning by better than 30 points. They were missing key pieces that are finishing their commitments overseas or rehabbing a minor injury. This team has the potential to be mischievous all season. They should have everyone back over the next week or so.

5. Los Angeles Sparks: 2-1

The Sparks squeaked by Chicago in OT. The acquisition of Liz Cambage is proving to be a valuable off season move. The thing about having a 6’9 center is that everyone is drawn into that player is. That movement opens up other players to be able to execute their role. She is going to either make a cut for the basket or make a dynamic pass out of the lane to one of the steller guards on her team. Brittney Sykes is collecting steals every game and making a huge impact on their defensive game. I am interested to see how they play once they make it over to the East coast.

6. Indiana Fever 1-2

This team is exciting to watch. They have five rookies from the 2022 WNBA draft. Three of which have started every game. They lost their first two games but finally pulled out a win against the Lynx. Honestly I think they will be contenders as the season progresses. They are young and hungry. NaLyssa Smith snagged a double-double in her WNBA debut. Henny scored a career high 19 points, paired with 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and two steals. They are coming off that draft high and are less prone to injury. Who knows, maybe they will break the top 5…

7. Phoenix Mercury: 1-1

The Mercury are looking a bit shaky to start this season. They have so much weight to carry aside from just winning games. Such as their new Coach Vanessa Nygaard, who is coaching in the W for the first time.  BG is also being wrongly detained in Russia. There is a lot going on in Phoneix. The second game they were able to pull out a win by getting the ball to the hoop and drawing fouls. This could go really bad or they could come together and win it all.

8. Seattle Storm: 1-2

They have the pieces they need to win. They need them to all be healthy and to fit together. Stewie went all out touching every stat with 21 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and a block in the first game. Sue Bird hasn’t found her shooting sweet spot just yet but she is produtive being able to see the court. Gabby Williams should add some spark on both ends of the court as the season moves along. Epiphanny Prince is filling in the gaps and her shot is on fire. 

9. Connecticut Sun: 0-1

There isn’t much to gauge their rank other than the loss. They lost by a slim margin to the Liberty in their first game. Alyssa Thomas made her grand return after her achilles tear and she looked good. Courtney Wiliams found her way back to the Sun and should make an impact after her two game suspension is served. I think we see them rise throughout the rankings this season in marathon style.

10. New York Liberty: 1-1

New York came out the gates with a win and a lot of momentum. Sabrina Ionescu tapped in with 25 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals. Then turned around and got stomped by a prepared Chicago Sky. They need to get everyone healthy and scoring. I suspect they will bounce around below top 5 for a few weeks.

11. Dallas Wings: 0-1

Maybe they just haven’t found their groove yet. There is only one game to gauge their ranking on. I’m sure they will work their way out of the eleven spot but I doubt they rise too much.

12. Minnesota Lynx: 0-3

Yikes. That is about all I can muster for this team. They have lost every game so far. They are going through players faster than anyone can keep up with. Lets just hope that they can get it together long enough to send out Syliva Fowles in style.