May 12 -May 19 2022
Week two of the season is in the books. All overseas players have rejoined their teams.
It’s now time to update the weekly team power rankings.
Stay tuned for weekly updates and let me know your thoughts on Twitter at @Swaggy_DgB!
1. Washington Mystics: 4-1
The Mystics started off the week with a home game loss to Dallas. There was a lot going on that game. It was Alysha Clark’s first game since signing with Washington. Cloud was out due to Covid-related health and safety protocols. Hines-Allen was ejected on a bogus flagrant 2 foul call. They went on to beat the Wings on their home court 5 days later. Elizabeth Williams just arrived back in the states after winning the Turkish league championship with Fenerbahce. Now that E Will and Kennedy Burke are with the team all they pieces are in place. All they have to do is handle the basketball and they should lead the way for most the season.
2. Las Vegas Aces: 5-1
This is such a balanced Aces team. Jackie WIlliams is leading her team with an average of 19.2 points per game. Kelsey Plum is on her heals with an average of 17.3 points per game. KP and Chelsea Grey are facilitors, dishing out between 5.7 and 5.8 assists per game. Hamby is snatching 11 rebounds per game, putting her in the lead for the W. A’ja Wilson is showing off her foot work going into the paint like a cyclone. Wilson follows up Hamby in rebounding, placing second with 10.5 rebounds per game.
3. Atlanta Dream: 4-1
This Atlanta team is showing out. I think someone forgot to tell them that they we in a rebuild year. Rhyne Howard is continuing to make history with each game she plays. She is leading the league in points per game with a cool 20.4 ppg. There is no doubt that the confidence that Howard plays with is rubbing off on her teammates, giving the squad the need to lead the league this season.
4. Connecticut Sun: 2-1
The difference in the Sun this past week was DeWanna Bonner. Her presence on the floor creates chemistry. Bonner sparked energy on both ends the moment she stepped on the court. Alyssa Thomas is looking like she is fully healed and full steam ahead. Thomas is second in the league in points per game averaging a 20 piece per appearance. Courtney Williams served her suspension, but didn’t see many minutes.
5. Chicago Sky: 2-2
They finally have all their players from overseas. They are passing the ball well, averaging 24.3 assists per game as a team. Courtney Vandersloot is leading the way with 9.3 a game. When they make it to the charity stripe they are making the most of it, shooting 83.6 percentage on the season. I want to be hype for the reigning Champs, I think over the next week we see a Sky team that is on fire.
6. Dallas Wings: 3-2
Arike Ogunbowale is back and, in true fashion, she is doing Arike things. Her tenacity and flare has brought the Wings back to life this week. If Arike can’t see the three ball she dishes it down to Kayla Thornton, who has established herself in the lane. Allisha Grey been stopping the ball carrying 2 blocks per game. They will probably stay in the middle of the pack the next few weeks.
7. Seattle Storm: 2-3
Seattle lost Epiphanny Prince and Breanna Stewart due to Covid health and safety protocols They rejoined the team late in week. Ezi Magbegor made her rejecting 2.8 shots per game. The team was a bit sluggish with all the changes this week. Once everyone is healthy we should see an uptick in the Storm.
8. Phoenix Mercury: 2-3
The talk of the week for the Mercury was a heated exchange between Diana Taursi and Skylar Diggins Smith. It hasn’t been revealed exactly what was said but it had to be something serious, as teammates had to step in between the two. Diggins has been missing the line up since the disagreement. Diamond DeShields has finally joined her new team. She has found her rhythm with a quickness.
9. Los Angeles Sparks: 2-3
I cant put my finger on what it is that this Sparks squad is missing. They need to capitalize on the 3.4 steals per game that Brittney Sykes is swiping. The best way to do that is to get the ball into the hands of Lexie Brown.
10. Minnesota Lynx: 1-5
The Lynx seemed to level out this week. Kayla Mcbride brought balance back to her squad once she rejoined her team this week. In about 32 hours McBride won a championship in Turkey with Fenerbahce, flew back to the states, scored 24 points, and led her team to their first victory.
11. Indiana Fever 2-4
This Fever team is finding its footing this season, with a roster full of rookies. They have a new starting rotation, as Danielle Robinson rejoined the team. Emily Engstler had her first start the season. Nalyssa Smith injured her right ankle and has been DTD for most of the week.
12. New York Liberty: 1-4
This New York team just can’t seem to get it done. They are not managing the ball at all. They set a franchise record of a 27 point loss against the Sun. In the same match up they had a near record of 29 turnovers.
Bobbi Mullis
A lifelong women’s basketball enthusiast. Credentialed reporter for HoopSocial. A voice for investing in women. An advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. You can follow her on Twitter, IG, and TikTok at @Swaggy_DgB. #InvestInWomen #WBBvsEverybody