Tag: Queens Of The Court

2019 WNBA Week 11: Big Drama

Jon and Paul recount an exciting week in the WNBA highlighted by a 6 ejection fight and a vulnerable look at one of the league’s most beloved players.  Spotlight Queens is taken over by a pair of reserves who have made the most of their opportunities.

Queens of the Court
2019 WNBA Week 11: Big Drama
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QotC Week 11 Power Rankings

Our WNBA Power Rankings for Week 11 Monday, August 12th:

  1. Washington Mystics (17 – 7) – After posting routine wins against the Lynx and Fever, the Mystics are back in first place despite All Star Kristi Toliver sitting with a knee injury in Sunday’s contest. Aerial Powers got the start and had a nice game while Meeseman continues to impress as the Mystics not-so-secret weapon off the bench.
  2. Los Angeles Sparks (15 – 8) – The Sparks are riding a 5 game winning streak propelled by the return of Candace Parker (who will apparently have an overall rating of 93 in NBA2k20 coming out this fall). They look like the team I expected them to be at the beginning of the year and they are still missing key players to injury. No one would be surprised if this team made a deep run and took it all this year despite the up and down season.
  3. Las Vegas Aces (16 – 9) – Liz Cambage wrote a must-read personal essay for the Player’s Tribune about her recent absences from the W, citing mental health and riptide like anxiety attacks and depression. And she came back with a super strong outing in Vegas’ win over the Sun. Dearica Hamby continues to impress in place of A’ja Wilson and number 1 overall pick Jackie Young is beginning to come into her own. Vegas will need Wilson back to steal a top 2 spot heading into the playoffs.
  4. Connecticut Sun (16 – 8) – The streaky Sun have had an off week losing to the Lynx and the Aces. The only top 4 team that is mostly whole (Layshia Clarendon is still out but all 5 starters are active) will need to take advantage of their beleaguered opponents while they can. Holding onto a top 2 spot will be challenging down the stretch as Vegas and LA are cruising in.
  5. Chicago Sky (14 – 10) – The Sky have been holding down the 5 spot in our power rankings for a while now and there’s no reason to think that will change anytime soon. They’ve proven that they can compete with anyone in the league but have lost some close games that will come back to haunt them when the playoff seedings come out. The veterans are performing admirably, so if they can get a bit more from their younger players not named Diamond Deshields, they could be dangerous in the playoffs.
  6. Seattle Storm (14 – 11) – Jewell Loyd has conceded her starting spot to Sami Whitcomb for the time being who has been absolutely dynamic for the Storm since Loyd went out with Injury. Alysha Clark has been an unsung hero for this team as well providing solid defense and scoring not to mention much needed on the court leadership. Its difficult to predict where the Storm will finish the season though I wouldn’t be surprised if they found a way to win it all or miss the playoffs entirely.
  7. Minnesota Lynx (12 – 12) – The Lynx returned WNBA legend Seimone Augustus this week and won 2 out of 3 losing in blowout fashion to the Mystics. However, with Augustus back, the Lynx are considerably more dangerous with significant scoring threats at each position and no one will want to face them in a one game playoff. The Lynx could easily come away with a number of individual year end accolades.
  8. Phoenix Mercury (11 – 12) – The Mercury lost more than a close game against Dallas on Saturday. With three players ejected during an on court fight and the league looking into additional sanctions, the Mercury could soon be without Griner, arguably the leagues most valuable player to her team. If that happens, the Mercury may have a difficult time holding onto the last playoff spot as they simply can’t afford to lose anymore players. On a bright note, rookie Brianna Turner has made the most of her recent minutes recording back to back double digit rebounding games
  9. Indiana Fever (9 – 16) – The Fever could be the Cinderella story we didn’t think we’d get this year. Picked almost unanimously to finish last this season, the Fever have found answers up and down the roster with contributions night in and night out from the hot hand. It won’t be easy to sneak into the playoff picture but there is most definitely hope, particularly in Phoenix loses Griner for any extended period of time.
  10. Dallas Wings (7 – 17) – Many believe Arike Ogunbowale is now the front-runner for Rookie of the year. The Notre Dame grad has shouldered a heavy burden in her rookie season playing out of position and being asked to take the most meaningful shots late in games. Picking up Kristine Anigwe gives Dallas a lot to look forward to in the coming years. It won’t be long before Dallas is pushing for a championship.
  11. New York Liberty (8 – 15) – The Liberty have been reeling since the all star break, losing their last 5 and looking fairly lost. Asia Durr is again out with a strained groin and Kia Nurse has been ice cold lately. Tina Charles continues to do her thing, but NY might think about trading the legend for a haul of younger players to plan for the future.
  12. Atlanta Dream (5 – 19) – Despite a career high 34 point performance from Tiffany Hayes on Saturday against the Fever, the Dream are winless in their last 9 contests. At this point the silver lining is that the Dream are likely to secure a solid pick in next year’s draft, but beyond that, there isn’t much to look forward to for this team. Angel McCoughtry will likely sit out the rest of the season and be traded in the off season to a contender ready to give up some young talent for the veteran All Star.

QotC Week 10 Power Rankings

Jon’s first power rankings.

So Paul has been our power ranking guru but it’s time to switch it up for this week while on vacation and give Paul the week off. Here is my week 10 power rankings!

Connecticut Sun (16-6) – BURN IT DOWN!!! The Sun are back and in a big way. This streaky team has gone on another huge winning steak.  After starting the season 9-1 and having a bad stretch they are back on top of our power ranking and holding down the number one seed for the playoffs. This team plays great D and shares the basketball so well.  They play to exploit match ups and almost any one of their starters can go off on any given night.  I have a feeling this team is going to stay as the number 1 team all year because when they are hot they are basically unbeatable.  Hopefully they can continue this into the playoffs.

Washington Mystics (15-7)– Washington has taken sole possession of the 2 seed as they knocked off the Aces in the earthquake make up game.  They have been playing amazing basketball lately and look as good if not better then last year.  The MVP race looks all but locked up as Elena Delle Donne has been going off and took down another player of the week scoring 26 and 8 and has been the reason this team is where they are.  They are my favorite to win the whole thing this year but as this year has shown anything can happen.

Las Vegas Aces (15-8) – Las Vegas is our number 3 team as they keep playing great basketball.  They are clearly one of, if not the deepest team in the league as they are able to be next one up with Dearica Hambey with A’ja Wilson going down.  They are 2-2 out of the break with one of those losses being the resumed game from the earthquake last month.  They score in bunches, they exploit any match ups they need to, and they aren’t as selfish as you would think a team with this much star power can be.  They need to fix their turnover problem as they average 14 a game so if they bring that down they will be fighting for one of the top two seeds for the whole second half of the season.

Los Angeles Sparks (13-8)– CP3 is back (Candace Parker!!!!) and in her first week back she won player of the week with the Sparks going 2-0.  She is the GOAT! Averaging 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks in her first week back.  She has looked electric and has made this team better in every way.  Last week we were saying this could be the what if season for the Sparks and Candace has quickly changed everything.  The team just looks scary as they have the depth and skill to be the best in the league. Watch out here they come!!!!!

Phoenix Mercury (11-10) – The Currently injury plagued Mercury are still playing great basketball.  They have moved up to 5th on this list and they can beat anyone on any given night. A real contender to go to the finals this year.  Brittney Griner is playing at an MVP level this season and has had two monster games coming out of the all-star break 28-26 points in both of those games.  They are 1-2 out of the break but that doesn’t mean they haven’t played good basketball and with the amount of injuries they have been battling I am happy to put them in the 5th spot.

Chicago Sky (12-9) – The Chicago Sky are the biggest surprise to me this season as they keep on BALLING! Diamond DeShields is proving why she is an Allstar night in and night out and Steph Dolson is proving she is one of the most underrated bigs in the league.  They are sitting at 6th on the power ranking but are actually in 5th place and I can see them staying up around this level all season because they play as a family.  I love this team and hope they can continue to get better. They could be a dark horse come play off time as they have the shooters to win any game.

Seattle Storm (12 –11) – The Seattle Storm magic might be wearing off a bit.  They have been able to battle through it all this season but they are currently on a 3 game losing streak coming out of the all star break with losses vs the Mystics and Sparks and have fallen to 7th on our power rankings.  They will always be a threat but as for competing for a championship this year after winning last year it doesn’t seem to be in the cards for them. 

Minnesota Lynx (10 – 11) – The Lynx are one of the teams in the playoff picture to be worried about.  They are on a 4 game losing streak and have lost 5 of 6 but all close games with the worse loss coming by 11 points to the Fever.  They’re looking to snap the streak tonight against the dream but if they lose again tonight the road doesn’t get much easier as they play the top two teams Friday (CT) and Sunday (DC).  The streak could easily get to 7 by the end of the week if they don’t win tonight. On a high note, Napheesa Collier was just named Rookie of the month. But she only averages 11 points per game tand he Rookie of the year has gone to the highest scoring rookie 12 of 15 seasons and Arike Ogunbowale is averaging 15 per game.

Indiana Fever (8– 15) – The Allstar break did wonders for the Fever.  They have come out of the break 2-0 with a 2 point win over the Dream, with a game winning shot from Allstar game MVP Erica Wheeler. Then a 20 point come back against the Lynx to win by 11.  The team is playing better basketball and could continue to fight for the final playoff spot. 

New York Liberty (8 – 13) – After sending Kia Nurse and Tina Charles to the all star gaming and getting their long list of Euro basketball players back I expected the Liberty to keep playing exciting basketball.  Since coming back from the break that has not been the case as the Liberty are 0-2 losing by 15 to the Sun and 23 to the Wings.  With Asia Durr back into the starting lineup I expect to see some more exciting basketball as she was playing great before her injury.  Hopefully we can see them get back to playing tough competitive basketball.

Dallas Wings (6-16) – Dallas out of the break have been looking like they have all season, young and inexperienced.  They have had flashes of good basketball with Arike Ogunbowale taking over as the top rookie this year and reacquired Megan Gustafson showing why she deserves to play in this league, having scored 11 points with 8 boards in back to back games. The team is 2 years younger in average age than any team in the league. The future with Diggins-Smith, Jefferson, and Stevens all coming back could be huge factors next year and AS I was writing this Dallas traded Theresa Plaisance for Kristine Anigwe good move for both sides.

Atlanta Dream (5 – 17) – Atlanta’s abysmal season continues. It’s getting bad at this point as they are on a 7 game losing streak after winning 3 outta 4 before that. After coming one game shy of the WNBA finals last year it’s sad to see where this team is at. The Dream are missing McCoughtry bad and there hasn’t been many updates lately on her return.  It’s looking more like she might take this whole season to rehab with the team as far back as they are.

2019 WNBA Week 10: All Star Review and Playoff Preview

The King Sized Queens run down the top 8 teams heading for the playoffs and look ahead at what to expect from what promises to be an exciting 2nd half.  Jon and Paul pay tribute to a fallen member of the family and take a look at some of the changes WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has begun to employ.

Queens of the Court
2019 WNBA Week 10: All Star Review and Playoff Preview
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QotC Week 9 Power Rankings

Our WNBA Power Rankings for Week 9 Monday, July 29th:

  1. Washington Mystics (12 – 6) – Team Delle Donne may have come up short in the All Star Game, but they start the second half of the season as our number 1 team.  They’ll look to get back on track against the Phoenix Mercury Tuesday night on Twitter.  Its always interesting to see who comes back from the break sharp and who needs a few games to find their rhythm.  Unfortunately there is little room for error as the Mystics chase the Aces and Sun for a coveted top two spot.
  2. Las Vegas Aces (13 – 6) – Las Vegas lived up to its reputation as sun city this past weekend hosting the all star game festivities and parties with none other than Star Liz Cambage DJing a set Friday night.  However, on the court, the Aces are challenged to adjust without A’ja Wilson who is working her way back from an ankle injury but is still confined to the boot.  They proved they can win without her with a convincing win over the Storm before the break, and Dearica Hamby looks ready to step up and fill Wilson’s shoes.
  3. Connecticut Sun (13 – 6) – One of my biggest takeaways from the all star game is that Jonquel Jones is only scratching the surface of her potential.  She had an impressive showing in the Skills Challenge followed up by a solid all star game where she displayed her silky shot from long distance.  If she’s mentally prepared for superstardom, the makeup of this Sun team could shift from a well-balanced 5 woman attack to the Jonquel show who above average support. Oh and Shekinna Stricklen won the 3 point contest.  The Sun are ready to Burn It Down.
  4. Seattle Storm (12 – 9) – Seattle looks to build on an impressive season so far as Jewell Loyd gets back up to speed and finds her rhythm again.  Jordin Canada and Natasha Howard both look like top 5 candidates for Most Improved Player honors and Mercedes Russell has been impressive at the 5 since joining the starting lineup.  Dan Hughes must continue to find meaningful minutes for Sami Whitcomb who has been incredible in extended minutes while Jewell Loyd was out with injury.
  5. Chicago Sky (11 – 8) – The Chicago Sky were out in force for the all star festivities supporting their extremely talented backcourt trio.  Diamond DeShields emergence as an all star and dominant force is largely responsible for what many consider a surprisingly good season for the Sky, especially after losing number 4 overall pick Katie Lou Samuelson to injury early on.  The Sky are deep with next level athleticism from multiple spots on the floor, but they’re going to have their hands full come playoff time when they go up against some of the bigger teams in the league.
  6. Phoenix Mercury (10 – 8) – Speaking of bigger teams in the league…Britney Griner delighted fans with multiple throw downs in the all star game, all of which looked effortless for the perennial all star.  But mystery surrounding Diana Taurasi and her return have me concerned that the Mercury might not be able to put it together in time for a deep playoff run.  Expect the Mercury to look for meaningful help at the guard position in next year’s draft.
  7. Los Angeles Sparks (11 – 8) – 2019 might be the year of what could have been for the Sparks.  Injuries and suspensions have forced the Sparks to lean more heavily on all stars Chelsea Gray and Nneka Ogwumike who have done a phenomenal job keeping the Sparks relevant this year.  If 6’7″ rookie Kalani Brown can take the next step in her development, the Sparks could be scary good next year combining skill, size, and scoring from all spots on the floor.
  8. Minnesota Lynx (10 – 10) – Its a bit disheartening to see the Lynx fall to .500 on the season as we begin the second half.  They have a lot to be excited about for the future, but will have their hands full staving off the Liberty for the final spot in the WNBA playoffs.  Despite a complimentary trio of all stars with diverse skillsets, the Lynx are seriously missing Maya Moore’s passion, ferocity, and ability to close out close games.  Most of the Lynx’s losses have been tight games that didn’t go their way in the final minutes.
  9. New York Liberty (8 – 11) – First timer Kia Nurse dropped 15 efficient points in the all star game and 7 time all star Tina Charles mostly took a back seat to let the younger players enjoy the spotlight.  But as the Liberty look to make a push for the final playoff spot, expect Tina Charles to step up and put this team on her back as she has done time and time again.  Katie Smith may be on a short leash if she is unable to lead this talented group to the playoffs.
  10. Indiana Fever (6 – 15) – The fever were not expected to be very competitive this year, but expect newly crowned 2019 WNBA all star game MVP Erica Wheeler to take on more responsibility as her confidence grows.  The Fever might look to make some meaningful trades and shake up the team chemistry down the stretch as they continue to rebuild a winning culture.  Shout out to big T (Teaiera McCowan) who has steadily improved and acclimated to the WNBA all season long.
  11. Dallas Wings (5 – 14) – It was a quiet week for Dallas who did not send anyone to the all star game.  Rumors that Skyler Diggins Smith is nearing a return is welcome news for this group of young talent that is lacking veteran leadership.  Diggins-Smith was also announced as a new member of Team USA basketball that will participate in a new training and promotion program during the fall, winter and spring designed to grow interest in the game and prepare for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
  12. Atlanta Dream (5 – 15) – Despite not having an all star selected this year, the Dream sent Elizabeth Williams to Vegas to compete in the Skills Challenge where she showed off her skill set but ultimately came up short.  Despite having some strong individual talents, the Dream are lacking leadership and a cohesive offensive philosophy.  Will Angel McCoughtry return to lift the Dream? Will they score big in next year’s draft? Somethings gotta give.

2019 WNBA Week 8: All Star Draft Show Extravaganza

Jon and Paul react live to the WNBA All Star Draft selection show on ESPN2, an ice cream wager is placed, and Paul won’t shut up.

Queens of the Court
2019 WNBA Week 8: All Star Draft Show Extravaganza
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QotC Week 8 Power Rankings

Our WNBA Power Rankings for Week 8 Monday, July 22nd:

  1. Washington Mystics (11 – 6) – The Mystics bounced back with two wins this week as Elena Delle Donne returned to action.  In a season where some teams are displaying incredible depth, the Mystics look like two different teams depending on whether EDD is on court or not.  Still, simply because they’re the best team when she’s on the court, they hold the top spot in our rankings and assuming they stay healthy, the Mystics are my pick to win it all.
  2. Las Vegas Aces (12 – 6) – Vegas is winning, and having fun doing it, just take a look at the Instagram videos and tweets, but they just lost All Star A’ja Wilson to an ankle injury and while it’s not serious, it will keep her sidelined for the time being.  Vegas has been lucky this season with minimal injuries or missing players, but they’re about 7 players deep so anymore injuries and they may not be able to maintain their winning ways.
  3. Connecticut Sun (12 – 6) – The Sun continue to bounce back and for the time being have avoided a repeat of last season when they fell to .500 before winning again.  Still, I’m not entirely sold that they’ll keep winning and hold onto a top spot.  Every team is afforded their lulls, but the Sun seem to be extremely streaky and that can either work for or against you come playoff time.  With just a contest against the NY Liberty on the schedule before the All Star break, they’re looking strong heading into the second half.
  4. Seattle Storm (12 – 8) – The Storm are riding a 4 game winning streak which they’ll look to extend tomorrow night against the Aces on ESPN2.  I’m done writing about how surprising the Storm’s performance is this season since the season is more than halfway through and they’re still a top team.  However, this could change if Natasha Howard’s domestic violence inquiry goes against her.  The Sparks’ Riquna Williams was slapped with a 10 game suspension for domestic violence and if Natasha Howard suffers the same, it will be yet another opportunity for the Storm to show the quality of their depth.
  5. Chicago Sky (11 – 8) – The Sky have an extended break with no games until the 30th, but send their very talented three player backcourt to the All Star Game.  However, their 4 game winning streak comes at the expense of the 4 teams on the outside looking in so Sky fans shouldn’t hold their breath for a WNBA championship this year.  Their schedule gets significantly more challenging after the All Star Break so we shall see whether the Sky can keep up with the other title contenders.
  6. Minnesota Lynx (10 – 9) – Despite sitting at 10 – 9 after two tough losses this week, the Lynx boast the league’s 5th best scoring differential suggesting that they’re better than the record indicates.  This is a dangerous team with a lot of weapons and I wouldn’t want to face them in a winner takes all playoff game.  The all star break couldn’t come at a better time for this team which looks a bit fatigued, physically and mentally from a tough season with a lot of missing personnel.
  7. Phoenix Mercury (9 – 8) – Diana Taurasi returned for one game and has been riding the bench since.  Undoubtedly a precaution as the Mercury have enough weapons to get them to the playoffs at which point they become as dangerous as anyone if Taurasi is healthy.  Griner and Bonner continue to be an intimidating scoring pair with the potential to take over the game when needed and will represent the Mercury in the all star game.  Don’t sleep on this team down the stretch.
  8. Los Angeles Sparks (10 – 8) – My preseason picks to win the championship have not had the year they needed.  Between a slew of injuries to impact players, Riquna Williams suspension, questions about new coach Derek Fisher, and inconsistent play, the Sparks simply don’t look as threatening as they were expected to be this year.  They’re undoubtedly a winning team this year, but its hard to see them beating the Aces or Mystics in a playoff series.
  9. New York Liberty (8 – 10) – The Liberty need to find something extra if they’re going to get into the playoff picture.  While they are only 1.5 games out, the competition is stiff and the Liberty don’t seem to have any hidden weapons waiting to emerge.  Number 2 overall pick Asia Durr has been out with a groin strain though there has been some mystery around her absence and the team could very much use a scorer like Durr back on the floor.  Katie Smith needs to find a winning formula and fast or the Liberty will lose out on the playoffs AND the top draft pick in next year’s draft.
  10. Indiana fever (6 – 14) – Then there’s everybody else.  The Fever are riding a 5 game losing streak right now and have very little to show for yet another rebuilding season.  They send two players to the All Star game in aging star Candice Dupree and Erica Wheeler: perhaps the two all stars that have been talked about least this year.  Expect the Fever to continue the battle for 10th place with the Wings and Dream without much hope for ascension.
  11. Dallas Wings (5 – 14) – The good news is, they will likely have the Rookie of the Year this year as Ogunbowale continues to be the go-to player for the Wings.  There’s a solid core here that looks like it could be capable of winning a lot of games, but they are lacking leadership.  The hope of Skyler Diggins Smith returning early enough to make an impact is gone but the Wings would benefit from having a handful of games with her back on the court to develop some chemistry in anticipation of a stronger showing next year.
  12. Atlanta Dream (5 – 14) – The Dream could just as easily be ranked 10th as 12th, but I’ve gotta put someone last so its the Dream because I don’t see enough talent on this roster to feel hopeful about the future without some big changes.  Angel McCoughtry would be a big change, but its unclear if she’ll be back this season and at age 32, one wonders how good she’ll be when she does come back.  If I were the dream, I’d be trading some of my talent for future draft picks and young undeveloped studs.

2019 WNBA Week 7: Mystery, Intrigue, and All Stars

Jon and Paul explore mysterious injuries and player absences in the WNBA and question whether fans are getting the whole story.  Also, a closer look at the full list of All Stars after the reserves were announced earlier today.

Queens of the Court
2019 WNBA Week 7: Mystery, Intrigue, and All Stars
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QotC Week 7 Power Rankings

Our WNBA Power Rankings for Week 7 Monday, July 15th:

  1. Washington Mystics (9 – 6) – The Mystics took a couple tough losses to Phoenix and Las Vegas this week without 2 time All Star Captain Elena Delle Donne on the court.  But to be frank, I don’t care.  They’re still the best team in the WNBA when at full strength and despite the fractured nose, I expect Delle Donne to return before too long and continue leading this team to a top seed by the end of the season.  Meeseman returned form the Euros this week and looked good.  Mystics = scary.
  2. Las Vegas Aces (11 – 5) – Kudos to the Aces for sending 3 players to the All Star game as starters in Captain, A’ja Wilson and standouts Liz Cambage and Kayla McBride.  They’re win streak is up to 5 but needs an asterisk as they were down by 15 to the Mystics in Vegas when disaster struck and the conclusion had to be postponed.  Still, this uber-talented team is putting it all together and looking like the kind of superteam fans were excited about in the preseason.
  3. Connecticut Sun (11 – 6) – The Sun broke their 5 game losing streak this week and recorded two hard fought wins against the Mercury and Fever.  I am hesitantly optimistic about how they build upon these wins and hopeful that Jonquel Jones’ nod as an all star starter will give her confidence to step up and put this team on her back when necessary.  But in a year with as much parity as we’re seeing, I am not confident that they’ll hold onto a top spot for the rest of the season.
  4. Minnesota Lynx (10 – 7) – As with many others, I was expecting the Lynx to be in rebuild mode without Maya Moore, Lindsay Whalen, Seimone Augustus, or Rebekkah Brunson, but a new deadly trifecta has emerged in Odyssey Sims, Sylvia Fowles, and Napheesa Collier.  The trio looks deadly and the supporting cast looks strong.  If Maya Moore comes back in the future, the Lynx will continue to be a top-tier team to be reckoned with.
  5. Seattle Storm (10 – 8) – With Sue Bird still working her way back from injury, Jordin Canada has emerged as one of the most electric and exciting point guards in the WNBA sitting among the league leaders in assists and steals.  The Storm have to feel very optimistic about the future given the depth that has been on display this year.  Natasha Howard and Jewell Loyd earn all star starter nods, and assuming Natasha Howard avoids suspension (domestic violence allegations), the Storm should only get stronger as the season goes along.
  6. Los Angeles Sparks (9 – 7) – After watching Candace Parker go down with her second injury on the year which is being reported as an ankle injury, I have lost faith that the Sparks can make a deep run in the playoffs.  Many believe Parkers injury could be as serious as an achilles tear and I can’t help but have flashbacks to Kevin Durant’s injury in the playoffs for the Warriors which he rushed back from and immediately reinjured.  Hopefully Parker and the Sparks can avoid a similar fate.  Nneka Ogwumike gets snubbed on All Star voting but will likely join Chelsea Gray in Vegas off the bench.
  7. Chicago Sky (9 – 8) – Diamond DeShields continues to step into the limelight for a Chicago Sky team that holds their own against anyone in the league but haven’t been able to string together multiple wins.  However, players returning from injury and the euros could provide additional depth to a team that might surprise viewers come playoff time.  This won’t be their year, but I’m excited to see how this team develops over the next few years.
  8. Phoenix Mercury (7 – 8) – Taurasi returned for 16 minutes in a loss to the Sun and looked impactful but did not play two days later in the Mercury’s loss to the Lynx.  Brittney Griner secured a spot amongst the all star starters but Dewanna Bonner did not despite many believing her to be a solid candidate for MVP.  Chances are Taurasi simply needed more time to recover after making her season debut.  I expect Phoenix to hold onto a playoff spot and be dangerous in the fall.
  9. New York Liberty (7 – 10) – Sophomore guard Kia Nurse earned her first all star selection but Tina Charles did not.  The Liberty are looking almost whole again after returning 3 players from the Euros but still have work to do if they’re to find themselves in the playoff picture.  Amongst the teams on the outside looking in, they definitely have the talent and cohesion to get there but might lack the clutch late game heroics needed to record a few more W’s.
  10. Dallas Wings (5 – 11) – Rookie Arike Ogunbowale is probably your frontrunner for Rookie of the Year after a slight dropoff in production from Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier and Ogunbowale’s high usage.  Dallas looks like a gritty team that is slowly discovering their power.  Undersized after Liz Cambage was traded to Vegas, the Wings’ forwards have their work cut out for them on both ends of the floor night in and night out in containing the other teams in what has been a forward-dominated season so far.
  11. Atlanta Dream (5 – 11) – Atlanta has begun to find a winning formula in tight, pesky defense and aggressive iso-play.  I don’t love the offensive flow and shot selection, but if they can clean some of that up and set up more open looks, they’ll likely find themselves out of the basement before year’s end.  Tiffany Hayes and Renee Montgomery impress night in and night out, but would do well to be more selective when it comes to the difficulty level of the shots they take.
  12. Indiana Fever (6 – 12) – Teaira McCowan looks like she’s going to be a force to be reckoned with for years to come and has already asserted herself as one of the best rebounders and shot blockers in the league.  As the offensive game develops, she will offer the Fever a coveted option to play inside-out with a series of talented shooters surrounding her.  Kelsey Mitchell needs to improve her efficiency and shot selection, but Tiffany Mitchell (no relation) looks deadly as a 6th woman of the year candidate.

2019 WNBA Week 6: Earthquakes, Power Couples, et al

Jon and Paul discuss the hot topics in the WNBA this week including a game cancelled by Earthquake, a mysterious face injury, an all star voting update, America’s power couple, and more.

Queens of the Court
2019 WNBA Week 6: Earthquakes, Power Couples, et al
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