The winds of uncertainty and compelling storylines rushed through the third week of this 2022 WNBA season. Health and Safety Protocols made waves in Seattle and Connecticut. The incident with Liz Cambage and the Nigerian Olympic team surfaced again. Injuries continue to plague teams and shake up rosters as hardship contracts are signed almost on the daily. This week the 2022 WNBA MVP power rankings show movement and more clarity as players settle into the familiarity and routine of the season.
BRITTNEY GRINER
For over 102 days, Brittney Griner has been wrongfully detained in Russia. The WNBA is not the same without her in a Mercury uniform. Although it is highly unlikely that BG will play this season, she is still a number one candidate for the 2022 WNBA MVP. She was set up for a dominant 2022 season and her absence is felt throughout the league. Some ways to help include contacting the White House to request her return and signing the WNBAPA’s petition to bring BG home.
A’JA WILSON
For the second week in a row, A’ja Wilson is the favorite for the 2022 WNBA MVP. As highlighted below, Wilson secured her 100th career steal and 1,000th career rebound in last week’s game against Chicago. Through nine games, she has five double-doubles and is averaging 16.4 PPG(11th), 10.0 RPG (T-1st), and 2.3 BPG (2nd). All this while helping to lead the Aces to an 8-1 record. Wilson is playing all in and looks like she is all in to grab the second WNBA MVP of her young career.
100th Steal ✅
1,000th Rebound ✅@_ajawilson22 dropped 22 PTS with 16 REB in today's W in Chicago to become the 7th fastest player in @WNBA history to score 2,000 points and grab 1,000 rebounds.#ALLIN ♦️♠️ pic.twitter.com/vCQ2E6iUYi— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) May 29, 2022
BREANNA STEWART
Even though she missed two games due to health and safety protocols, Breanna Stewart is in midseason form as she makes her debut on the 2022 WNBA MVP power rankings list. She leads the league in scoring with 20.7 PPG and steals with 3.0 a game. Stewie has helped the Storm to a 5-3 record in spite of injuries and players missing games because of health and safety protocols. As the season progresses and Seattle has the core of its team playing on a regular basis, Stewie will make this a tight 2022 WNBA MVP race.
SYLVIA FOWLES
Moving down a spot to third, Sylvia Fowles has to be considered a saint at this point. The Lynx are having a tough season (2-7), to put it mildly. Through it all, Fowles is a positive presence. She already has five double-doubles and she is averaging 17.1 PPG (9th), 9.9 RPG (3rd), and shooting 62.7% (T-1st) from the field. Get the ball to Fowles and “Count It.” Hopefully the Lynx will find their winning ways very soon so that Fowles’ final season ends on a high note.
COUNT IT pic.twitter.com/zkPDoo3XGB
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) May 30, 2022
JACKIE YOUNG
For the second week in a row, Jackie Young has proven to be a 2022 WNBA MVP candidate. Young is 5th in the league in scoring at 18.2 PPG and 8th in steals at 1.7 a game. She does whatever is needed of her on the court and is a huge reason the Aces are 8-1. Playing with a lot of other star talent, Young has found her niche and brings her “A” game every game. At this point she has to be in the conversation for this season’s MVP.
JEWELL LOYD
There has been some movement in the 2022 WNBA MVP power rankings this week. Jewell Loyd jumps back into the conversation as a viable 2022 WNBA MVP candidate. Her team has been through tumultuous times early in the season, but Loyd continues to dazzle. She is averaging 18.4 PPG (4th) and has made 20 three pointers (5th) already. Finding a way to the rim, as witnessed below, is Loyd’s specialty. She is the rock the Storm needs to win games and solidify a playoff run.
This HUGE three by @jewellloyd is your Craftsman Plumbing Draining Buckets Play of the Game! 💦#TakeCover pic.twitter.com/u9po3RaCJi
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) May 30, 2022
WATCHLIST
There are a few players to keep an eye on throughout the season as they make a case for 2022 WNBA MVP candidacy. It may have been a bit premature to add Rhyne Howard to the list but Atlanta is 5-3 and she is a big part of their winning ways. As the season progresses, and her game grows, expect Howard to potentially jump back in the MVP mix.
Another MVP candidate, Elena Delle Donne is only limited by her lack of playing time. The Mystics are definitely a better team with her on the court. Also, watch out for Candace Parker to prove MVP ready. She is a huge key to the Sky vying for a repeat WNBA championship.
Finally, keep an eye on Alyssa Thomas and Jonquel Jones of the Sun to prove their MVP candidacy. As reigning MVP, JJ is a few games away from being at the top of the list again. AT is just an amazing talent to watch. Unfortunately, the Sun lost Jasmine Thomas for the season with an ACL tear. If this is to be a championship caliber team, JJ and AT need to play MVP ball every game.
LOOKING FORWARD
The 2022 WNBA MVP contest is still too close to call. Of course it still early in the season so that is to be expected. In the next week or two, the picture may be clearer. In the meantime, enjoy all of the talent the WNBA has to offer. The experience so far has been pretty darn fabulous.
