For the most part, what an awesome week it was in the WNBA. Half of the games played were decided by five points or less. One game went into overtime. Unfortunately, key players missed games due to injuries and health and safety protocols. The Aces and Sun stand atop the rankings again this week. However, the Sky and Storm are applying some pressure in conference play. There is a bit of movement this week in the 2022 WNBA MVP power rankings as competition heats up across the board. Expect rankings to be fluid as MVP candidates navigate the wild ride of this WNBA season.
BRITTNEY GRINER
Today marks 117 days that Brittney Griner has been wrongfully detained in Russia. President Biden and Vice-President Harris, please bring BG home immediately. Whatever it takes, please make her safe return a priority of the utmost importance. Those that want to help, please visit wearebg.org. Additionally, contact the White House to ask for BG’s immediate return. You are the true 2022 WNBA MVP, BG!
A’JA WILSON
Did you watch the Aces vs. Sparks game on Saturday? Spoiler alert, A’ja Wilson made it known loud and clear that she is the 2022 WNBA MVP frontrunner. In 33 minutes, Wilson had 35 points, 11 rebounds, and four blocks. She shot 56.5% (13/23) from the field and 100% (8/8) from the freethrow line. WNBA world, notice has been signed, sealed, and delivered.
Even though the Aces played only one game last week, Wilson moved to eighth in scoring (17.5 PPG), remained second in rebounding (9.9 RPG), and second in blocks (2.4 BPG). If anyone plays WNBA fantasy basketball, she is second with 35.9 FPG. All that and she recorded her seventh double-double of the season. Wilson is a colossal reason the Aces are a league best 11-2 and eyeing a deep run in the playoffs. Stay tuned for more genius play from this all-everything dominant forward.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1535801318085885952
BREANNA STEWART
For the third week in a row, Breanna Stewart is a close second in the 2022 WNBA MVP contest. The Storm played three games last week and Stewie notched her first double of the season, 32 points and 11 rebounds, against the Wings on Friday. Seattle appears to have a healthy roster finally and that helps her do what she does best, just about everything on both sides of the court.
Once again, Stewie leads the league in scoring (21.7 PPG), steals (2.5 SPG), and fantasy points (40.7). She has such great court awareness and she is a very unselfish player. Watching the highlights below, the bounce pass and the transition pass are beautiful. Additionally, you have to love the defensive pressure and the steal that leads to fast break points. If Seattle can continue its winning ways against tougher competition, Stewie may gain traction as a number one MVP candidate. She was recently named the WNBA player of the week
WNBA leading scorer everybody ⬇ @breannastewart pic.twitter.com/vWmGcdEUqy
— WNBA (@WNBA) June 12, 2022
We had some pretty memorable games from these two this week 🔥
The WNBA Players of the Week are @breannastewart and @sabrina_i20 👏 pic.twitter.com/80oCtkJGv7
— WNBA (@WNBA) June 13, 2022
JEWELL LOYD
At the three spot this week, Jewell Loyd is no stranger to the 2022 WNBA MVP power rankings. Loyd is a player whose worth does not always show up on a stat sheet. Part of her game is just not quantifiable and that is what makes her such a unique player. Granted she is sixth in the WNBA in scoring (18.6 PPG) and third in fastbreak points (3.4). Her other numbers may not be jaw dropping, but Loyd is almost always in the right place at the right time. The Gold Mamba allows the game to come to her. Stewie may get all the press, but Loyd deserves to be in this season’s MVP conversation.
JACKIE YOUNG
Remaining in fourth, a nasty ankle injury kept Jackie Young out of action last week. Here is to hoping she will be back in the lineup this week. Young is fourth in the league in scoring (19.2), third in fastbreak points (3.6) and sixth in steals (1.6 SPG). Like Loyd, a lot of Young’s game is beyond measure. She brings a certain amount of energy on offense and defense and can change the game in a heartbeat. When healthy and back on the hardwood, Young’s stock will rise and solidify her candidacy as a MVP contender.
ALYSSA THOMAS
Unfortunately, Alyssa Thomas, ended her double-double streak this past week. The Sun split the two games they played and AT had a below average performance in both games. Chalk it up to an off week as she is fifth in the WNBA in rebounds (8.4 RPG), fifth in assists (5.8 APG), and eighth in steals (1.6 SPG). AT may be a long shot to win the 2022 WNBA MVP award. She may be waiting for DeWanna Bonner and/or Jonquel Jones to heat up to MVP status. Whatever the case may be, AT is the motor that keeps the Sun winning games. She is a prime example of doing whatever it takes to help her team on every level.
AND ONE
There comes a time when fantastical dreams do not come true in a timely manner. Since the beginning of the season Sylvia Fowles has been in the 2022 WNBA MVP power rankings. Sadly, she drops from the list this week. Mainly it is due to the right knee injury that has her sidelined indefinitely. Also, the dream of the Lynx producing a winning season and making the playoffs has evaporated as the losses keep piling up. Here is to a swift recovery for Fowles and an enjoyable ending to a fabulous career.
Can't guard that 😏@minnesotalynx | #CantTameUs pic.twitter.com/U0NEmqu8bq
— Bally Sports North (@BallySportsNOR) June 8, 2022
Be sure to watch some or all of the 14 WNBA games this week. Get in votes for your favorite WNBA All Stars. One never knows what will happen in the WNBA from week to week and that is the beauty of the game. The one constant is MVP players having MVP games night in and night out. You do not want to miss any second of this week’s action.
