What an exciting, albeit drama-filled, first half of the 2022 WNBA season. Thankfully the MVP race is thrilling, minus the drama. The Aces are number one in the league but do not look as dominant as they did earlier in the season. The Sky are second, Sun third, and Storm fourth in the standings. After the recent “divorce” between Tina Charles and Phoenix, Seattle seeks fulfillment of Charles’ quest for a WNBA title.
Although this move will have future implications, the race is firmly in A’ja Wilson’s hands for now. As witnessed every week, anything can and will happen on any given night in the WNBA. So treasure the nightly competition and sing praises of gratitude for such immense talent on display.
BRITTNEY GRINER
Yesterday, Brittney Griner’s detention was extended for another six months. Her criminal trial begins on Friday. Russia has wrongfully detained her for 131 days. Thoughts and prayers go out to her and her family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time. Please visit wearebg.org and help out any way you can. President Biden, Vice President Harris, the White House, and the State Department, please bring BG home now.
A’JA WILSON
Midway through the season, Wilson leads the MVP power rankings. The MVP trophy is hers as long as Wilson continues her phenomenal season and the Aces keep winning. Her ten double-doubles are first in the league. In addition, Wilson leads other MVP candidates in rebounds (9.9 RPG), blocks (2.4 BPG), and she is second in field goal percentage (49.8%) and scoring (18.7 PPG).
Las Vegas plays three games this week, with a critical matchup on Wednesday against the Storm. This game may foreshadow a Western Conference final series. Pay close attention to Wilson’s talents tomorrow as she rises to the challenge and helps keep the Aces atop the standings for another week.
No stoppin' 2️⃣2️⃣@_ajawilson22 // #ALLIN pic.twitter.com/bF6xL0frBN
— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) June 28, 2022
BREANNA STEWART
Last week saw Seattle split two games and remain in fourth place with a 11-7 record. Breanna Stewart had Stewie-like numbers averaging 23.5 points, eight rebounds, and six assists and was close to a double-double against Washington in an important win. Stewie leads the league in scoring (22.0 PPG) and ESPN fantasy points (40.63 FPG). She leads other MVP contenders in steals (1.9 SPG) and free-throw percentage (86.0%).
It will be an intriguing week for Stewie and the Storm as they welcome Charles. Will Charles be the key to pushing Stewie into first place in the power rankings? Does the addition of Charles translate into Seattle gaining more wins and moving up the leaderboard? Whatever the answers may be, Stewie will benefit immensely from this movie, and her individual numbers are sure to rise.
JACKIE YOUNG
Holding firm at the third spot, Jackie Young played admirably in losses to Chicago and Washington. She recovered well from her ankle injury and is first among MVP challengers in three-point percentage (44.2%). In addition, Young is second in assists (4.1 APG) and steals (1.4 SPG) and third in scoring (17.8 PPG). This is a breakout year for Young, and she has an unlimited ceiling. Expect her to continue to shine as a brilliant star on a star-studded Aces team.
CANDACE PARKER
Moving up to the fourth spot, Candace Parker recorded her third career triple-double last week and her second of the season. That is crazy cool for a two-time WNBA MVP. Her numbers do not jolt anyone, but she is doing her best to get Chicago back to the championship. Ace is scoring 13.3 points a game, and is first among MVP candidates in assists (4.8 APG). Further, she is tied for second in double-doubles (six) and third in rebounds (8.6 RPG). Ace is a long shot for MVP, but what a great first half of a season for one of the all-time great players.
"Excuse me while I kiss the sky" – Candace, probably.#skytown pic.twitter.com/3Jy0gQuING
— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) June 24, 2022
JONQUEL JONES
After a great MVP 2021 season, Jonquel Jones seeks a consistent rhythm. Last week was not indicative of JJ’s talent and worth. In spite of her low numbers she is first in field goal percentage (50.7%) compared to other MVP competitors. JJ scores 15.1 points a game, is second in rebounds (9.2 RPG) and tied for second in double-doubles (6).
Time may run out before she has a chance to legitimately challenge the frontrunners. Here is to hoping she finds her MVP mojo again and helps the Sun to a deep playoff run. For now, JJ is at the fifth spot in the 2022 WNBA MVP power rankings.
AND ONE
It is bound to be another exciting week in the WNBA. Check out the plethora of games available daily. Have fun watching all the action and immense talent represented on every team. May your favorite MVP have a fabulously productive week. Happy ballin’.
All stats courtesy of Her Hoops Stats
