MVP Race Intensifies as Aces Secure No. 2 Spot in WNBA Rankings
The race for the WNBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) title has become increasingly competitive, particularly as the regular season nears its conclusion. Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx has maintained a strong position for much of the season, having recently scored an impressive 32 points upon her return from an ankle injury that sidelined her for seven games. However, A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces has surged into contention, seeking an unprecedented fourth MVP award while leading her team on an 11-game winning streak.
Both players currently rank at the top of the league in scoring, with Collier averaging 23.9 points per game and Wilson closely following with 23.2 points. In addition to her scoring prowess, Wilson also ranks second in rebounding with 10.2 rebounds per game, while Collier is tenth with 7.6 rebounds. Joining this elite group is Alyssa Thomas of the Phoenix Mercury, who has emerged as a formidable candidate with her league-leading assists average of 9.2 and a recent record of six triple-doubles in the season.
The MVP race has echoes of the 2023 season, where Wilson, Thomas, and Breanna Stewart finished in a tight contest for the award. As the regular season nears its end, with just 17 days remaining, Collier, Wilson, and Thomas have all but secured their spots on the All-WNBA First Team, intensifying their bids for the MVP title. A highly anticipated matchup on September 4 between Wilson and the Aces against Collier and the Lynx promises to be a pivotal moment in this year’s MVP race.
Current Power Rankings
1. **Minnesota Lynx (30-7)**
Previous ranking: 1
Upcoming games: vs. SEA (August 28), @ CON (August 30), vs. DAL (September 1)
The Lynx faced their first back-to-back losses last week but rebounded with a victory against the Indiana Fever. Collier’s return was impactful as she led the Lynx to a 97-84 win over the Fever.
2. **Las Vegas Aces (25-14)**
Previous ranking: 2
Upcoming games: @ ATL (August 27)
Clinching a playoff spot with a 79-74 win at Chicago, the Aces have shown remarkable form since the All-Star break, boasting a 14-3 record.
3. **Atlanta Dream (24-13)**
Previous ranking: 3
Upcoming games: vs. LV (August 27), vs. DAL (August 29), @ CON (September 1)
After a loss to the Aces, the Dream bounced back with wins against Minnesota and New York. Despite low scoring, they have managed to secure victories.
4. **Phoenix Mercury (22-14)**
Previous ranking: 5
Upcoming games: @ LA (August 26), vs. CHI (August 28), vs. NY (August 30)
The Mercury are performing well, with Thomas leading in assists and rebounding, solidifying her position as a key player.
5. **New York Liberty (23-15)**
Previous ranking: 4
Upcoming games: vs. WAS (August 28), @ PHO (August 30)
After an injury hiatus, Stewart returned with a strong performance, scoring 19 points against the Connecticut Sun, showcasing her resilience.
6. **Seattle Storm (20-18)**
Previous ranking: 10
Upcoming games: @ IND (August 26), @ MIN (August 28), vs. CHI (August 30), vs. LA (September 1)
A recent winning streak has revitalized the Storm, highlighted by Nneka Ogwumike’s standout performance against the Mystics.
7. **Golden State Valkyries (19-18)**
Previous ranking: 6
Upcoming games: vs. WAS (August 30), vs. IND (August 31)
Despite a recent losing streak, Veronica Burton’s impressive scoring has kept the team competitive.
8. **Los Angeles Sparks (17-18)**
Previous ranking: 9
Upcoming games: vs. PHO (August 26), vs. IND (August 29), vs. WASH (August 30), @ SEA (September 1)
The Sparks remain in playoff contention but need to capitalize on their home games to improve their standing.
9. **Indiana Fever (19-18)**
Previous ranking: 7
Upcoming games: vs. SEA (August 26), @ LA (August 29), @ GS (August 31)
Despite injuries to key players, Kelsey Mitchell has emerged as a leader, averaging 20.7 points per game.
10. **Washington Mystics (16-22)**
Previous ranking: 8
Upcoming games: @ NY (August 28), @ GS (August 30), @ LA (August 31)
The Mystics face a challenging schedule ahead, and their recent performances have diminished their playoff chances.
11. **Connecticut Sun (9-28)**
Previous ranking: 12
Upcoming games: @ DAL (August 27), vs. MIN (August 30), vs. ATL (September 1)
Although eliminated from playoff contention, the Sun are showing signs of improvement, securing their first back-to-back wins of the season.
12. **Chicago Sky (9-28)**
Previous ranking: 13
Upcoming games: @ PHO (August 28), @ SEA (August 30)
The Sky experienced mixed fortunes last week but welcomed the return of Angel Reese, who adds depth to the roster.
13. **Dallas Wings (9-29)**
Previous ranking: 11
Upcoming games: vs. CON (August 27), @ ATL (August 29), @ MIN (September 1)
Despite Paige Bueckers setting a WNBA rookie record with 44 points, the Wings have struggled this month, with a disappointing 1-9 record in August.
As the regular season progresses, the battles for playoff positioning and individual accolades intensify. The upcoming matches will be crucial in determining the final standings and the MVP race, making every game a must-watch for fans and analysts alike.
