WNBA Power Rankings: Lynx, Dream Stay Hot While Fever Catch Fire
The WNBA season has been filled with twists, turns, and some shocking results, and the latest rankings show just how much things have changed in the league. Minnesota Lynx, Atlanta Dream, and Indiana Fever are leading the charge, each making their mark in their own way—through impressive wins, key trades, and standout player performances. With Caitlin Clark’s absence continuing to influence the Fever’s rise, and Emma Meesseman’s debut making waves for the Liberty, this week’s rankings tell the story of a league that’s still wide open.
1. Minnesota Lynx
Previous Ranking: 1
The Minnesota Lynx remain at the top of the rankings after an incredible victory over the Aces, securing a massive 111-58 win. However, the game came with some concern when star forward Napheesa Collier rolled her right ankle and was forced to leave the game late in the third quarter. Despite the win, coach Cheryl Reeve faced some criticism for keeping Collier on the floor with such a dominant lead. Collier will now miss at least two weeks with an ankle sprain, potentially testing the Lynx’s depth.
Nevertheless, Minnesota’s defense and offensive execution have been impressive, with standout performances from Collier, Diamond Miller, and Kayla McBride. Their balance of offense and defense has made them formidable, and with Collier’s injury, players like Miller and McBride will need to continue stepping up to maintain their spot at the top.
2. Atlanta Dream
Previous Ranking: 2
The Atlanta Dream are on a three-game win streak, having defeated Washington, Phoenix, and Dallas. The team looks to be finding their rhythm after the All-Star break, with Naz Hillmon emerging as one of the breakout stars of the season. Hillmon’s career-high 21 points in a thrilling victory against the Wings showcased her growth as a crucial player. Her 77.8% shooting from the field and clutch performance in the closing seconds of the game helped the Dream seal an 88-85 win.
Hillmon’s development has been key for Atlanta, as she has stepped up not just as a scorer, but as a reliable contributor off the bench. With her stellar plus-minus of +6.6, Hillmon has become an important factor in the Dream’s success this year. As Atlanta heads into their upcoming matchup against the Chicago Sky, they are looking to continue their momentum and solidify their place as one of the league’s strongest teams.
3. Indiana Fever
Previous Ranking: 5
The Indiana Fever have caught fire, winning five straight games—an impressive feat considering the absence of Caitlin Clark, who is sidelined with a right groin injury. Without their star player, the Fever have leaned heavily on Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell, both of whom have stepped up in Clark’s absence. Boston has been an anchor for the team, while Mitchell has been filling the scoring gap left by Clark. Together, they’ve led the team to wins against tough opponents like the Aces, Sky, Mercury, Wings, and Storm.
One of the most interesting developments in Indiana’s run is the performance of Aari McDonald, whom the Fever re-signed in late June. McDonald has looked comfortable in coach Stephanie White’s system and is contributing both offensively and defensively. The Fever are beginning to find some consistency and could be a serious threat as the season progresses, especially if Clark returns healthy. Their rise in the rankings highlights how a deep, balanced team can succeed even when one of its top stars is out.
4. Phoenix Mercury
Previous Ranking: 4
The Phoenix Mercury have had a rough stretch, losing two of their last three games, including a defeat to the Indiana Fever. Despite this, the Mercury showed some signs of life with a strong performance from Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper, who combined for 54 points in a loss to the Fever. Thomas, in particular, stood out, finishing with 32 points and 15 rebounds, showcasing her ability to dominate in the paint.
Though Phoenix is still working on team chemistry, the talent is undoubtedly there. With new players still finding their footing and the season continuing to unfold, it’s clear that the Mercury’s potential remains high. The key for them will be maintaining consistency and figuring out how to better integrate their roster moving forward.
5. New York Liberty
Previous Ranking: 3
It was a difficult week for the New York Liberty, who dropped games to the Wings, Lynx, and Sun. However, not all of these losses were equal. The Liberty put up a valiant effort against the Lynx, despite missing their star player Breanna Stewart, who was sidelined with a bone bruise. Stewart’s absence has certainly impacted the team’s performance, and the Liberty will need her back in full form to regain their early-season momentum.
The Liberty’s struggles in Stewart’s absence underscore her importance to the team. When healthy, Stewart is a key driver of New York’s success, both offensively and defensively. With the playoffs looming, the Liberty will need to regroup and hope that Stewart’s return can help them regain their spot among the league’s elite.
What’s Next?
As the season continues to unfold, the battle for supremacy in the WNBA is heating up. The Minnesota Lynx remain dominant, but the Atlanta Dream and Indiana Fever are making serious moves, showcasing deep talent and resilience. Phoenix Mercury and New York Liberty are still formidable, though their struggles in recent games show that the competition is stiff.
The WNBA is a league full of surprises, with breakout performances, exciting trades, and unexpected upsets. As teams continue to jockey for playoff positions, each game becomes more crucial, and with the stakes higher than ever, there’s no telling who will come out on top when the dust settles.
