The New York Liberty have emerged as the top team in the WNBA standings, winning nine of their last 10 games. Their strong performance post-Olympics has given them a three-game lead over Connecticut in the race for the No. 1 seed.
The team's success has been attributed to the chemistry and accountability among the players. All-Star Breanna Stewart highlighted the importance of trust and open communication within the team, leading to improved on-court performance.
With key players like Stewart, Jonquel Jones, and Courtney Vandersloot, the Liberty are aiming to build on last season's success, where they reached the WNBA Finals but fell short against the Las Vegas Aces.
Off-court bonding activities, such as team dinners, have further strengthened the team's camaraderie, contributing to their positive mindset and resilience during tough moments.
AP WNBA Power Poll
In the latest AP WNBA power poll, New York maintains its top position, followed by Minnesota, Connecticut, and Las Vegas. Other teams in the top rankings include Seattle, Indiana, and Phoenix, with Chicago and Atlanta rounding out the top nine.
Rookie Impact and Player Performances
Rookie Angel Reese has been making waves with impressive performances, including three consecutive games with at least 20 rebounds. She has also tied the WNBA record for most double-doubles by a rookie, matching Tina Charles' mark from 2010.
Player of the Week honors went to Napheesa Collier of Minnesota, who averaged 27 points, 10 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in three games. A notable game to watch is the upcoming matchup between Indiana and Chicago, featuring standout rookies Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.
Strong Ratings and Viewer Engagement
The WNBA continues to attract strong viewership, with A'ja Wilson's game-winning shot for the Las Vegas Aces against the Chicago Sky becoming the third most-viewed WNBA contest ever, drawing 1.22 million viewers. The league has seen a record number of games averaging over a million viewers this season, indicating growing interest and engagement.
As the season progresses, teams are gearing up for intense competition and playoff positioning, setting the stage for thrilling matchups and standout performances in the WNBA.
