WNBA Mid-Season Break
- By Shorty
- Jul 25, 2016
- 5 min read
With the WNBA taking a month long break due to the Olympic games, now would be a great time for me to give my assessment on all 12 team's performance during the first half of the 2016 season. Ranking each team based on record:
Los Angeles Sparks: 21-3 (1st Overall)
The Los Angeles Sparks have gotten off to one of their best starts in recent history with a franchise best 11-0. After suffering their first loss to the Lynx, LA went on a nine game winning streak before seeing it snapped by the Atlanta Dream, then hit with another loss to the Indiana Fever. LA redeemed themselves with a dominant win over the Washington Mystics and became the first team to clinch a playoff berth.
The Sparks are having such an incredible season matching the Houston Comets record best 20-1. Lead by MVP candidate Nneka Ogwumike's 19 points and 9 rebounds while shooting an astounding 71% from the the field. However, there are areas of improvement they can work on during the break. Rebounding (avg 31 - ranked 10th) and FTs (77% - ranked 8th) are the two categories they will need to improve on if they're serious about winning a WNBA title.
Minnesota Lynx: 21-4 (2nd Overall)
The Minnesota Lynx began the season well prepare to defend their title, breaking a league record for best start at 13-0. When they were handed their first loss by Los Angeles, Minnesota found themselves on a three game skid losing to the Washington Mystics and the New York Liberty. They would go on to bounce back in their next two games before losing a close one in OT to the Connecticut Sun. After the loss, the Lynx went on a 6 game win streak before heading into the break.
The main concern for the Lynx is the fatigue factor. Four out of their five starters are on Team USA and will play in the Olympics in Rio. How much of it will be an impact on how well they can perform during the second half of the season? only time will tell.
New York Liberty: 18-8 (3rd Overall)
For the Liberty, the first half were filled with highs and lows, but through all of it Tina Charles is having her best season to date, leading the league in scoring and rebounds. Ranked 2nd in WNBA.com Race to MVP with a stat-line of 21 PPG, 9 RPC, 3.8 AST, 1.0 STL. Sugar Rodgers is also have a productive season averaging 14 PPG and 3.7 RPG while shooting 43% from 3P%.
The question for the Liberty is can they get more production beyond Charles and Rodgers? other names will need to step up big for NY if they want to make a serious push into the post season.
Atlanta Dream: 13-12 (4th Overall)
The Dream were on a roll at the top of the eastern conference before suffering a 6 game losing streak. Lead by Angel McCoughtry and Tiffany Hayes, the Dream would suddenly regain form and earned their biggest win of the season taking down the Los Angeles Sparks. Sadly losing Sancho Lyttle to injury, the question for the Dream is who will step up in Lyttle's absence? I think Reshanda Gray is capable is filling her role. Gray put up 22 points and 10 rebounds in a win over the Dallas Wings to end the half.
Indiana Fever: 12-12 (5th Overall)
The Indiana Fever have been on a seesaw of inconsistency winning games here and there, but also losing them as well. Tamika Catchings continues to be a bright spot for the team, along with rising stars Tiffany Mitchell and Erica Wheeler. Indiana has won four out of their last five games including solid victories over the Los Angeles Sparks and the New York Liberty. The question is, can they find enough consistency to slip into the playoffs?
I'll say this, if the Fever make the playoffs, I think they will be one of the most dangerous teams in the field.
Chicago Sky: 11-13 (6th Overall)
Sadly, the Chicago Sky joined the inconsistency club going one of four in their first five games to open the season. They have also been hit with the injury bug, losing Betnijah Laney to an ACL However, reigning MVP Elena Delle Donne continues to put up solid numbers with 21 PPG and 7.2 RPG along with rookie Imani Boyette averaging 6.7 PPG and 5.7 RPG. The question for the Sky will be the same as the Fever, can they find any consistency? the Sky are in the playoff hunt, but they can't continue to let games slip away.
Phoenix Mercury: 10-14 (7th Overall)
So far the Phoenix Mercury are without question, the BIGGEST disappointment of the first half. The team who was voted by WNBA GMs to win the title have been anything less than a championship caliber team. It doesn't help that the attitude of multiple-players have been hit with numerous technical fouls, ejections, and suspension. If the Phoenix Mercury want to make a legit run to the playoffs, they will need to cut out the on-court shenanigans and improve on the defensive end.
Washington Mystics: 9-15 (8th Overall)
To say the Washington Mystics have been less than stellar this season is an understatement. So many players came into camp injured or late from overseas play, but it didn't stop the Mystics from achieving one of their biggest wins of the season in a blowout victory over the Minnesota Lynx. As of now, they are holding on to the final spot in the playoffs, but I'm not so positive they can hold on until the end of regular season play.
Seattle Storm: 9-15 (9th Overall)
The Storm were said by many to be ahead of the "rebuilding" schedule, but yet they have suffered a few bumps in the road. The Storm are lead by Sue Bird, rookie sensation Breanna Stewart, and MIP candidate Jewell Loyd. They did have a wins over some quality opponents and with Washington and their problems, it won't be surprising if Seattle can overthrow Washington for the final playoff spot.
Dallas Wings: 9-16 (10th Overall)
With a new name, logo, and arena, the Dallas Wings were in hopes of getting off to a good start even with Skylar Diggins still recovering from injury. Getting Glory Johnson back from suspension was suppose to get the Wings on track, but already this season the team have went on two-six game losing streaks. Now outside of the playoff picture, the Wings will have to produce some big wins if they hope to slide back into the post season frame.
Connecticut Sun: 8-16 (11th Overall)
The Connecticut Sun got off to a rocky start while trying to figure out what was expected of them in their new system. Quickly figuring out she wasn't a right fit, Kelsey Bone decided to take her talents to Phoenix, leaving Chiney Ogwumike to slide into her natural position at center. With wins over Minnesota, Dallas, and Chicago, however, it won't be enough for Connecticut to make the playoffs. It doesn't help that they gave their 1st round draft pick to Los Angeles in the Jones/Gray trade.
San Antonio Stars: 5-18 (12th Overall)
Sitting at the bottom of the standings, the San Antonio Stars had to maneuver without Danielle Robinson, then were hit with another loss as Kayla McBride suffered a season-ending foot injury. At this point, the Stars should continue to focus on developing the young core and playing spoiler to teams that are looking to make the playoffs or upgrade their seeding.
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