WNBA Power Rankings: New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx Soar
- Greg Kajewski
- 5 days ago
- 24 min read
The 2025 WNBA season is delivering intense competition and record-breaking performances. Here's what you need to know:
- New York Liberty (8–0): Dominating the league with a +20.6 point differential, the Liberty excel in offense and defense. Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones lead the charge.
- Minnesota Lynx (9–0): Perfect in the Western Conference, led by MVP candidate Napheesa Collier averaging 25.5 points and 8.9 rebounds per game.
- Atlanta Dream (5–3): Surging with Allisha Gray's standout performances and a three-point-heavy offense.
- Phoenix Mercury (6–4): Overcoming injuries with defensive grit and clutch play, led by Satou Sabally.
- Seattle Storm (5–4): Balanced veteran leadership from Skylar Diggins and Nneka Ogwumike keeps them competitive.
Quick Comparison
Team | Record | Key Player(s) | Strengths |
New York Liberty | 8–0 | Breanna Stewart, Ionescu | Best offense and defense |
Minnesota Lynx | 9–0 | Napheesa Collier | Elite defense, MVP-level play |
Atlanta Dream | 5–3 | Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard | High-scoring, three-point system |
Phoenix Mercury | 6–4 | Satou Sabally, Lexi Held | Defense, clutch performances |
Seattle Storm | 5–4 | Skylar Diggins, Ogwumike | Veteran leadership, efficiency |
Ticket sales are surging (+145%), global reach has expanded, and every game feels crucial. With the Liberty and Lynx leading the pack, this season is already shaping up to be unforgettable.
WNBA Power Rankings: Early Season Risers & Fallers
1. New York Liberty
A major highlight of their dominance is their league-best point differential of +20.6 - nearly double that of the second-place Minnesota Lynx, who sit at +8.3. The Liberty are scoring an impressive 91.1 points per game while holding opponents to just 72.1, showcasing their strength on both ends of the court.
Leading the charge is Breanna Stewart, who averages 19.1 points per game and ranks seventh in league scoring. Sabrina Ionescu has been equally impressive, contributing 17.3 points and 5.0 assists per game, while sinking 22 three-pointers so far this season. Natasha Cloud has been a standout at guard, orchestrating the offense with 6.6 assists per game and adding defensive grit with 1.9 steals. In the paint, Jonquel Jones dominates with 10.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game, while Kennedy Burke has been lethal from beyond the arc, converting an incredible 59.3% of her three-point attempts.
Their 100–52 blowout win over the Connecticut Sun was a statement game, tying the single-game record for three-pointers with 19 makes. This performance underscores why the Liberty lead the league in critical categories like field goal percentage (47.8%), three-point percentage (38.2%), offensive rating (115.0), and defensive rating (91.0). With a net rating of +24.0 and contributions across the roster, the Liberty have firmly established themselves as serious championship contenders. Up next, the Minnesota Lynx continue to push the competition with their own impressive form.
2. Minnesota Lynx
The Minnesota Lynx have proven themselves as a powerhouse in the Western Conference, boasting a flawless 9–0 record that mirrors the dominance of the New York Liberty. While they trail New York in some metrics, the Lynx still hold impressive rankings - second in offensive, defensive, and net ratings.
At the heart of their success is Napheesa Collier, who has emerged as the league's standout player. She’s averaging an incredible 25.5 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 2.3 steals per game. Her Player Efficiency Rating of 32.1 leads the league, as do her 2.4 win shares. Her stellar two-way play earned her the Western Conference Player of the Month award for May, cementing her status as a key driver of the Lynx's dominance.
The Lynx’s teamwork is another major factor, as they lead the league in assists with 23.8 per game. Courtney Williams is the engine behind this unselfish style, averaging a team-high 6.4 assists while providing steady veteran leadership. Williams has been vocal about her belief in Collier’s MVP potential, highlighting the team’s strong chemistry and relentless drive.
Kayla McBride has been a sharpshooting force, hitting an impressive 54.8% of her three-point attempts while contributing 17.0 points per game. In the paint, Alanna Smith has been a defensive anchor, averaging 2.4 blocks per game and shooting 55.6% from the field. Meanwhile, Jessica Shepard has been highly efficient, leading the team with a 58.5% field-goal percentage.
Offensively, the Lynx are putting up 84.4 points per game with shooting splits of 46.3% from the field, 37.5% from three, and 79.0% from the free-throw line. On the defensive side, they allow just 93.6 points per game, ranking second in the league. With an offensive rating of 107.0 and a net rating of +13.4, the Lynx are a force to be reckoned with, even if their +8.3 point differential falls short of New York’s dominant +20.6 margin.
Despite their perfect record, the Lynx are focused on growth and refining their game. Napheesa Collier summed up their approach, saying:
"We just want to continue to build our chemistry... I just think we need to clean up the little things... It's a new season, we're finding ourselves again, and it's really fun."
3. Atlanta Dream
The Atlanta Dream, currently holding a 5–3 record, have made an impressive leap from their 15–25 performance in 2024 to becoming a genuine contender this season.
The team’s offense now thrives under Smesko’s three-point-heavy system. They’re averaging 30.7 three-point attempts per game alongside 69.7 total shots, which has propelled them to second in the league for scoring with 85.9 points per game and an offensive rating of 106.9.
Allisha Gray has been the centerpiece of this transformation. She’s averaging 20.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, shooting an efficient 48.1% from the field and 42.9% from beyond the arc. Gray has also set a personal best, attempting 6.6 three-pointers per game. Her stellar performances, including a two-game stretch where she averaged 26.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4 assists, earned her the Eastern Conference Player of the Week title.
"I've never seen so many open threes in my life, thanks to Bri & BG!"
The contributions of Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones have been pivotal in the frontcourt. Griner is putting up 13.2 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, while Jones adds 13.0 points and 8.9 rebounds, providing balance to Atlanta’s offense.
Rhyne Howard has also been a key figure, leading the league with 10.4 three-point attempts per game. She’s adding 17.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per outing. However, her shooting percentages - 34.8% overall and 27.7% from three - suggest there’s room for refinement. Howard’s recent 33-point game, paired with Gray’s near-perfect 87.5% shooting in an 88–82 win over the Los Angeles Sparks, highlights the team’s potential. This followed a 94–87 victory against Seattle, further building momentum.
Despite their progress, consistency remains a challenge. The Dream’s four-game winning streak was recently halted by the Connecticut Sun. Their 2–3 conference record and +3.6 point differential reveal both their strides forward and the gaps they still need to address on both ends of the court.
As they continue to fine-tune their strategy, Atlanta’s attention turns to capitalizing against teams still finding their rhythm in this ever-changing season.
4. Phoenix Mercury
The Phoenix Mercury have managed a solid 6–4 record, even while dealing with injuries to key players like Kahleah Copper and Alyssa Thomas. Their ability to persevere has made them a strong contender in the Western Conference, where they currently hold the second spot. A big part of their success comes from their commitment to defense.
This defensive focus has been a cornerstone of their strategy. Phoenix leads the league with a 22% turnover rate and allows just 93.4 points per 100 possessions, ranking second overall in defensive efficiency. Head coach Nate Tibbetts captured the team’s mindset perfectly:
"I've been extremely proud of how we've competed at the defensive end. We've played with toughness and grit most of the year."
Their dominance at home has been another highlight. With a 5–1 home record - the best in franchise history - they’ve made their court a fortress. Impressively, five players on the team had no WNBA experience before joining, yet they’ve risen to the occasion.
One standout rookie is Lexi Held, who delivered a season-high 24 points against the Golden State Valkyries, fueling an 18–1 run. Her contributions go beyond scoring; she’s currently second in the league with 1.7 steals per game. Tibbetts praised her game-changing performance:
"It was a hell of a performance by Lexi. That 3 in front of our bench changed the game."
On offense, Satou Sabally has emerged as the team’s go-to player, averaging 20.5 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. Over the last two games, she’s stepped it up even further, averaging 25.0 points.
The Mercury have excelled in high-pressure moments, winning five of their six games in clutch situations. They also lead the league with eight clutch games played. Reflecting on their journey so far, Tibbetts shared:
"To be 6-4 with the number of injuries we've had coming into the year - we're missing three starters. … I'm extremely happy. I'm not satisfied, I don't think any of us are, but I do like where we're at and I think help is coming."
Other key players include Kitija Laksa, who’s shooting an impressive 43.6% from beyond the arc, and Kathryn Westbeld, averaging 1.4 blocks per game. Meanwhile, their 76.9% free throw accuracy and 8.7 steals per game show their focus on the small but critical details.
The Mercury’s depth and strong coaching have allowed them to rise above challenges. With their momentum building, they’ve proven they’re a team ready to take on whatever comes their way.
5. Seattle Storm
The Seattle Storm has started the season with a 5–4 record, placing them fourth in the Western Conference standings. While they trail the Minnesota Lynx, Phoenix Mercury, and Las Vegas Aces, the team's balanced strategy and experienced leadership have kept them competitive among the league's elite. This steady start gives the Storm a solid foundation to build on as they navigate the season.
Leading the charge for Seattle are veterans Skylar Diggins and Nneka Ogwumike [56,59]. Together, they are averaging 37.4 points per game in 2025, a noticeable improvement from their combined 31.8 points per game last season [56,59].
Diggins has been a standout performer, leading the league with 17.8 points and 6.4 assists per game. Known for her exceptional playmaking, she set a franchise record last season by assisting on 570 points. Reflecting on the team's potential this year, she expressed her confidence:
"Hell yeah I feel confident! Did you see our roster? But no, this is definitely the most talented roster I've been a part of in my 13 years, 11 on the court."
Ogwumike has been equally impactful, ranking fourth in the league in total rebounds while averaging 16.1 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. Her partnership with Diggins has created a strong leadership dynamic. She shared her thoughts on their shared experience:
"I think we can take it pretty far, especially because not only are we both here again, but we were both here for the first time last year. So, we have a very shared experience and kind of memory of what we did last year and how we want to build off of it."
The Storm's offensive efficiency has been impressive, with the team shooting 46.3% from the field and 37.6% from beyond the arc. Three players rank among the league's top 20 scorers, highlighting Seattle's depth and balance. Gabby Williams, in particular, has been on fire recently, leading the team with 18.6 points per game on an outstanding 56.2% shooting over the last five games.
Currently, the team averages 80.3 points per game. Their emphasis on ball movement and precision has been key, as Diggins explained:
"It's easy playing with good players. A lot of us are very confident in who we are as basketball players and what we can do. And so, we kind of learn how we can complement each other and use each other to get what we want."
With a combination of seasoned leadership, improved scoring depth, and efficient shooting, the Storm has positioned itself as a serious contender in the Western Conference. As the season progresses, their disciplined and team-focused approach could be the key to challenging the league's top teams.
6. Indiana Fever
The Indiana Fever, currently sitting at 4-4, have faced their share of challenges this season. Despite setbacks, the team has displayed grit and remained competitive, even without their standout rookie.
The big storyline for Indiana has been Caitlin Clark's absence. The rookie sensation has been sidelined since May 24 due to a left quad strain. Before her injury, Clark was averaging an impressive 19.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 9.3 assists per game. In her absence, the Fever managed a 2-2 record in four games, proving their ability to stay in the fight without their primary playmaker. Head coach Stephanie White has taken a cautious approach to Clark's return, prioritizing her gradual recovery and conditioning:
"We've got to work both [Clark] and Sophie [Cunningham] back into [basketball condition]... It's one thing to do some shooting drills, it's another thing to get out there on the floor, get back into movement patterns, rhythm, timing."– Stephanie White
The team has had to make quick adjustments to navigate these setbacks.
When Sophie Cunningham also went down with an ankle injury, the Fever signed Aari McDonald under an emergency hardship exception. McDonald wasted no time making an impact, averaging 9.5 points and 3.5 assists in her debut, which included a solid performance of 7 points, 5 assists, and 3 steals in 27 minutes. Her on-court intensity stood out:
"I mean, again, I'm in survival mode, so I got to be hungry, got to have that hunger, that grit... I've always had that in me, so I mean you can't take it out, but it was definitely brought out tonight."– Aari McDonald
Offensively, the Fever have been firing on all cylinders. They currently rank 3rd in the league in points per game, shooting an efficient 46.2% from the field and 35.6% from three-point range. Kelsey Mitchell has taken on a leading role, averaging 17.4 points per game, while Aliyah Boston has been a force with 15.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. Impressively, the team has maintained a plus-9.5 net rating even with Clark off the floor.
Defensively, Indiana has delivered standout performances. They opened their season with a dominant 93–58 win over the Chicago Sky on May 17, and in another matchup, they held Chicago to just 52 points, marking a historically low total. Lexie Hull has emerged as a sharpshooter, hitting an incredible 60.0% from three-point range.
Even while sidelined, Clark has taken on a leadership role, staying engaged and supporting her teammates. She’s been a vocal presence, acting as a bridge between the coaching staff and players:
"When you're out there playing and in the heat of the moment you don't always realize everything, you don't always see everything... You see things from a different perspective that maybe the coaching staff didn't see, so it's certainly different. I'm trying to be that connector between my coaches and my teammates, whether that's in the locker room at halftime, whether that's during timeouts."– Caitlin Clark
The Fever’s ability to adapt and persevere through injuries highlights their determination and depth, adding another compelling chapter to their season. With key players working their way back, Indiana remains a team to watch.
7. Las Vegas Aces
The Las Vegas Aces are finding it tough to regain their championship stride this season. Despite having four Olympians on their roster, the team sits at a 4–3 record. They currently rank 9th in net rating and 8th in both offensive and defensive efficiency.
A'ja Wilson continues to shine with MVP-level performances, averaging 22.0 points, 9.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 2.0 steals, and 2.4 blocks per game. However, her standout contributions haven't been enough to halt the team's overall struggles.
On offense, the Aces are clearly in a slump. Their offensive rating has dropped from 106.1 (2nd in the league last season) to 99.6 (8th this season). They’re also shooting a league-worst 42.2% from inside the arc and are the only team among the top eight with a negative scoring margin. A significant factor in their offensive woes is Jewell Loyd's underperformance. The veteran guard is averaging a career-low 9.4 points per game, with shooting percentages of just 29.4% from the field and a dismal 17.2% from inside the arc.
Defensively, the Aces are also slipping. Their defensive rating has worsened from 99.6 (5th in the league) to 101.6 (8th). They’re tied for the second-worst opponent three-point percentage and rank near the bottom in defensive rating during clutch moments.
Recent games highlight these challenges. In a 95–68 blowout loss to the expansion Golden State Valkyries, the Aces shot just 36% from the field and 24% from three-point range. To make matters worse, Valkyries guard Veronica Burton tallied more assists than the entire Aces team.
Coach Becky Hammon didn’t hold back when addressing the team’s effort:
"I'm not going to coach effort. It's just one thing I can't deal with. You're in charge of your effort. I guess I'm in charge of your playing time."
Off-court chemistry issues are adding to the team’s struggles. The roster underwent significant changes in the offseason, including the departure of key player Kelsey Plum. Chelsea Gray acknowledged the internal challenges:
"Right now, that's not an Aces team that we're used to seeing. And so we're trying to figure it out - in that locker room, in our meetings and in our time that we have together - how to make everybody great. And, yeah, it's uncharted territory right now."
These disruptions are reflected in their on-court performance. The Aces have suffered two 20+ point losses this season - a first under Hammon’s leadership. With a 2–3 road record and a 5th-place standing, Las Vegas has a steep climb ahead to return to championship form.
8. Washington Mystics
The Washington Mystics, currently holding a 4-6 record, are navigating a season of transition. They’re striving to balance rebuilding efforts while staying competitive - a challenge that reflects broader changes across the league. Their eighth-place ranking highlights both the promise of their young roster and the inevitable growing pains of integrating new talent.
The team’s rookie duo, Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron, has been a bright spot. Citron is putting up impressive numbers, averaging 14.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game while shooting 47.2% from the field and 40.0% from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, Iriafen has been a force in the paint, averaging a double-double with 13.9 points and 10.1 rebounds per game. Both rookies made history by becoming the first since A'ja Wilson in 2018 to score in double figures during their first eight games. Iriafen’s standout performance earned her WNBA Rookie of the Month honors for May 2025, as she averaged 14 points and 11 rebounds with a 60% true shooting percentage.
Veteran guard Jade Melbourne has been vocal about their poise:
"They're not your average rookies... They've come in and they look like they've done it before."
On the scoring front, Brittney Sykes has been leading the charge, averaging 20.6 points per game along with 4.7 assists and 1.0 steals. Her experience has been invaluable in helping the younger players adjust to the professional level. Despite these individual successes, the team has struggled to convert them into consistent wins.
The Mystics have shown flashes of brilliance, such as their 37-point blowout victory over the Connecticut Sun, where Sykes dropped 28 points and the team shot an impressive 57.1% from the field, dominating the glass with a 42-22 rebounding advantage. This victory came on the heels of an 83-77 win over Indiana on May 30, where they significantly cleaned up their ball-handling, reducing turnovers from 29 in a prior loss to Phoenix to 17.
However, consistency remains elusive, particularly against tougher opponents. Back-to-back losses to the New York Liberty - by 22 points in one game and eight in another - highlight the challenges they face in closing out games against elite teams.
Coach Sydney Johnson has praised the rookies’ mindset:
"I just appreciate how confident they are, but how coachable they are. They're just so open to wanting to get better, and they're so open to their teammates. And usually, when you give yourself that way, you get a lot back. And that's what we saw tonight."
One area of concern is their reliance on one-on-one defense, which, while effective at times, often leaves them vulnerable and contributes to recurring turnovers.
Currently sitting in 4th place in the Eastern Conference, the Mystics are focusing on building consistency. If they can harness their emerging strengths, a playoff spot remains within reach.
9. Golden State Valkyries
The Golden State Valkyries are making waves in their debut WNBA season. With a 4–5 record and a spot at 5th in the Western Conference, they’re navigating the challenges of being an expansion team while showing flashes of serious potential. Their performances against established powerhouses hint at something promising in the making.
One standout moment came on June 7, when the Valkyries made WNBA history with a 95–68 win over the Las Vegas Aces, marking the biggest victory in franchise history. This game highlights the contributions of key players who are shaping the team’s identity.
Veronica Burton has stepped up as the team’s leader on the court. She currently leads the league in steals and is averaging 12.8 points, 4.9 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game. Burton shone brightly during the Valkyries’ first-ever win - a 76–74 thriller against Washington on May 21 - where she scored a career-high 22 points, grabbed 9 rebounds, and dished out 5 assists in front of a packed Chase Center crowd.
"These are the moments you don't forget", Burton shared with reporters after the game.
Kayla Thornton has been the team’s most consistent scorer, averaging 13.0 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. She was instrumental in the blowout against the Aces, putting up 22 points and 11 rebounds.
Meanwhile, rising talent Janelle Salaün has quickly become a key piece of the puzzle. She scored a career-high 21 points in the Valkyries’ 89–81 overtime win against the Los Angeles Sparks on June 9, showcasing her scoring ability and defensive instincts.
These individual performances reflect the team’s developing identity, which is being shaped by head coach Natalie Nakase. In her first head coaching role, Nakase has stressed a "progress over results" philosophy. Her defense-first approach has kept the Valkyries competitive in games.
"We've been working really hard for this", Nakase said after their first victory.
The Valkyries are also making an impact off the court. They’ve consistently drawn over 18,000 fans to each home game at Chase Center and have sold more than 10,000 season tickets.
Although the team leans on role players rather than established stars, their big wins against top-tier teams show they can hold their own. As they continue to gel and refine their style of play, the Valkyries are laying the foundation for what could be a bright future. Their current ranking might just be the start of something bigger.
10. Los Angeles Sparks
The Los Angeles Sparks are off to a tough start in the 2025 season, holding a 3–7 record and sitting at 10th in the Western Conference. Despite moments of offensive brilliance, injuries and inconsistency have made it difficult for this talented team to find their rhythm.
Leading the charge is Kelsey Plum, who’s been a standout performer. Plum is averaging 21.6 points, 5.2 assists, and 2.0 steals per game. She currently ranks 3rd in the league for both total points and points per game. The Sparks are undefeated (2–0) in games where Plum scores 28 or more points.
"I don't give a damn about the points. I'm here to win. ... I've been on a mission since I came out the womb. ... I've always been a driven human being." - Kelsey Plum
Backing Plum is Dearica Hamby, who’s contributing 17.9 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. Meanwhile, Azura Stevens is having a career year, putting up 14.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, and shooting an impressive 51.1% from the field and 40.0% from three-point range.
Offensively, the Sparks are averaging 82.6 points per game, ranking 5th in the league. They’re shooting 43.5% from the field and 33.9% from beyond the arc. When everything clicks, the team can be a force, like in their game against Dallas, where all five starters scored in double digits, and they shot 55.6% as a team. However, their potential is often overshadowed by roster setbacks.
Injuries have dealt a heavy blow to the team. Key contributors Rae Burrell and Rickea Jackson are out, and Cameron Brink is still recovering from an ACL tear. With a limited 12-player roster, these absences have been even harder to overcome.
Adding to their woes, inconsistency has been a recurring issue. In a recent 89–75 loss to Minnesota, the Sparks endured a brutal 2-for-20 shooting stretch in the third quarter, highlighting their offensive struggles. As head coach Lynne Roberts continues to refine the team’s system, the Sparks must find ways to support Plum’s stellar play with more consistent production across the board. If they can address these issues, they might still have a shot at climbing out of the bottom half of the standings.
11. Chicago Sky
The Chicago Sky, sitting at 2-5 and ranked 11th, have faced a tough start to the season, struggling to find their footing amidst a series of setbacks that have derailed what initially seemed like a promising campaign.
Their two wins, both against the Dallas Wings on May 29 and May 31, showcased flashes of their potential. Key performances came from Marina Mabrey (21 points), Dana Evans (17 points), Kahleah Copper (29 points), and Alanna Smith (18 points). When the team clicks, they show they can compete, but sustaining that rhythm has been a challenge.
Defensively, the Sky have struggled significantly, posting a league-worst defensive rating of 113.6. Opponents are taking full advantage, shooting an alarming 45.1% from beyond the arc against their perimeter defense. Turnovers are another glaring issue, with the team averaging 19 per game, often leading to easy points for the opposition in transition.
On offense, the numbers tell a similar story of inconsistency. The Sky are shooting just 29.6% from three-point range and converting only 46.2% of their attempts within 5 feet of the basket. Angel Reese has particularly struggled, shooting just 30.9% from the field, while her partnership with frontcourt mate Kamilla Cardoso has yet to develop the needed chemistry.
The team’s challenges were compounded by the devastating loss of veteran point guard Courtney Vandersloot, who tore her ACL earlier in the season. Her absence has deeply impacted the Sky’s offensive flow and team cohesion. Reflecting on the loss, Hailey Van Lith shared:
"It's heartbreaking to watch anybody, but especially one of your teammates, especially someone who means as much as Sloot does to our team and this organization."
First-year head coach Tyler Marsh is now under pressure to guide the team through these hurdles and establish some stability. A recent 79-52 loss to the Indiana Fever - one of the lowest-scoring games in franchise history - highlighted their struggles on both ends of the floor. Developing Hailey Van Lith's role and finding ways to tighten their defense will be crucial moving forward.
With limited draft assets available, the Sky face an uphill battle to improve their chemistry and consistency. Their current struggles are a stark contrast to the league’s top teams, but their ability to adapt and grow will determine whether they can climb out of the lower rankings as the season progresses.
12. Dallas Wings
The Dallas Wings hold the league's worst record at 1-9, firmly planted at the bottom of the power rankings. Their struggles don’t come from a lack of talent but rather from an ongoing failure to connect the dots and play as a cohesive unit.
Arike Ogunbowale, who averages 16.3 points per game, has had a rollercoaster of a season. She delivered a spectacular 37-point performance against Chicago and scored 26 points against the Lynx, but she’s also had multiple games where she failed to break double digits. Adding to their woes, injuries to key players like Paige Bueckers and Tyasha Harris have disrupted team chemistry. When healthy, Bueckers has shown promise with averages of 14.7 points and 6.7 assists per game, but her absence has left glaring gaps in the lineup. While the Wings have a solid offensive foundation, defensive inconsistencies continue to drag the team down.
Coach Chris Koclanes voiced his frustrations with the team’s struggles:
"Poor, just trying to figure it out and it seems we can't get everybody on the same page. No, I'm not going to make excuses, I won't chalk it up, it hurts when you don't have a Paige and a Ty Harris…"
Defense is where the Wings face their steepest challenges. They allow 88.9 points per game, ranking second-to-last in scoring defense, and they’ve given up a league-worst 14.1 fastbreak points per game.
On the offensive side, Dallas ranks 5th in points per game and holds an offensive rating of 102.9, placing them 6th overall. They shoot 41.2% from the field and 31.9% from three-point range, respectable numbers that highlight their potential. Key contributors include DiJonai Carrington, who averages 12.6 points per game, and Maddy Siegrist, with 10.0 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. Myisha Hines-Allen adds 7.1 points and 6.0 rebounds but struggles with 2.8 turnovers per game.
Currently, the Wings are enduring their second four-game losing streak of the season. Analyst Meghan L. Hall didn’t hold back when assessing the team’s situation:
"I'm not sure Dallas has an identity right now. The inconsistency on both sides of the ball is brutal to watch. I'm also not convinced eventually having Paige Bueckers back will immediately fix it either."
With a defensive rating of 111.1, ranking 11th in the league, and an inability to contain transition scoring, the Wings face a tough road ahead. Unless they find a way to turn their offensive flashes into consistent, all-around performances, they’ll likely remain stuck at the bottom of the rankings.
13. Connecticut Sun
The Connecticut Sun find themselves at the bottom of the power rankings with a tough 2–7 record. After losing all five starters from last season’s 28–12 squad, which finished second in the Eastern Conference, the challenges this season have been immense.
Offensively, the team is struggling, averaging just 71.9 points per game. They’re shooting 40.8% from the field and only 28.9% from three-point range. Both their offensive and defensive ratings rank 13th in the league, and they hold the league’s worst point differential at –17.4. Six of their losses have come by an average of 21.7 points, including a devastating 48-point blowout against the New York Liberty. In that game, the Sun managed to shoot just 31.1% from the field and 21.4% from beyond the arc.
Head coach Rachid Meziane spoke about the team’s struggles:
"It was a little bit easy because we won against Indiana playing in a certain way, and we lost against New York this afternoon playing in certain ways... The message is to just refocus on our strength and play with our game. And even every time we play our strength, we compete. We compete with teams... But every time we lost our game, our toughness, our focus, we lost the game. So just understand that we cannot be a team who can choose to just play offense or play defense. To win games today, we have to be consistent on both sides of the court and doing 40 minutes."
The roster overhaul has been dramatic, with only 11.4% of last season’s scoring returning this year. Veteran Tina Charles acknowledged the challenges:
"I thought worse off this would happen. You have whole new players, a new coach, a new system. I knew there was going to be growing pains as a team and as coaches, but I think we've been able to have good conversations in the sense of what needs to be our approach."
Coach Meziane added:
"This is a new cycle for us and we are not a finished product so we had to understand sometimes we have some bad days. Try to fix and reduce our mistakes."
Defensively, the Sun are giving up 89.3 points per game, placing them 12th in the league. Despite the struggles, young player Jacy Sheldon remains optimistic:
"No matter what the score is, we're gonna keep playing, and we're gonna keep playing hard. So I think that was our mentality for me."
The team’s rookies, Aneesah Morrow (7th overall pick) and Saniya Rivers (8th overall pick), are still adapting to the professional level. With so much change and inexperience, Connecticut faces an uphill battle. Their spot at the bottom of the Eastern Conference highlights the scale of their rebuilding effort. However, as they work to establish a new identity, this tough season could serve as the foundation for future growth.
Conclusion
After nine games, the league is already brimming with compelling storylines, led by two undefeated teams setting the pace: the New York Liberty and the Minnesota Lynx. Both teams have emerged as clear frontrunners, though their paths to success highlight contrasting strengths that could shape the championship race.
The Liberty's explosive offense and efficient gameplay give them a noticeable edge over their competitors. This approach, rooted in historic offensive output, sets them apart as the team to beat.
"We're hungry for more. We know what we did last year and how incredible and amazing that was, but we want to be consistently better than what we were last year and consistently great in everything that we do. So, you know, 8-0 is great but when we focus one game at a time, that's that's our priority, it's winning the next game and winning the next game, and if we're still undefeated, then that's great." – Breanna Stewart
Meanwhile, the Lynx have built their dominance on a foundation of elite defense and Napheesa Collier's MVP-worthy performances. While their statistical rankings may not match New York's, 60% of general managers still predict Minnesota to win the 2025 WNBA Finals, largely due to Cheryl Reeve's reputation as the league's top head coach.
Mid-tier teams, like the Indiana Fever, continue to battle through challenges, while struggling teams look for opportunities to turn their seasons around. The Washington Mystics, for instance, have seen promising contributions from rookies Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen, who have already made a significant impact in the starting lineup.
Of course, injuries, team chemistry, and roster changes will test every team's ability to sustain their early momentum.
"Predicting season records is challenging. Factors include potential (or current) absences, potential youthful leaps or veteran regression, lineup combinations that may or may not work, on-court tweaks that could lead to more wins or an underwhelming performance." – Nekias Duncan
As the WNBA continues to grow - adding 17 million fans in 2024 to become the largest women's sports fan base in the U.S., now totaling 119 million fans - the league's competitive balance has never been stronger. While the Liberty and Lynx currently sit atop the standings, the dynamic nature of the season means every game has the potential to shake up the rankings. With unprecedented growth and fierce competition, the battle for supremacy is far from over.
FAQs
What has fueled the New York Liberty's incredible 8-0 start to the 2025 WNBA season?
The New York Liberty's blazing 8-0 start to the 2025 WNBA season is no fluke. A mix of a stacked roster, a reliable bench, and top-tier stats - especially their league-best point differential - has propelled them to the top. One game that turned heads? Their jaw-dropping 48-point blowout against the Connecticut Sun, a clear display of their offensive dominance.
While their schedule strength ranks 13th, the Liberty have left no doubt about their intentions to chase another championship. With their blend of talent and precise execution, they’ve firmly established themselves as the team everyone is chasing this season.
How has Napheesa Collier contributed to the Minnesota Lynx's undefeated start this season?
Napheesa Collier's Impact on the Minnesota Lynx's Hot Start
Napheesa Collier has been nothing short of spectacular, powering the Minnesota Lynx to an impressive 9-0 start this season - tying the fourth-longest season-opening win streak in WNBA history. Her stats speak volumes about her dominance: she’s leading the team with , , and per game. Collier’s ability to excel on both offense and defense has been a game-changer.
One of her standout moments came in a clash against the Dallas Wings, where she delivered an unforgettable performance: and . This all-around effort not only highlighted her leadership but also reinforced her as the driving force behind the Lynx's success. With Collier at the helm, the team has firmly established itself as a championship contender this season.
What obstacles are the lower-ranked WNBA teams facing in the 2025 season, and how are they working to overcome them?
The 2025 WNBA season has posed some tough challenges for lower-ranked teams like the Dallas Wings, Connecticut Sun, and Los Angeles Sparks, each grappling with their own set of hurdles.
The Dallas Wings (1-7) have struggled to hit their stride, largely due to the absence of top draft pick Paige Bueckers, who is sidelined with a concussion. Despite these obstacles, head coach Chris Koclanes remains hopeful. He’s putting a strong emphasis on boosting the team’s defensive intensity and improving rebounding efforts as they work on building better on-court chemistry.
For the Connecticut Sun (1-6), both offense and defense have been areas of concern, underscored by a tough 100-58 loss to the New York Liberty. As part of their rebuilding efforts, the Sun are focusing on improving scoring efficiency and strengthening their defensive teamwork to stay competitive in the league.
The Los Angeles Sparks (2-6) are battling injuries to key players, which has led to inconsistency and a three-game losing streak. For the Sparks to turn things around, regaining health and finding stability on the court will be crucial as they aim to climb up the standings.
