The race for the WNBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award is heating up as the regular season approaches its conclusion. After a stellar return from injury, Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx scored 32 points in her first game back, firmly establishing her presence. Meanwhile, A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces has emerged as a formidable contender, driving her team to an impressive 11-game winning streak as she seeks an unprecedented fourth MVP title.
Collier has dominated the MVP conversation for much of the season, averaging 23.9 points per game. Wilson, closely trailing with 23.2 points per game, also excels in rebounding, currently ranked second in the league with 10.2 rebounds per game. The competition does not end there; Alyssa Thomas has made her mark too, recording her sixth triple-double of the season and leading the league with an average of 9.2 assists in her debut season with the Phoenix Mercury.
With only a few weeks remaining in the regular season, the MVP race mirrors the excitement seen in previous years, notably in 2023, when the competition was fierce among Wilson, Thomas, and Breanna Stewart. As the playoffs draw near, all three players are strong candidates for the All-WNBA First Team, with their performances likely to influence the MVP outcome.
Current Power Rankings and Upcoming Matches
1. **Minnesota Lynx** (30-7)
Previous Ranking: 1
Upcoming Matches: vs. SEA (August 28), @ CON (August 30), vs. DAL (September 1)
The Lynx faced their first back-to-back losses of the season last week against New York and Atlanta. However, they regained momentum with a victory over Indiana, showcasing Collier’s return in a strong performance.
2. **Las Vegas Aces** (25-14)
Previous Ranking: 2
Upcoming Matches: @ ATL (August 27)
The Aces secured a playoff spot with a 79-74 victory against Chicago. They have been on a remarkable run since the All-Star break, with a record of 14-3 in that time.
3. **Atlanta Dream** (24-13)
Previous Ranking: 3
Upcoming Matches: vs. LV (August 27), vs. DAL (August 29), @ CON (September 1)
Despite a recent loss to the Aces, the Dream managed to defeat Minnesota and New York. Their upcoming schedule appears favorable, providing an opportunity to solidify their playoff positioning.
4. **Phoenix Mercury** (22-14)
Previous Ranking: 5
Upcoming Matches: @ LA (August 26), vs. CHI (August 28), vs. NY (August 30)
The Mercury have gone 6-4 in August, maintaining a competitive edge despite tough losses to strong teams. Thomas’s playmaking continues to be a highlight for the franchise.
5. **New York Liberty** (23-15)
Previous Ranking: 4
Upcoming Matches: vs. WAS (August 28), @ PHO (August 30)
Breanna Stewart made a notable return from injury, scoring 19 points in a tight win against Connecticut. Her comeback adds depth to the Liberty’s playoff aspirations.
6. **Seattle Storm** (20-18)
Previous Ranking: 10
Upcoming Matches: @ IND (August 26), @ MIN (August 28), vs. CHI (August 30), vs. LA (September 1)
The Storm are surging after a recent three-win streak, bouncing back strong after a tough start to August.
7. **Golden State Valkyries** (19-18)
Previous Ranking: 6
Upcoming Matches: vs. WAS (August 30), vs. IND (August 31)
Despite recent setbacks, the Valkyries have shown resilience, particularly with guard Veronica Burton leading in scoring and assists.
8. **Los Angeles Sparks** (17-18)
Previous Ranking: 9
Upcoming Matches: vs. PHO (August 26), vs. IND (August 29), vs. WASH (August 30), @ SEA (September 1)
The Sparks remain in contention for a playoff spot. Their upcoming home games are critical for their chances of a postseason appearance.
9. **Indiana Fever** (19-18)
Previous Ranking: 7
Upcoming Matches: vs. SEA (August 26), @ LA (August 29), @ GS (August 31)
Despite facing injuries to key players, including Sydney Colson and Aari McDonald, the Fever continue to rely on Kelsey Mitchell, who averages 20.7 points per game.
10. **Washington Mystics** (16-22)
Previous Ranking: 8
Upcoming Matches: @ NY (August 28), @ GS (August 30), @ LA (August 31)
The Mystics’ recent four-game losing streak has put their playoff hopes in jeopardy. They will need to regroup quickly with a challenging upcoming schedule.
11. **Connecticut Sun** (9-28)
Previous Ranking: 12
Upcoming Matches: @ DAL (August 27), vs. MIN (August 30), vs. ATL (September 1)
The Sun are playing their best basketball of the season, managing to secure their first back-to-back wins last week, despite being eliminated from playoff contention.
12. **Chicago Sky** (9-28)
Previous Ranking: 13
Upcoming Matches: @ PHO (August 28), @ SEA (August 30)
The Sky experienced some positive moments last week, including Angel Reese‘s return, but continue to face challenges in their overall season performance.
13. **Dallas Wings** (9-29)
Previous Ranking: 11
Upcoming Matches: vs. CON (August 27), @ ATL (August 29), @ MIN (September 1)
Despite a tough record, Paige Bueckers made headlines with a WNBA rookie record of 44 points in a single game, showcasing her exceptional talent.
As the regular season enters its final stretch, the MVP race and playoff positioning remain fiercely competitive. Mark your calendars for September 4, when Wilson and the Aces host Collier and the Lynx, a matchup that promises to be pivotal in deciding the MVP and playoff fates.
