Ezi Magbegor headlines early breakout stars of 2024 WNBA season

As the 2024 WNBA season progresses, several players have emerged as breakout stars, captivating fans with their exceptional on-court performances. Leading this impressive group is Seattle Storm's Ezi Magbegor, who has been instrumental in her team's early success. Alongside Magbegor, Phoenix Mercury’s Kahleah Copper, Dallas Wings’ Arike Ogunbowale,  Los Angeles Sparks’ Dearica Hamby and Minnesota Lynx’s Kayla McBride have also made significant impacts early on this season, highlighting their skills and leading their teams to victory. Here's a closer look at the standout performances of these WNBA breakout stars.

Ezi Magbegor, a defensive anchor

Ezi Magbegor has been a defensive powerhouse for the Seattle Storm, leading the WNBA in blocks per game with an average of three. Her defensive prowess was on full display in a recent game against the Mercury, where she recorded nine rebounds, three blocks and two steals. Magbegor's contributions extend beyond defense; she is averaging 13.6 points and 8.6 rebounds per game, showcasing her all-around game, as reported by the Associated Press. Her commitment to the Storm was solidified with a one-year, $186,000 contract extension Tuesday, a testament to her value to the team.

Magbegor's ability to guard multiple positions and her presence in the paint have been critical for the Storm. Her teammate, Skylar Diggins-Smith, has praised her impact, saying, “Ezi makes everything so easy. She blocks a lot of my assignment shots so I’m like, ‘Thank you for having my back.’ She’s everywhere. The ultimate helper defensively.”

With her current form, Magbegor is a strong candidate for Defensive Player of the Year.

Kahleah Copper, the offensive juggernaut

Kahleah Copper has taken her game to new heights this season, currently averaging 22.5 points per game, up from 18.7 last year. Copper's shooting efficiency has been remarkable, hitting 42.8% from the field, 39.4% from beyond the arc and 80.4% from the free throw line, per Ian Levy of Fansided. Her ability to score at all three levels has been vital for the Phoenix Mercury, especially in the absence of Brittney Griner.

Copper's consecutive games with 38 and 37 points have put the league on notice. Her performance against the defending champion Las Vegas Aces was particularly impressive, solidifying her status as an MVP candidate. Copper credits her offseason work for her improvement, saying, “I took pride in being a three-level scorer, but I wanted to be more consistent,” as reported by Alexa Philippou of ESPN. Her consistency and high usage rate (33.6%) highlight her importance to the Mercury's offense.

Dallas’s dominant force in Arike Ogunbowale

Arike Ogunbowale continues to be a dominant force for the Dallas Wings, leading the league in scoring with 26.6 points per game. Despite the team's struggles with injuries, Ogunbowale has shouldered the offensive load, maintaining a usage rate of 33.1%, the highest of her career. Her ability to score in various ways and handle the pressure of being the team's primary scorer is impressive.

Ogunbowale's performance has been essential for the Wings, especially with key players like Satou Sabally and Natasha Howard sidelined. Her scoring prowess and leadership have kept the team competitive in a challenging season.

Dearica Hamby is dominating the boards

Dearica Hamby has been a revelation for the Los Angeles Sparks, averaging 22 points and a league-leading 13.7 rebounds per game. Hamby's double-doubles in two of the Sparks' first three games, including a career-high 29 points against her former team, the Aces, have been crucial for her team's success. Sparks head coach Curt Miller praised her mentality, saying, “She has a lot of goals for herself personally. Her motor has always made her special in this league, but she's playing with a determination and confidence right now.”

Hamby's ability to dominate the boards and provide consistent scoring has made her an integral part of the Sparks' lineup. Her improvement this season is a testament to her hard work and dedication.

Kayla McBride, the versatile scorer for Minnesota

Kayla McBride has started the season on fire for the Minnesota Lynx, averaging 16 points, 3.9 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.9 steals per game. McBride's shooting from beyond the arc has been exceptional, hitting 49.1% of her three-point attempts, via Zackery Rogers of Fansided. Her ability to move without the ball and create scoring opportunities has been a key factor in the Lynx's success as they are currently sitting at a 6-2 record.

McBride's versatility and scoring ability have provided a huge boost for the Lynx, who have four players averaging double digits in scoring. Her performance this season highlights her importance to the team's offense and her potential for continued success.

The 2024 season has seen several players step up and deliver outstanding performances. Ezi Magbegor, Kahleah Copper, Arike Ogunbowale, Dearica Hamby and Kayla McBride have been the WNBA breakout stars, each bringing unique strengths to their teams. As the season progresses, these players will continue to be key contributors, driving their teams' success in pursuit of a championship title and leaving a lasting impact on the league.