As the 2024 season hits its stride, the New York Liberty have emerged as the top team in the WNBA power rankings, clinching a spot in June 25th’s Commissioner’s Cup title game. The early weeks have been filled with thrilling matchups and standout performances, setting the stage for an exciting race to the playoffs. Here’s a look at the Week 4 WNBA power rankings, highlighting the top teams.
1. New York Liberty (11-2)
Last week: W at Atlanta 78-61, W at Sun 82-75, W vs. Mystics 93-88
This week: Saturday at Aces
The New York Liberty have surged to the top of the power rankings, clinching the east spot in the Commissioner's Cup title game for the second consecutive year. Their offensive efficiency is unmatched, boasting a league-leading offensive rating (OffRtg) of 106.7 and an effective field goal percentage (eFG%) of 52%. Defensively, they are no slouches either, ranking fourth with a defensive rating (DefRtg) of 94.1, via Jordan Robinson of the WNBA.
A significant factor in their success has been the stellar play of Jonquel Jones. In a crucial victory against her former team, the Connecticut Sun June 8, Jones delivered a standout performance with 22 points, eight rebounds, five assists and four blocks. Breanna Stewart has also been pivotal, consistently posting double-doubles and averaging 18.9 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. With the Liberty riding a seven-game win streak, they look well-positioned to defend their Commissioner’s Cup title.
2. Connecticut Sun (10-1)
Last week: W vs. Mystics 76-59, L vs. Liberty 75-82 T
This week: Monday vs. Fever, Wednesday at Sky, Saturday at Wings
The Connecticut Sun have been a model of consistency, starting the season 9-0 before suffering their first loss to the Liberty. They lead the WNBA with a defensive rating of 89.7 and maintain a solid net rating of 12.1, ranking third overall. Their balanced attack features six players scoring in double figures, demonstrating depth and versatility.
DiJonai Carrington has emerged as a key player, stepping into a starting role and significantly increasing her minutes and production. Head coach Stephanie White highlighted Carrington's growth, noting her natural progression and consistent performance.
“It’s time,” White said. “The natural progression is typically between year three and four when players make that jump. She’s played behind some really good players on teams here, she’s been that spark off the bench that we’ve needed, and now she’s called upon to do more and do it consistently.”
Despite the recent loss to New York, the Sun’s strong defensive foundation and veteran experience keep them firmly in the second spot.
3. Minnesota Lynx (8-3)
Last week: W at Sparks 86-62, L at Mercury 80-81, W vs. Storm 83-64
usa This week: Tuesday at Aces, Friday vs. Sparks
The Minnesota Lynx have solidified their position near the top of the rankings with a robust defense and efficient shooting. They boast the second-best defensive rating (91.2), allowing only 75 points per game. The Lynx narrowly missed out on an even better record, with two heartbreaking losses by a single point, vs. the Sun and Mercuy, respectively.
Guard Kayla McBride has been on fire, scoring 70 points and making 16 three-pointers over three games, per Michael Voepel of ESPN. Minnesota's ability to stay competitive in close games and their defensive prowess have solidified their position near the top of the rankings.
4. Phoenix Mercury (6-6)
Last week: L at Storm 62-80, W vs. Lynx 81-80, W at Wings 97-90 2OT
This week: Thursday vs. Aces, Sunday vs. Storm
The Phoenix Mercury have shown resilience, bouncing back from a slow start to achieve a .500 record. Natasha Cloud has been a standout player, controlling the offense and serving as the team’s defensive anchor. Her ability to guard multiple positions and her leadership have been vital to the Mercury’s recent success. Kahleah Copper has also been a revelation for the Mercury, averaging 24 points per game and emerging as a strong MVP candidate, as reported by Scooby Axson of USA Today. Her clutch performances have been instrumental, averaging five points in the final five minutes of games. Veteran Diana Taurasi continues to defy age, with 20 games of 20 or more points after turning 40. She turned 42 Tuesday.
The return of Brittney Griner to the lineup from an injury has also provided a significant boost. Griner’s presence in the paint and her scoring ability were on full display in their double-overtime win against Dallas Sunday, where she posted 24 points and nine rebounds. The Mercury’s balanced attack and veteran leadership make them a formidable team.
5. Seattle Storm (7-4)
Last week: W vs. Mercury 80-62, W at Aces 78-65, L at Lynx 64-83
This week: Tuesday vs. Sparks, Thursday at Wings, Sunday at Mercury
The Seattle Storm’s chemistry has improved markedly after a rocky start to the season. They have climbed the rankings with strong performances from their big three: Jewell Loyd, Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins-Smith. The team’s defensive prowess, anchored by Ezi Magbegor, has been crucial to their success.
Magbegor’s recent contract extension was well-deserved, as she continues to deliver double-doubles and dominate defensively. The Storm’s ability to secure key wins, including a significant victory over the defending champions, Las Vegas, highlights their potential as a top contender this season.
6. Atlanta Dream (5-4)
Previous Ranking: 3 Last week: L vs. Liberty 61-78, W at Sky 89-80
This week: Tuesday vs. Mystics, Thursday at Fever, Sunday vs. Sparks
The Atlanta Dream have experienced a mixed start to the season, reflected in their mid-tier ranking. Despite their offensive struggles, they have been bolstered by the excellent play of Allisha Gray, who leads the team in scoring and three-point shooting.
Tina Charles has also been instrumental, particularly with her season-high 22 points against the Sky. Atlanta's ability to draw fouls and score from the free-throw line has kept them competitive, although they still struggle with overall scoring efficiency. The Dream's solid performance keeps them in the middle of the pack.
7. Las Vegas Aces (5-4)
Last week: W at Dallas 95-81, L vs. Storm 65-78, L at Sparks 92-96
This week: Tuesday vs. Lynx, Thursday at Mercury, Saturday vs. Liberty
The Las Vegas Aces have faced adversity early in the season, dealing with injuries to key players Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young. Despite these challenges, A’ja Wilson has been a dominant force, leading the WNBA in scoring at 28.3 points per pergame, rebounding (11.8) and blocked shots (three).
8. Los Angeles Sparks (4-7)
Last week: L vs. Lynx 62-86, W vs. Wings 81-72, W vs. Aces 96-92
This week: Tuesday at Storm, Friday at Lynx, Sunday at Dream
The Los Angeles Sparks have shown signs of improvement, securing back-to-back wins against Dallas and Las Vegas. Dearica Hamby has been a standout, averaging over 20 points and 11 rebounds per game. Her dominant presence in the paint has been crucial for the Sparks.
The Sparks’ ability to secure key victories despite their early struggles speaks to their potential. As they embark on a seven-game road trip, their performance in these away games will be critical in determining their trajectory for the rest of the season.
9. Chicago Sky (4-6)
Last week: W at Mystics 79-71, L vs. Dream 80-89
This week: Wednesday vs. Sun, Friday at Mystics, Sunday at Fever
The Chicago Sky’s season has been marked by ups and downs, exacerbated by the loss of starting center Elizabeth Williams to a knee injury. However, rookies Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese have stepped up, particularly Reese, who has been a rebounding powerhouse, averaging 9.8 a game (fifth over-all in the WNBA).
Chennedy Carter's impact off the bench has also been a bright spot for Chicago, who have struggled with consistency. Carter, the team's second-leading scorer, has been effective in limited minutes. However, the Sky's defensive overall rebounding issues have been a major concern, as they rank last in defensive rebounding percentage and give up the most second-chance points in the league. Addressing these weaknesses will be key to improving their record.
10. Dallas Wings (3-7)
Last week: L vs. Aces 81-95, L at Sparks 81-72, L vs. Mercury 90-97 2OT
This week: Thursday vs. Storm, Saturday vs. Sun
The Dallas Wings have hit a rough patch, losing five consecutive games. Injuries to key players like Satou Sabally have hampered their efforts, though Arike Ogunbowale’s consistent scoring has kept them competitive. Maddy Siegrist’s emergence as a scoring threat has also been a positive development.
Despite their offensive firepower, the Wings’ defensive struggles, particularly in the paint, have been a significant issue. They need to tighten up defensively and find ways to close out games if they hope to climb back up the rankings.
11. Indiana Fever (3-10)
Last week: W at Mystics 85-83
This week: Monday at Sun, Thursday vs. Dream, Sunday vs. Chicago
Despite the hype surrounding Caitlin Clark, the Fever have struggled to translate attention into wins. Clark has had her occasional flashes of brilliance that made her such a standout in college, and is tied for second on the team with 11 blocks, but the Fever's defense has been porous, giving up 90 points per game. Still, Clark's impressive performances, including a 30-point game against Washington Sunday, have provided silver linings.
The Fever’s top-heavy schedule contributed to their struggles, but with a more balanced upcoming schedule, they have an opportunity to regroup and improve. The Fever’s ability to capitalize on home games will be crucial in determining their success moving forward.
12. Washington Mystics (0-12)
Last week: L vs. Sun 59-76, L vs. Sky 71-79, L vs. Fever 83-85, L vs. Liberty 88-93
This week: Tuesday at Dream, Friday at Sky
The Washington Mystics remain winless, but their competitive spirit is undeniable. Rookie Aaliyah Edwards has been a bright spot, showcasing her potential with standout performances, including a 23-point, 13-rebound game against Chicago. Despite their record, the Mystics have been close in many games, losing nine of their 12 games by single digits.
The Mystics’ ability to stay competitive in each game suggests that a turnaround is possible. If they can start converting close games into wins, they may finally break their losing streak and climb out of the bottom of the rankings.
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