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2024 WNBA Power Rankings: Week 7 – The Cream Rises to the Top

As the 2024 WNBA season enters its second half, the true contenders are starting to separate themselves from the pack. At the top of the heap, the New York Liberty (16-3) continue to cement their status as the team to beat, thanks to an unstoppable one-two punch and a deep, versatile supporting cast.

Leading the charge for the Liberty is none other than the indomitable Breanna Stewart, who has taken her game to new heights this season. Already a two-time WNBA champion and Finals MVP, Stewart is on an absolute tear, becoming the fastest player in league history to reach the 5,000-point milestone. Her scoring prowess, coupled with her tenacious defense and all-around brilliance, makes her a frontrunner for the coveted MVP award.

But Stewart isn’t carrying the load alone. The Liberty’s bench has been a revelation, with players like Sabrina Ionescu, Natasha Howard, and Betnijah Laney providing valuable contributions game after game. This depth has allowed New York to withstand opposing runs and maintain a relentless pace, wearing down even the toughest of opponents.

Hot on the Liberty’s heels are the Minnesota Lynx (14-4), fresh off their Commissioner’s Cup championship victory over the very same New York squad. The Lynx’s success can be attributed to their stifling defense, which has been nothing short of suffocating. Led by the tenacious duo of Napheesa Collier and Damiris Dantas, Minnesota has proven that they have the grit and determination to grind out wins, even against the league’s elite.

Slipping to third after a recent slump are the Connecticut Sun (14-4), who started the season on a blistering 13-1 run. Despite their impressive record, the Sun have struggled against the top teams in the league, raising questions about their ability to maintain their early-season dominance. Nevertheless, with stars like Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner leading the charge, Connecticut remains a formidable force to be reckoned with.

One team that has been surging up the rankings is the Las Vegas Aces (10-6), who find themselves in the fourth spot. Orchestrating the Aces’ offense is the “Point Gawd” herself, Chelsea Gray, whose otherworldly playmaking and distribution skills have been on full display during the team’s current four-game winning streak. With Gray at the helm and a supporting cast that includes the likes of A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum, the Aces are a legitimate threat to dethrone the Liberty.

Rounding out the top five are the Seattle Storm (12-6), playing with a sense of urgency fueled by the scorching-hot Jewell Loyd. The league’s scoring champion has been on an absolute tear, erupting for back-to-back 30-point performances last week, reminding everyone why she’s one of the most lethal offensive weapons in the WNBA.

While the top teams have solidified their positions, the middle of the pack remains a closely contested battleground. The Indiana Fever (7th), led by the dynamic duo of NaLyssa Smith and Aliyah Boston, have shown flashes of brilliance but still lack consistency. The Atlanta Dream (8th), ignited by the lightning-quick Jordin Canada, have been a tough out for opponents, while the Chicago Sky (9th), fueled by the relentless rebounding of rookie sensation Angel Reese, are hungry to reclaim their former glory.

At the bottom of the rankings, we find teams still searching for answers. The Washington Mystics (10th), despite boasting a talented roster, have been plagued by inconsistency, leaving them tantalizingly close to turning the corner without quite getting over the hump. The new-look Dallas Wings (11th) have found a spark in the veteran presence of Odyssey Sims, but their retooled lineup is still gelling. And the Los Angeles Sparks (12th), mired in a seven-game skid, are desperately seeking solutions to right the ship and climb back into contention.

As the season progresses, the battle for supremacy in the WNBA promises to intensify, with each team vying for the ultimate prize – a championship. Who will emerge victorious? Only time will tell.