by Christian Mordi / @mordi_thecomeup
The past week in the WNBA was highlighted by the re-emergence of Angel McCoughtry and the Atlanta Dream, Elena Delle Donne’s return from a foot injury and Sylvia Fowles’ second (yes, second) 20/20 outing of the season.
Let’s get to it:
1. Candace Parker, L.A. Sparks
Parker’s ability to grab a rebound and push it on the break makes her a terror to guard. Against the Indiana Fever, CP3 recorded a prototypical 18 points and 6 rebounds in a 94-72 blowout.
2. Angel McCoughtry, Atlanta Dream
Against the Minnesota Lynx, McCoughtry was a terror on the defensive side of the floor with 4 steals and 2 blocks en-route to a 88-75 victory. Angel’s dedication to playing both sides of the floor with the same intensity have played a huge role in the Dreams’ three-game winning streak, and her rise in the MVP rankings.
3. Tamika Catchings, Indiana Fever
Catchings couldn’t seem to find her groove offensively against the Storm this week, shooting 4-14 from the field in a 70-77 loss. But she found her stroke in the following contest against the San Antonio Silver Stars, shooting 5-10 and 8-8 from the line in a 80-63 victory.
4. Sylvia Fowles, Chicago Sky, center
Fowles—or as we call her on SLAM Radio, “Big Syl”—continues to show why she’s the best center in the WNBA. Against the reigning MVP Tina Charles, Fowles was unstoppable with 20 points and 21 rebounds in an 89-78 victory. She followed up that performance with 16 points and 15 rebounds in a huge comeback win over the Mystics.
5. Diana Taurasi, Phoenix Mercury, guard
Last game against Tulsa, Taurasi was in a league of her own, spoon feeding her teammates for easy baskets. She finished the game with 28 points and 10 assists.
6. Elena Delle Donne, Chicago Sky, forward
Delle Donne could be higher in the rankings, if not for her nagging injuries. The rookie has been sensational this year, posting averages of 18 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks per game. The Delaware native returned from her foot injury earlier than expected this last game against Washington, and scored 24 points en route to a Chicago win.
7. Maya Moore, Minnesota Lynx, forward
The Lynx have been a bit erratic as of late, losing to Tulsa and Atlanta, but beating the Liberty by 30. Moore lit up the Liberty for 28 points and 6-10 shooting from downtown. She continued her hot shooting in a loss against the Dream, going 4-5 from deep. This team seems to be in the midst of a mid-season funk, but if Moore keeps shooting like this, the Lynx will find their way sooner than later.
8. Liz Cambage, Tulsa Shock, center
In the past 10 games, when Cambage played more than 25 minutes, the Shock are 3-3. The 6-8 center’s size and soft touch make her a formidable presence around the rim. Fouling her isn’t a wise option also, as she shoots 76 percent from the line.
9. Cappie Pondexter, New York Liberty, guard
Pondexter struggled through a foot injury in the Liberty’s one game this week. New York currently sits a game out of the playoffs, so the ball is in their court on whether they will make the postseason or not.
10. Lindsey Whalen, Minnesota Lynx, guard
Whalen has cooled down quite a bit as of late, which may be why the Lynx have lost two of the past three contests. The clever point guard couldn’t find her touch offensively against the Dream, logging only 4 points on 2-9 shooting from the field. Her assists haven’t dropped off much, though, averaging 6.3 in the past three games.
Previously:
WNBA MVP Rankings: She’s Back
WNBA MVP Rankings: The CP3 Show
