WNBA Power Rankings: Collier in MVP form, Clark's injury tests Fever

WNBA Power Rankings are selected by a panel of theScore's basketball editors.

In this edition, we assess the opening two weeks of the season on the heels of a busy offseason jam-packed with high-profile moves.

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ATL | CHI | CON | DAL | GSV | IND | LV | LA | MIN | NY | PHX | SEA | WSH

1. New York Liberty (4-0)

The defending champs have picked up right where they left off after winning the franchise's first title last year - and that's despite losing All-Defensive wing Betnijah Laney-Hamilton for the season back in March. Her de facto replacement, Natasha Cloud, has filled in perfectly, dropping 15.3 points per game and a team-high 8.3 dimes to help New York start the year 4-0.

2. Minnesota Lynx (5-0)

Reigning Defensive Player of the Year Napheesa Collier is the early favorite to win MVP, and for good reason. The four-time All-Star is leading the league in scoring at 26.8 PPG, 6.4 points above her 2024 season average. She's the focal point for a juggernaut Lynx side looking to top last season's franchise-record 30-win haul.

3. Seattle Storm (3-2)

Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins are proving age is just a number. Ogwumike is an offensive force with her inside-out play, while Diggins remains among the WNBA's top playmakers. The Storm's defense is still elite with Gabby Williams' versatility and Ezi Magbegor's rim protection. Seattle could become even tougher to score against if Dominique Malonga joins the rotation.

4. Phoenix Mercury (4-1)

Phoenix has to be ecstatic with its record, considering that Kahleah Copper has yet to suit up this season. New additions Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas have carried the offensive load in the 2021 Finals MVP's absence. The Mercury's ability to force turnovers has been another significant factor in their early start.

5. Indiana Fever (2-2)

All eyes will be on the Fever as they try to adjust during Caitlin Clark's injury absence. During its first four games, Indiana's offensive rating cratered by 25.3 points when she was off the floor. However, unlike last year's roster, this squad boasts multiple experienced vets who can take over in the interim, including DeWanna Bonner, though she hasn't looked comfortable yet in Indiana.

6. Atlanta Dream (4-2)

Adding Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones to their frontcourt this offseason has transformed the Dream. Atlanta is averaging a league-best 41 rebounds per game this year - up from 36.1 last season - with Griner and Jones combining for 19.4 of those. However, its only wins so far have come against the Wings and Sun, who were both 0-4 heading into their matchup Tuesday.

7. Golden State Valkyries (2-2)

The Valkyries have stormed out of the gates with wins over the Mystics and Sparks despite some worrying displays from the perimeter; Natalie Nakase's team is shooting a league-worst 27.3% from deep. Expect the Valkyries to regress after Tuesday's loss in New York, as another clash with the Liberty and a visit from the behemoth Lynx await.

8. Las Vegas Aces (2-2)

Las Vegas is still trying to work in all of its new faces. Jewell Loyd's shooting struggles from last season have carried over into the early part of the 2025 campaign. Aces head coach Becky Hammon is tinkering with her second unit after losing key reserves Tiffany Hayes and Alysha Clark over the offseason.

9. Washington Mystics (2-3)

Washington's record would be much different if it held onto fourth-quarter leads in two of its three losses. Brittney Sykes is averaging a career-high 22.3 points, Kiki Iriafen has been a double-double machine, and Sonia Citron is shooting a sizzling 47.6% from deep. Iriafen and Citron look poised to challenge Paige Bueckers for Rookie of the Year honors.

10. Los Angeles Sparks (2-3)

Kelsey Plum has provided the spark Los Angeles was seeking when it acquired her in the offseason. The three-time All-Star is among the league leaders in scoring, 3-point field goals, assists, and steals. Her efficiency from beyond the arc has made her a natural fit in the 3-point-heavy system of new Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts.

11. Dallas Wings (1-4)

There's no denying the talent of Paige Bueckers, but the UConn product leading the Wings in every statistical category after just one win in their first five outings indicates that it may take time for Dallas to find balance around the No. 1 pick. That will come eventually, but expect more growing pains until then.

12. Chicago Sky (0-4)

The Sky's schedule hasn't done them any favors, but they haven't helped their own cause either. Chicago lost its opening two contests to the Fever and Liberty by a combined 60 points, the worst point differential through two games in WNBA history. With substantial roster turnover and a first-time head coach in Tyler Marsh, the Sky have to hope unfamiliarity is a primary cause of their struggles.

13. Connecticut Sun (0-5)

The Sun's gloomy start is hardly a shock following a full-scale roster overhaul. A dearth of star talent has been a factor, but so, too, has the team's paltry offense; they're shooting 39% from the field and just 28% from deep on a league-low 5.6 made 3-pointers per game. It's going to be a long season in Connecticut.