WNBA Power Rankings: A goal for each team in the second half
WNBA Power Rankings are selected by a panel of theScore's basketball editors.
In this edition, we're identifying one goal for each team for the second half of the regular season on the heels of the All-Star Weekend in Indiana.
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ATL | CHI | CON | DAL | GSV | IND | LV | LA | MIN | NY | PHX | SEA | WSH
1. Minnesota Lynx (21-4)
Previous: 1
Don't shy away from contact: Minnesota's 80.6% free-throw mark ranks third in the league, but the Lynx are tied for the fewest attempts at 16 per game. Part of it is because of their mid-range dominance (41.3% on 12.7 shots), but their 59.8% clip inside 8 feet is the best in the league despite a league-low 24.4 such attempts per game. Leveraging that seldom-used strength could open up more space for their talented long-range shooters.
2. New York Liberty (16-6)
Previous: 4
Integrate Emma Meesseman quickly: The Liberty's frontcourt is now stacked with three former Finals MVPs after Belgian big Emma Meesseman's signing. The sooner Sandy Brondello can incorporate her into the lineup, the better. The processing of her visa application will determine how quickly Meesseman can join the Liberty, who should now be viewed as title favorites.
3. Phoenix Mercury (15-7)
Previous: 2
Keep DeWanna Bonner involved: The 16-year veteran proved she still has some gas in the tank, posting 22 points and 11 boards, two assists, and one steal in her second appearance since rejoining the Mercury. Bonner's floor-spacing, defensive versatility, and experience could be pivotal in Phoenix's title push.
4. Seattle Storm (14-10)
Previous: 3
Grab some boards: The Storm are 9-6 in their last 15 and building a case as a contender despite paltry rebounding numbers. Seattle is bottom of the league in offensive boards with seven per game. They're also second-last in defensive rebounding (24.2), eclipsing only the Sun (22.8).
5. Atlanta Dream (13-10)
Previous: 5
Unleash Te-Hina Paopao: First-year head coach Karl Smesko has rightfully drawn praise for transforming the Dream's offense. However, his management of Paopao's minutes has been a bit perplexing. Atlanta ranks near the bottom of the league in bench scoring, and the rookie guard has provided some excellent 3-point shooting and solid playmaking when given extended playing time.
6. Las Vegas Aces (12-11)
Previous: 8
Get Jewell Loyd going: A'ja Wilson's strong play can only mask so many of the Aces' flaws. They've gone from the WNBA's highest-scoring team a year ago to a bottom-five offensive unit. Loyd is having her lowest-scoring season since her rookie campaign and is shooting only 37.7% from the field.
7. Indiana Fever (12-12)
Previous: 7
Keep Caitlin Clark fresh at all costs: The Fever have lodged officiating complaints, including about perceived uncalled fouls against Clark, but ultimately, they can only control what they can control. Shutting her down entirely is unnecessary, but after a persistent groin issue sidelined her for the All-Star break, Indiana can mind her second-half workload and still make the playoffs given the talent elsewhere on the roster.
8. Washington Mystics (11-12)
Previous: 9
Shoot more threes: Kiki Iriafen and Shakira Austin are enjoying great seasons in the paint for the Mystics, but they'd have more space to operate if the team wasn't bottom of the league with 16.4 3-point attempts per game - a substantial 3.6 attempts fewer than the closest team.
9. Golden State Valkyries (10-12)
Previous: 6
Hit some shots: Remove the dreadful Sun from the equation and the Valkyries would be last in the league in field-goal (40.2%) and 3-point percentage (30.7%) despite leading in 3-point attempts per game (30.5). A once-unlikely playoff push will require significantly better shooting.
10. Los Angeles Sparks (9-14)
Previous: 11
Protect the paint: The Sparks have improved offensively with Lynne Roberts in charge and Kelsey Plum running the point. Interior defense has been a weakness, though, with Los Angeles surrendering 36.8 paint points per contest, tied for the second-most in the league. Cameron Brink's impending return will help immensely, even if her minutes are initially limited.
11. Chicago Sky (7-16)
Previous: 12
Protect the rock: The Sky enter the second half leading the WNBA in turnovers (17.3), and considering they're also third from bottom in steals (6.9), they're simply not doing enough to gain an edge on opponents. All-Star forward Angel Reese is the chief culprit with a league-leading four turnovers per game, which is a lot for a non-primary ball-handler.
12. Dallas Wings (7-17)
Previous: 10
Solve the 3-point puzzle: Opponents are shooting 36.5% from deep against Dallas, the second-highest percentage allowed by any team, although the Wings only allow 23.1 long-range tries per game - sixth-best in the league but barely outside the top three. That suggests Chris Koclanes' squad can keep opposing shooters off the 3-point line but isn't putting them under enough pressure when defenders have to recover.
13. Connecticut Sun (3-19)
Previous: 13
Let the youth take over: Connecticut owns the Liberty's 2026 first-rounder, but its own pick (which will be weighed down by last year's 28-12 record) is at the mercy of Chicago's swap rights. With the playoffs out of reach, trading vets like Marina Mabrey and Tina Charles and emphasizing rising youngsters like Saniya Rivers and Olivia Nelson-Ododa is arguably the Sun's best path forward.