What a phenomenal 2022 WNBA season it has been so far. As the season progresses, the intensity becomes more palpable. It is no surprise that Las Vegas and Connecticut are still first and second in the league. This week the rollercoaster aptly named 2022 WNBA MVP power rankings takes some twists and turns as league play levels up. So welcome your guides, A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart, as you find a comfortable seat, tighten that harness, and brace for a fierce MVP-themed ride.
First, it has been 125 days since Brittney Griner was wrongfully detained in Russia. There is nothing copacetic about BG’s situation whatsoever. To make matters worse, the American Embassy in Russia was unstaffed on Saturday when she tried to call her wife. What are President Biden, Vice President Harris, the White House, and the State Department doing to ensure BG’s safe return? Enough is enough already. Bring BG home immediately!
Another week in the WNBA books, and Wilson is still number one in the 2022 WNBA MVP power rankings. Even though the Aces tanked against the Sky last night, Wilson put up a solid 16 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in the loss. This marked her league-leading eighth double-double of the season. Yes, she shot 40% from the field, subpar by Wilson’s standards. Nevertheless, Las Vegas still has the best record in the WNBA at 13-3.
On a positive note, Wilson led the Aces to two come-from-behind victories last week. She scored 25 points, shot 68.8% from the field, blocked four shots, and grabbed five rebounds against Dallas. Wilson scored 25 points, shot 60% from the field, blocked two shots, and snagged eight rebounds against Minnesota. She was 100% from the free-throw line in both games.
Currently, Wilson is sixth in the WNBA in scoring (18.4 PPG), second in rebounds (9.6 RPG), blocks (2.4 BPG), and fantasy points (37.1 FG). Oh, and she has earned Player of the Week three times this season and Player of the Month for May. Wilson is the best all-around player in the league and is on a mission to help her team get to the next level. Words do not do justice to the unique skill set she brings to the league. Wilson makes it all look so effortless and carefree as she solidifies her all-everything status in the WNBA.
A'ja Wilson has been LIGHTS OUT for the @LVAces 🔥 pic.twitter.com/IOG96D4l0K
This past week Breanna Stewart helped lead the Storm to a 2-1 record and a fourth-best 10-6 in the WNBA. Once more, she has a firm grasp on second place in the 2022 WNBA MVP race. Stewie averaged 22.0 PPG, 8.0 RPG, and 3.3 APG in that three-game span while shooting 48.7% from the field. Injuries continue to trouble Seattle, but through it all, she finds a way to persevere and guide her team to success.
Not surprisingly, Stewie continues to lead the league in scoring at 21.8 PPG and fantasy points at 40.1 FPG. She is second in steals at 2.1 SPG and third in most points scored this season at 305. Stewie can take over games rapidly, no matter who the opponent is. She can score from anywhere on the court against even the toughest competition. As she continues to improve her three-point shooting percentage and becomes more active on the boards, Seattle will add more wins. Stewie may just gain an edge on Wilson, and the 2022 WNBA MVP contest will intensify.
Stewie caught fire in the third! 🔥@breannastewart had 14 points, 3 assists, and 4 rebounds in the quarter!#WNBAAllStar x #TakeCover pic.twitter.com/mMKFNHP5Z8
Moving up a spot to number three is Jackie Young, whose game is beyond a stats sheet. It is best to watch her on the court to witness her true MVP stature. Young is seventh in the WNBA in scoring (18.2 PPG), fifth in three-point percentage (45.7%), and tied for eighth in steals (1.5 SPG). Last week was probably an off-week for her as she continued to strengthen her ankle. Last night, however, she had an MVP-esque performance with a team-high 23 points, five rebounds, six assists, and two steals. Moving forward, expect those types of games regularly as long as Young remains healthy.
Ah, the reigning WNBA MVP is finally getting more minutes and touches. That equals a more MVP-like season for Jonquel Jones. JJ scores 15.1 PPG (15th), pulls down 9.4 RPG (3rd), and shoots 52.6% from all over the court (9th). She can make the 2022 WNBA MVP contest a three-way intense race. This week the Sun plays twice, so look out for standout numbers from JJ as she helps her team maintain first place in the East.
Candace Parker may be a newcomer to the 2022 WNBA MVP power rankings, but she is definitely not new to MVP play. If there is any doubt about her leadership ability and her value to the Sky, please watch last night’s game against Las Vegas. Ace averages 12.7 PPG, 8.1 RPG (7th), 4.5 APG (11th), and 30.5 FPG (12th). Those are definitely above-average numbers, but her real MVP value is best viewed live. There is a slim chance that Ace raises the MVP trophy above her head this season. Still, her name and game need to be in the conversation for now.
At least for the current week, Alyssa Thomas and Jewell Loyd are featured on the watchlist. They had some inconsistent games the last few weeks, but they are bound to bounce back soon. Again, it is that wild ride called the WNBA.
Check out the 11 games left on the schedule this week, especially since there is at least one game, if not more, each day. That means plenty of action for your 2022 WNBA MVP favorites. In 2022 just about anything can happen (witness last night’s crazy Sky vs. Aces), and there is never a dull moment when these brilliant, superstar athletes take the court. You will be thrilled and amazed at what these MVPs can achieve. Happy watching.
All stats courtesy of Her Hoops Stats
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