The WNBA season has seen considerable movement in the standings as some of the league’s powerhouses have faltered. The Liberty and Aces have demonstrated that they are not unbeatable, losing at home.
Dream Seize Opportunity
The Dream have capitalised on the stumbles of others to take over the top spot. Atlanta have been playing with composure in close games. Four of their five games have been decided by five points or less. The Dream are now 4–1 after defeating the Wings and Mercury last week.
Rhyne Howard played a key role in Atlanta’s narrow 82–80 victory over Phoenix. She drained six three-pointers and finished with 21 points, following a 25-point performance against the Wings earlier in the week.
Dream coach Karl Smesko said, “Rhyne has just been fantastic so far this year—always been great, but I think this is the year she is just taking it to another level.”
Lynx Exceed Expectations Despite Missing Star Player
The Lynx are proving doubters wrong, maintaining a 4–2 record without Napheesa Collier. They charged past the Tempo and Sky last week. Veteran Natasha Howard stepped up with 26 points and 14 rebounds against Chicago on Saturday, after Emma Čechová was sidelined for the season with a torn ACL.
Cheryl Reeve’s squad is exceeding expectations after a mass exodus of talent in free agency and injury woes to start the season.
Fever Find Form
Aliyah Boston returned to the Fever’s starting lineup after missing a game due to a lower leg injury. Boston led the Fever in back-to-back wins, notching 24 points and eight rebounds against the Fire before logging 20 points and 16 rebounds vs. the Valkyries. Indiana may have endured some off-court controversy surrounding Caitlin Clark’s late scratch against Portland due to back soreness, but it didn’t spill over onto the court.
Other Key Performances
- Jessica Shepard recorded the first triple-double of the 2026 WNBA season. She logged 18 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists in the Wings’ win over the Sky.
- Rookie Azzi Fudd scored 24 points against the Liberty behind six made three-pointers.
- Gabby Williams led the Valkyries in scoring in wins over the Liberty and Sun last week.
The Liberty have lost three consecutive games in Brooklyn and will look to right the ship when it hosts the Mercury on Wednesday night.