ESPN gives Lynx and Valkyries top marks at WNBA midseason
Minnesota and Golden State earned A+ grades in ESPN’s WNBA review, with Olivia Miles and Gabby Williams picked as first-half team MVPs.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
3 min read
The Minnesota Lynx and Golden State Valkyries are sitting at the front of ESPN’s WNBA midseason classroom, both landing A+ grades as the league heads into All-Star weekend.
ESPN’s Michael Voepel, Alexa Philippou, Kendra Andrews and Kareem Copeland assessed all 15 teams before the final games ahead of Saturday’s All-Star Game in Chicago, which is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC. The regular season is set to pick back up Tuesday.
ESPN said its grades weighed results against expectations, which helps explain why the New York Liberty’s Commissioner's Cup title did not erase their 14-12 record and seventh-place standing, while expansion clubs Portland and Toronto received more credit despite being under .500.
Lynx stay top of the class
Minnesota received an A+ after reaching 21-6, the WNBA’s best record in the ESPN review. The Lynx have done it while star forward Napheesa Collier has been out injured, and ESPN pointed to their steadiness: only one set of back-to-back losses, plus winning streaks of eight and six games.
Voepel also noted that coach Cheryl Reeve became the league’s winningest coach this season and is viewed by ESPN as the Coach of the Year favorite. Veterans Kayla McBride and Courtney Williams were cited as reliable backcourt pieces, while forwards Natasha Howard and Nia Coffey have helped after arriving in free agency.
ESPN picked rookie guard Olivia Miles as Minnesota’s first-half MVP. The No. 2 draft pick is averaging 19.6 points and 6.0 assists, has scored at least 20 points 11 times and put up 32 points, eight rebounds and eight assists in a 105-102 win over Seattle on Monday.
Golden State rides defense to another A+
Golden State also earned an A+, with Andrews writing that the Valkyries have again exceeded expectations. ESPN credited their defense, listing a league-best 100.9 defensive rating and a league-low 76.4 points allowed per game.
The Valkyries had won nine straight before losing to Washington on Monday, according to ESPN. Their first-half MVP was Gabby Williams, who is headed to her first All-Star Game and leads the team with 1.7 steals per game while averaging a career-high 14.8 points.
Wings, Aces and Dream make their cases
Dallas earned an A after jumping from last year’s 10-win season to a 17-9 mark. ESPN highlighted the Wings’ six-game winning streak, their longest since moving to Dallas, and wins over New York and Las Vegas. Paige Bueckers was selected as the team MVP, averaging 20.9 points and 6.2 assists.
Las Vegas received an A-. ESPN cited the defending champions’ run to the Commissioner's Cup final, along with three losses by 30 or more points. A’ja Wilson was the clear first-half MVP pick after averaging a league-leading 25.6 points and 9.6 rebounds.
Atlanta landed a B. ESPN said the Dream hit a rough patch with a five-game skid from late June into early July, then won four of five as veteran forward Brionna Jones returned from a knee injury. Angel Reese got the MVP nod after averaging 15.4 points and 11.5 rebounds.
Indiana and Washington also received B grades. ESPN chose Kelsey Mitchell for the Fever after she averaged 23.3 points and shot 42.3% from three-point range, while Shakira Austin was named the Mystics’ MVP after career highs of 14.5 points, 9.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists.
This story draws on original reporting from ESPN.com.