Because the 2026 WNBA season continues to warmth up, a number of groups have began separating themselves from the pack. Whether or not it is dominant successful streaks, MVP-caliber performances, or younger stars breaking out onto the scene, these 4 groups have turn out to be must-watch basketball over the previous month.
From the league-leading Minnesota Lynx to the surging Dallas Wings, this is a have a look at the most popular groups within the WNBA proper now.
Minnesota Lynx Proceed to Set the Customary
The Minnesota Lynx have seemed each bit just like the crew to beat within the WNBA.
Minnesota enters the month using a seven-game successful streak and has but to undergo a loss in June. Much more spectacular, the Lynx have managed their latest success with out franchise famous person Napheesa Collier, showcasing the depth and expertise all through their roster.
One of many greatest causes for the Lynx’s continued dominance has been rookie sensation Olivia Miles. The standout guard was not too long ago named Western Convention Participant of the Week after one other stellar stretch of performances, additional strengthening her rising Rookie of the Yr case.
At 9-2, Minnesota owns one of many league’s finest data whereas additionally main the WNBA in a number of main statistical classes. The Lynx common a league-best 90.3 factors per recreation and 37.7 rebounds per contest. Their offensive effectivity has been equally spectacular, main the league in area aim share at 49.9 % whereas rating second in three-point share at 37.1 %.
The scary half for the remainder of the league? Minnesota nonetheless hasn’t reached full energy.
Las Vegas Aces Are Beginning to Look Like Themselves Once more
After a gradual however questionable begin to the season, the Las Vegas Aces look like discovering their championship kind.
The Aces have gained 4 consecutive video games and are starting to resemble the powerhouse crew followers have turn out to be accustomed to seeing over the previous a number of seasons. Unsurprisingly, reigning M’VP A’ja Wilson has been on the middle of the highlight.
Wilson continues to place collectively one other MVP-worthy marketing campaign, main the league in scoring at 25.9 factors per recreation whereas additionally rating fifth in rebounding (9.6) and among the many league leaders in blocks (2.4). Earlier this month, she added one other milestone to her résumé by surpassing 6,000 profession factors throughout a 101-91 victory over the Seattle Storm.
As if that wasn’t sufficient, Wilson was additionally named Western Convention Participant of the Month in Could, marking a record-setting 14th profession Participant of the Month award.
A number of Stars, One Purpose
What makes this Aces crew significantly harmful proper now could be that a number of gamers are starting to hit their stride on the identical time.
Whereas Wilson continues to dominate, Jackie Younger’s latest resurgence has been simply as necessary to Las Vegas‘ success. After an inconsistent stretch earlier within the season, Younger has settled again into kind and has scored in double figures in every of the Aces‘ final 5 video games. Her skill to supply secondary scoring and playmaking has helped the offense regain the steadiness that made Las Vegas one of many league’s most feared groups.
On the identical time, Chennedy Carter has emerged as an important contributor off the bench. When Younger was working via her struggles, Carter stepped up in a significant means, delivering back-to-back 20 plus-point performances in Could and constantly offering an offensive spark for the second unit. Her vitality and scoring punch have given the Aces one other dependable weapon throughout their latest run.
With Younger rediscovering her rhythm, Carter thriving in her reserve function, and Wilson persevering with to place collectively one other MVP-caliber season, Las Vegas out of the blue seems to be a lot deeper and extra full than it did earlier within the yr. That mixture has performed a significant function within the Aces‘ four-game successful streak and is an enormous motive why they’re as soon as once more wanting like one of many WNBA’s prime championship contenders.
The Aces‘ crew numbers stay among the many league’s elite. Las Vegas ranks second in scoring at 90.2 factors per recreation and second in rebounding at 37.4 boards per contest. Additionally they personal the second-best area aim share within the WNBA at 48.3 % and rank third in three-point taking pictures at 35.9 %.
If Las Vegas continues to construct momentum, do not be stunned if the Aces rapidly re-enter the championship dialog.
New York Liberty Discovering Solutions By way of Adversity
The New York Liberty have needed to battle via adversity this season, however they’ve emerged from it wanting stronger.
After struggling a three-game shedding streak that concluded on Could 25, New York responded with 5 straight victories, re-establishing itself as one of many league’s prime groups.
Accidents have examined the Liberty’s depth all through the season, however a number of gamers have stepped up when referred to as upon. Veterans and function gamers alike have delivered key contributions, with Pauline Astier and Marine Johannes serving to present stability throughout essential stretches.
Main the cost, nonetheless, has been Breanna Stewart. Stewart not too long ago earned her second Japanese Convention Participant of the Week honor of the season and continues to anchor the Liberty on each ends of the ground. Stewart at present ranks fourth within the WNBA in scoring at 20.5 factors per recreation.
Whereas New York might not dominate statistically in the identical trend as Minnesota or Las Vegas, the Liberty stay one of many league’s most balanced groups. They rank fifth in area aim share (45.1) and fifth in three-point taking pictures (34.8 %), demonstrating their skill to attain effectively whereas navigating a difficult stretch of the season.
Championship-caliber groups discover methods to win via adversity, and the Liberty have finished precisely that.
Dallas Wings Rising as One of many League’s Most Harmful Groups
Few groups have skilled an even bigger turnaround than the Dallas Wings.
Following an 86-69 loss to the Atlanta Dream on Could 22, Dallas has fully flipped the script. The Wings closed Could with back-to-back wins and have since prolonged that momentum right into a four-game successful streak.
A lot of the eye understandably facilities round famous person Paige Bueckers, however Dallas‘ latest surge has been fueled by contributions all through the roster.
Rookie Azzi Fudd has began discovering her rhythm on the skilled degree, whereas veteran ahead Jessica Shepard has emerged as one of many league’s most impactful gamers. Shepard was named Western Convention Participant of the Week earlier this month and has already recorded two triple-doubles this season. She at present ranks second within the WNBA in rebounding at 11.4 boards per recreation.
Offensively, Dallas has quietly turn out to be one of many league’s best groups. The Wings rank third in scoring at 89.4 factors per recreation, fourth in area aim share at 46.1 %, and fourth in three-point taking pictures at 35.8 %.
The mixture of established veterans and rising younger stars has made Dallas probably the most thrilling groups within the league, and if this latest stretch is any indication, the Wings may be getting began.
Last Ideas
The Minnesota Lynx might at present sit atop the league, however they’re removed from the one crew constructing momentum. The Las Vegas Aces are starting to appear to be title contenders once more, the New York Liberty proceed to beat adversity, and the Dallas Wings are quickly growing into one of many WNBA’s most harmful younger groups.
Because the playoff race begins to take form, these 4 groups have given followers loads of causes to tune in. If June was any indication, the second half of the WNBA season could possibly be probably the most aggressive and entertaining in latest reminiscence.
