WNBA’s 2022 Jumpstart
Photos: ESPN, New York Liberty, Washington Mystics IG
Friday opened up the 2022 WNBA season, and all 12 teams have at least one game under their belts. And while some remain undefeated, others may have to power through growing pains as they sort out new team dynamics. Reppin’ for the Eastern Conference: Washington Mystics, Atlanta Dream, and New York Liberty all remain undefeated with solid performances. And on the West Coast, the Los Angeles Sparks and the Las Vegas Aces both start with a perfect record. Let’s jump right to it!
Eastern Conference
New York Liberty vs. the Connecticut Suns. It was a great match as Liberty faced the Suns who finished with the league’s best record last year. While Liberty mainly trailed in this game, they did not quit and ended up securing the “W” with a thrilling 81-79 final score. Impacting performances were from guard Sabrina Ionescu, and forward Natasha Howard. Ionescu scored 25 points and Howard finished with 16 points.
Atlanta Dream defeated the Dallas Wings with a 66-59 win to open the season. No. 1 pick Rhyne Howard balled out with 16pts, 4 assists, 4 blocks, and 2 steals. Her notable performance stole the show, and her team kept a strict defense making it challenging for Dallas to find the net and score. The defense held Dallas to 24.9% shooting from the court, the lowest shooting percentage Atlanta has ever held an opponent to. Starting off strong is a great start for a team that’s only won eight games last year. We’ll keep an eye on their progress and this solid defense.
Washington Mystics beat the Minnesota Lynx last night by 12pts with a 78-66 final score. Notable performances come from star forward, Elene Delle Donne who had 19pts and 53.8% shooting. On Friday, guard Natasha Cloud secured 17pts early against Indiana Fever in the first game. While starting off with a 2-0 start, it is interesting to see how the Mystics will keep this defense up as they finished with a No. 11 defense rating last year. If they keep this up, they can turn the tables - easily.
Western Conference
Los Angeles Sparks finished up last year with the WNBA’s worst offense last year and it’s safe to say they’re putting that in the past as they’ve started with a perfect 2-0 record. Key performances were from guard Jordin Canada, scoring 21 points against Chicago on Friday. The guard attacked the basket and not only matched her career-high with 21 points, but she also dished out 8 assists. On Sunday, center, Liz Cambage, and guard, Chennedy Carter worked together nicely as they had a combined 22 points in 22 minutes in the paint. The final score on Sunday was 87-77 against Indiana Fever.
Las Vegas Aces look dangerous if they keep it up at this rate. Not only is their starting lineup loaded with talent, but they’ve also scored double-figures in both games to start the season. The starting five is dishing out big numbers early, and we can barely keep up. Guard, Jackie Young, found the net with 20 points. Kelsey Plum scored 20 against Phoenix, and 18 against Storm. To make even more of an impact, the forwards A’ja Wilson and Dearica Hamby are scoring in the paint and securing rebounds. At this rate, the Aces look unstoppable.
