Saturday’s WNBA lineup features three games that, while having no direct bearing on playoff standings, offer a prime chance for players vying for season-end awards to make compelling cases for themselves.
Let’s break down some key award hopefuls playing Saturday, and feel free to share your thoughts on the races in the comments.
Jessica Shepard, a top contender for Most Improved Player, bolstered her credentials on Thursday by recording her fifth triple-double this season—scoring 13 points, securing 11 rebounds, and dispensing 12 assists—as the Dallas Wings defeated the Los Angeles Sparks.
Paige Bueckers, who led scoring with 19 points, is still in the running for a higher accolade: a spot on the All-WNBA First Team. The competition for All-WNBA honors is fierce this year amid record-breaking performances. After making Second Team as a rookie, Paige has improved all her stats, averaging 20.4 points per game on 50.8% shooting, along with 5.8 assists and 4.1 rebounds.
In advanced metrics, Bueckers ranks impressively—ninth in Basketball Reference’s PER and seventh in ESPN Analytics’ net points and databallr’s value plus-minus.
Meanwhile, Alyssa Thomas, a perennial All-WNBA candidate but an All-Star snub this year, continues to perform at a strong level with averages of 14.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 8.4 assists per game, plus 1.4 steals. Unfortunately, the Phoenix Mercury’s underwhelming record may cost Thomas a fifth consecutive All-WNBA selection.
Angel Reese, in the running for Defensive Player of the Year, showcased her all-around game Thursday with a 30-point, 10-rebound double-double leading the Atlanta Dream past the Connecticut Sun. Reese’s performance outshone even her talented teammates who are also likely All-WNBA candidates.
Rhyne Howard set a new WNBA single-season record with her 129th three-pointer, ending Thursday with a stat line of 10 points, eight assists, six rebounds, and four steals. Her consistent all-around impact, despite some shooting off-nights, has propelled her to second place on ESPN Analytics’ MVP ladder.
Allisha Gray, also a top 10 MVP candidate per ESPN Analytics, broke her own franchise record by scoring the most points in a single season in Dream history with 774 points and counting. After a slow start, Gray’s current stats surpass last season’s: she’s scoring more (18.9 vs. 18.4 ppg), shooting more efficiently (45.8% vs. 45.1%), and drawing more fouls (5.8 vs. 5.5 attempts per game), although her three-point shooting has dipped from 38.4% to 30%.
Jordin Canada deserves mention among season-end honors, likely joining Reese and Howard on an All-Defensive team. Canada averages 1.9 steals per game—second in the league and the best mark she’s posted since her 2023 All-Defensive season with the Seattle Storm.
On the rookie front, Sydney Taylor has secured her All-Rookie selection for Chicago, although the team suffered a heavy defeat to a Washington Mystics squad that controls Chicago’s first-round draft pick—another tough night of “what could have been” for the Sky.
Seattle Storm vs. Golden State Valkyries (9 p.m. ET, Prime Video)
The Golden State Valkyries rolled to a fifth straight win Friday, holding the Portland Fire to just 66 points for the fifth consecutive game with their lockdown defense, boosting the profiles of their award candidates.
Veronica Burton, nominate for Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) alongside Gabby Williams—who the team promotes as their leading DPOY candidate—and Kiah Stokes as All-Defensive honorees, swiped six steals in 26 minutes. This raised her season average to 1.6 steals per game, matching Williams, who sat out Friday.
Janelle Salaün, who did not play due to commitments with France at FIBA, remains in strong position to nab Sixth Player of the Year—even with Kaitlyn Chen’s recent hot shooting of five threes and 17 points. Natalie Nakase may well claim back-to-back Coach of the Year honors, especially if Golden State secures the No. 1 seed.
While a sixth consecutive Valkyrie victory is anticipated, the Seattle Storm’s award contenders might stage an upset. Flau’jae Johnson’s All-Rookie status is likely secure, but Awa Fam could use a standout performance. Her season best scoring is 21 points, achieved twice, and she has three games with double-digit rebounds (up to 11).
A standout game—such as a 22-point, 12-rebound double-double leading Seattle past Golden State—could propel Fam’s All-Rookie candidacy even higher.
Fan Take:
This slate highlights the thrilling race for individual honors that underline the WNBA’s growing depth of talent and competitive balance. As players push for awards, their performances not only showcase personal excellence but also help elevate the league’s profile, signaling a bright future for the sport and its fans.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
