WNBA Weekly Wraparound: A Star Returns, Powerhouses Hold Strong, and Injuries Shake the League
As another exciting week in the WNBA wraps up, there’s no shortage of storylines worth watching—from a standout rookie’s triumphant return to a familiar court to league favorites keeping their records clean. Here’s a look at the most notable events and matchups from around the W this past week.
🔥 Three Top WNBA Highlights From the Week
Paige Bueckers Secures First Career Win
Paige Bueckers, one of the most decorated college players of her generation, is quickly finding her rhythm in the pros. Though adjusting to a team still finding its footing, the No. 1 overall pick has already etched her name into the record books—becoming the first rookie in WNBA history to record 60 points and 30 assists in her first five games.
Her breakout moment came in a special venue: Mohegan Sun Arena, where she never lost a game in college at UConn. This time, she kept that streak alive—though now as a pro—leading the Dallas Wings to their first win of the season. The Wings left Connecticut with a long-awaited victory and a little momentum, while Bueckers maintained her perfect record on that court.
Seattle Storm Dominate the Las Vegas Aces
The Storm sent a message this past weekend with a commanding 102–82 victory over the defending champions, the Las Vegas Aces. Both offensively and defensively, Seattle brought a level of intensity that overwhelmed Vegas and made a strong case for being the third-best team in the league right now.
This game highlighted some of the Aces’ weaknesses—particularly on defense—that they’ll need to fix quickly if they want to reclaim their top-tier status. For the Storm, it was a complete team win that showed they can contend with anyone in the league this year.
New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx Stay Undefeated
Two weeks into the season, only two teams remain perfect: the Liberty and the Lynx—both finalists in the 2024 WNBA Championship. Minnesota has started 5–0, while New York sits at 4–0. Each team appears to have gotten even stronger since their Finals showdown, which has fans buzzing about a potential rematch.
The two teams won’t face off in the regular season until July 30, although a Commissioner’s Cup clash could come earlier if both continue to dominate. Whether they stay undefeated until then remains to be seen, but watching these titans continue their streaks has become a highlight of the early season.
Connecticut Sun vs. Indiana Fever — Friday, May 30, 7:30 p.m. ET
With Caitlin Clark sidelined for at least two weeks due to a quad strain, the Fever are trying to regroup. The timing isn’t terrible—Indiana’s upcoming schedule features beatable opponents—but they struggled in their first game without her, losing to a struggling Washington Mystics squad.
Connecticut isn’t seen as a championship contender this year, making this a prime opportunity for Indiana to bounce back. However, another lackluster performance could raise alarms for fans hoping for a breakout year. Friday’s game will offer insight into whether the Fever can stay competitive without their star.
Minnesota Lynx vs. Phoenix Mercury — Friday, May 30, 10:00 p.m. ET
The Lynx are off to a dream start, winning all five of their games and recently reintegrating veteran scorer Kayla McBride into the lineup. Her return, along with Napheesa Collier’s early-season dominance, makes Minnesota look even more dangerous than they were last year.
Phoenix, on the other hand, has been up and down. Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally have shown flashes of brilliance, and they’ll need to be at their best to challenge the Lynx. This late-night matchup could be a sleeper thriller.
🔍 One Big Storyline: Caitlin Clark Out Two Weeks With Quad Injury
Indiana’s rookie sensation Caitlin Clark is temporarily out with a strained quadriceps. Though not considered serious, these injuries can be lingering and risky if rushed. The Fever have taken the cautious route, choosing to rest Clark now rather than risk long-term complications.
Given Indiana’s softer schedule over the next couple of weeks—including games against Connecticut, Washington, and Chicago—this is a good window for her to recover. Her return could come as early as June 10 against Atlanta, though the Fever may opt to hold her out until their June 14 matchup against the New York Liberty. That would give her nearly three full weeks of rest and rehabilitation.
Clark’s absence, while a blow to the league’s biggest TV draw, doesn’t derail Indiana’s season hopes. There’s plenty of time left in the year, and the Fever have winnable games ahead. Plus, the overall excitement and energy around the WNBA remain sky-high, with other teams like New York, Seattle, and Minnesota playing outstanding basketball and drawing strong fan support across the country.
Final Thought: No Panic Needed
While Caitlin Clark’s absence is certainly headline-worthy, it’s far from a catastrophe. The league remains vibrant and competitive, and this brief pause in her rookie campaign may end up benefiting both Clark and the Fever in the long run.
Meanwhile, the rest of the league continues to shine, offering thrilling matchups, rising stars, and strong fan support. As Clark rests, the best course of action for fans and analysts alike is to simply relax—and enjoy all the other incredible basketball happening around the W.
Leave a Reply