WNBA Week 2 Recap

The Lynx remain undefeated, the Sun remain hot and more.

by Christian Mordi / @mordi_thecomeup

The WNBA was full of highlights in the second week of action this season. The Lynx stormed out the gates on fire with a 4-0 start, while the Liberty are having trouble finding their way, with a 0-4 start.

Here is a full recap of Week 2 of the WNBA, and each franchise’s upcoming games.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Atlanta Dream (1-2 overall, last week 1-1)

The Dream posted their first victory of the season against the New York Liberty on Friday night. Atlanta was on fire shooting 50 percent from behind the arc and hitting the century mark in the contest. Atlanta ran into a hot Indiana team the following game, falling 78-62. The Dream had trouble knocking down shots, shooting 11 percent from behind the arc and leaving 11 points behind at the line. Atlanta is an up-tempo team, looking to run and gun and create easy baskets in transition. In order for them to possibly make a run at the Finals again this year, they must find a way to win those low scoring battles as well.

Upcoming games: May 31 vs Phoenix, June 2 vs Chicago

Chicago Sky (1-1 overall, last week 0-1)

The Sky went blow-for-blow with the Fever, before falling short in the final quarter, losing 83-72. Sylvia Fowles was solid, scoring 21 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Prince was steady as well, scoring 17 while picking 3 pockets on the night. Despite the loss, consider this a moral victory for the Sky, as they hung in the game all night. The game could’ve went either way as they trailed by three early in the fourth. The Sky will have to find that third scoring option to take some pressure off they dynamic duo of Prince and Fowles for spurts in the game. Look for Swin Cash to step up to the plate as the season progresses.

Upcoming games: May 30 @ San Antonio, June 1 vs Washington

Connecticut Sun (3-0 overall, last week 1-0)

The Sun continued to scorch their opponents, remaining unbeaten in the second week of action. Connecticut faced off against San Antonio on Friday night, winning 83-79. Renee Montgomery led the way for the Sun scoring 23 points in the game. Tina Charles was steady with 18 points and 8 rebounds, becoming the fastest player to reach 800 rebounds in WNBA history. The core group of the Sun is young and full of promise. The future is very bright for this team.

Upcoming games: June 1 vs Minnesota, June 3 vs Washington

Indiana Fever (3-0 overall, 2-0 last week)

No team has been able to find a cure for the Fever early in the season, as Indiana remains undefeated in the second week of action. Indiana has been led by reigning MVP Tamika Catchings, as the former Lady Vol is averaging 21 points and 7 rebounds thus far. With back-to-back games versus the Liberty, they Fever may still be undefeated coming into week 3.

Upcoming games: June 2 vs New York, June 3 @ New York

New York Liberty (0-4 overall, 0-2 last week)

The Liberty have struggled to find their way early in the season, remaining winless in the first two weeks of action. Cappie Pondexter has been a bright spot, averaging 17 points 4 rebounds and 3 assists thus far. New York has had a tough schedule from the start, with a back-to-back against Connecticut, and games versus Minnesota and Atlanta. Hopefully with the insertion of Essence Carson into the starting lineup and some easier matchups, the Liberty will rebound.

Upcoming Games: May 30 vs Indiana June 2 @ Indiana

Washington Mystics (1-1 overall 1-0 last week)

The Mystics took a step forward with a victory against Tulsa last week 64-61. The Mystics packed more punch in game two with Shabazz HS native Matee Ajavon in the rotation, scoring 19 points in 25 minutes of action. Crystal Langhorne had a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. In order to close out games and compete, the Mystics will have to find an answer to their turnover woes, posting 28 last game.

Upcoming games: May 30 vs Minnesota, June 1 @ Chicago

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Los Angeles Sparks (3-1 overall)

The Sparks have proven to be one of the toughest to play, and most exciting teams to watch early on in the season. L.A. played a great game versus the Lynx, before falling 84-92. The Sparks bounced back with a victory versus the Mercury 99-88. MVP candidate Candace Parker and No. 1 pick Nneka Ogwumike combined for 49 points against Phoenix. This team, unlike many, has a very serviceable third option in Alana Beard, a career 16 point per game scorer. Look for this team to get better as the season goes along.

Upcoming games: May 29 vs Tulsa, June 3 vs Seattle

Minnesota Lynx (4-0 overall 2-0 last week)

The defending champs have looked dominant from the start, continuing their winning ways and remaining undefeated. Simone Augustus rebounded well from her shoulder injury last week dropping 25 on the Sparks en route to victory. Against the Storm UConn alum Maya Moore was the leader of the pack with 19 points. The Lynx also had 10 of the 11 players who played score in the last contest. With the star power they possess and steady bench play, it’s no surprise many have the Lynx ranked as one of the best in the WNBA.

Upcoming games: May 30 @ Washington, June 1 @ Connecticut

Phoenix Mercury (1-2 overall 1-1 last week)

Phoenix turned the corner in Week 2 grabbing their first victory against Tulsa, 89-87. Candace Dupree was dominant with 31 points and 9 rebounds in the game. We have yet to see what the Mercury really have to offer, with Diana Taurasi sidelined in the first game, and playing limited minutes in the past two. Despite her absence, Phoenix has put up big numbers offensively in each game. Look for this team to get better along the way this season.

Upcoming games: May 31 @ Atlanta, June 1 @ San Antonio

San Antonio Silver Stars (1-1 overall 0-1 last week)

The Silver Stars lost a close bout with the Sun on Sunday, 83-79. Danielle Adams scored 21 points and All-Star point guard Becky Hammon scored 11 points while dropping 8 dimes. The Silver Stars will be tested in the next two games with All-Star center Sylvia Fowles coming to town with the Sky, and the high scoring Mercury led by Diana Taurasi in the following game.

Upcoming games: May 30 vs Chicago, June 1 vs Phoenix

Seattle Storm (0-3 overall 0-2 last week)

The Storm are winless out the gate at 0-3. Seattle lost their last contest against the defending champs, 81-74. Sue Bird has been steady averaging 9 points, 7 assists and 4 rebounds per game. Everyone knew the combination of moving veteran players to get Shekinna Stricklen and the absence of Lauren Jackson would have an effect on this team, so Seattle fans must wait be patient. Better days are ahead for this franchise.

Upcoming games: June 1 vs Tulsa, June 3 vs Los Angeles

Tulsa Shock (0-3 overall, 0-2 last week)

In week 2, the Shock took steps forward, but lost two close battles against Phoenix and Washington. Ivory Latta led the way against the Mystics scoring 16 in the game. The Shock made some moves to bring in some veteran help to the young franchise, which is why they have competed so well regardless of the tempo of the game. The Shock will have to find a way to turn these close losses into wins if they plan on making a run at the playoffs.

Upcoming games: May 29 @ Los Angeles, June 1 @ Seattle