by Christian Mordi / @mordi_thecomeup

This past week, #CandaceCan became a mantra, as Candace Parker led the Sparks to a double-overtime comeback victory against Tulsa on Sunday. Slyvia “Big Syl” Fowles continues to spit out double-doubles and rise up the MVP rankings. Third year wing Maya Moore seems to be heating up at the right time as the Lynx look to make a trip back to the finals.

1. Candace Parker, L.A. Sparks

Parker added fuel to her MVP fire with her dominant performance against the Tulsa Shock. With L.A. down 14 in the fourth, CP3 put the team on her back sparking a comeback victory in double overtime, 90-88. Parker finished with a line of 26 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists. The Sparks are now just a game out of first place.

2. Tamika Catchings, Indiana Fever

The Fever have been slipping as of late, but not due to a lack of effort from Catchings. The Indiana forward was solid against the Lynx, with 22 points and 10 rebounds in the 84-77 loss. On a positive note, the Fever sit at fourth and only a game out of third.

3. Slyvia Fowles, Chicago Sky

“Big Syl” keeps spitting out double-doubles, with 10 points and 13 rebounds in the Sky’s latest victory against the Atlanta Dream. Fowles leads the WNBA in rebounding with close to 12 rebounds a night. With the Sky holding the best record in the East, Fowles is a serious option for MVP this year.

4. Angel McCoughtry, Atlanta Dream

The Dream are 3-7 in the past 10 and are currently on a three-game losing streak, which hasn’t helped AMac raise in the standings. Nonetheless, McCoughtry has been steady in the past three games, averaging 20 points per contest.

5. Maya Moore, Minnesota Lynx

Moore continues to rise up in the rankings with her stellar play this month. Moore was on fire against the Fever, dropping 35 points in the contest. Statistically, Moore has improved across the board, but her teammates attest that her impact can’t be limited to things that show up in the box score. Her ability to will her team to win is one of her greatest assets. The Lynx’s record since Moore’s arrival proves the point: from 13-21 in 2010, to 27-7 in both the 2011 and 2012 seasons.

6. Elena Delle Donne, Chicago Sky

Delle Donne looks healthy and is back to filling up the box score. Last game against the Dream, Delle Donne was unstoppable with 25 points and 8 rebounds in the victory. But the emergence of Fowles plays a huge part in Chicago’s rookie not being higher in the rankings.

7. Diana Taurasi, Phoenix Mercury

The Mercury are 5-5 in the past 10 and seem unable to make the push to another level. But Taurasi is having an amazing season statistically, as she leads the league in scoring and is second in assists. Even more alarming is the Mercury’s inability to carve out wins in the West, as they’re 7-12 against conference foes

8. Lindsay Whalen, Minnesota Lynx

Whalen continues to fill up the box score for the league’s best team. In limited time against the Liberty, Whalen had 18 and 6 assists in a 73-47 victory. Whalen’s ability to balance her scoring and keep teammates involved will make this team one of the hardest outs come playoff time. With a record of 12-2 at home, the Lynx know how to protect home court, and Whalen’s leadership plays a huge factor. Whalen may not win the MVP trophy this year, but she’s cemented herself as one of the best point guards in the WNBA.

9. Liz Cambage, Tulsa Shock

The 6-8 center has put questions about her toughness to rest with a stellar season this year. With averages of 16 points, 8 rebounds and close to 3 blocks per game, the future is bright in Tulsa.

10. Tina Thompson, Seattle Storm

Thompson won’t blow you away with her numbers, but she is the Seattle Storm’s most valuable player. Currently the Storm sit at fourth in the West and are only a half game out of third place. With Lauren Jackson and Sue Bird out due to injury, the team has leaned upon Thompson—and she’s delivered. With Thompson’s impending retirement at the end of the season, look for Seattle to make some noise this postseason.

Previously:
WNBA MVP Rankings: Candace Parker sits atop the league for yet another week
WNBA MVP Rankings: Candace Parker returns from injury in dominant fashion