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<\/p>\nThe Fire used the expansion draft to solidify their foundation with Bridget Carleton, Emily Engstler and Megan Gustafson.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThis is the hardest league in the world to play and I understand we expanded, but there\u2019s still limited spots and every single night you have to bring it,\u201d Clark said as her team sits at 5-5. \u201cEverybody\u2019s going to come to compete and everybody knows your job\u2019s on the line.\u201d<\/p>\n
The two expansion team\u2019s success has led to more parity in the league, which is celebrating its 30th season. Minnesota is leading the way, but the Lynx already have two losses. Last season the Lynx and Liberty both started 9-0. Four teams are within two games of the Lynx atop the standings.<\/p>\n
At the other end of the spectrum, Phoenix, Seattle and Connecticut have been struggling. While the Storm and Sun were definitely in rebuilding mode this year, the Mercury were coming off a trip to the WNBA Finals. They hit a rough spot early on, dropping six consecutive games after an opening-game rout of the Las Vegas Aces. Phoenix has won its past two games.<\/p>\n
Power poll rankings<\/p>\n
Minnesota was a unanimous choice at the No. 1 spot in the AP power poll this week. The Lynx were followed by Las Vegas and Dallas. Atlanta, New York and Golden State were next. Indiana was seventh with Toronto eighth. Los Angeles, Portland and Washington followed the Tempo. Phoenix, Chicago, Seattle and Connecticut rounded out the poll.<\/p>\n
Player of the week<\/p>\n
Olivia Miles of Minnesota was the AP player of the week. The rookie guard averaged 22 points, 7.7 assists and 3.7 rebounds to help the Lynx win all three of their games last week. She\u2019s having a stellar first season for Minnesota, helping the team to the best record in the league so far. The No. 2 pick in the WNBA draft is averaging 17.2 points, 6.4 assists and 5.0 rebounds on the season. Other players receiving votes included Paige Bueckers of Dallas, Breanna Stewart of New York and A\u2019ja Wilson of Las Vegas.<\/p>\n
Game of the week<\/p>\n
Minnesota at Las Vegas, Saturday. The chance to represent the Western Conference in the Commissioner\u2019s Cup championship could be at stake when these two teams meet. They both haven\u2019t lost yet in Cup play. The two teams have combined to represent the Western Conference the past four seasons, with the Aces winning the title in 2022 and the Lynx in 2024. Minnesota lost to Indiana last season. <\/p>\n
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