Race to MVP: July 28


The second half of the WNBA season is shaping up to be full of intriguing matchups and storylines. How will Sylvia Fowles impact an already dominant Minnesota Lynx team? Does Erika de Souza’s arrival in Chicago tip the scales in the Sky’s favor in the East? And perhaps most intriguing of all is the race to bring home WNBA MVP honors. Can Elena Delle Donne stave off a surging Maya Moore and other challengers?


1. Elena Delle Donne

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It’s really no secret how good Elena Delle Donne was over the first half of the season. From the highlights to the ESPN SportsCenter appearances, she was undoubtedly the face of the league. The fact that she’s “cooled off” from her hot start and still leads the league in scoring at 24.5 points per game just speaks to how well she has played. As Chicago fights for prime playoff position, EDD’s continued brilliance will be key.

2. Maya Moore

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The reigning WNBA MVP took home another MVP honor over the weekend at the WNBA All-Star Game in Connecticut. She scored 30 points and looked like the Moore that surged before the All-Star break. She’s up to second in the league in scoring at 20.7 points per game and is second only to EDD (35.6) in PER at 28.1. She’s poised to challenge Delle Donne for the top spot as the second half gets underway.

3. Tina Charles

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Where would the Liberty be without Tina Charles? The 2012 WNBA MVP has steadily gotten better as the season has progressed, and she’s a huge reason why New York leads the Eastern Conference as the second half begins. Charles is fourth in the league in scoring (17.2) and has been rock solid on the glass, but what else should we expect at this point in her career?

4. Brittney Griner

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Griner shined in the All-Star game with a stretch that featured a dunk, a block and a three-pointer, just furthering the understanding that she’s one of the most athletic players in this league. Her impact on the Mercury since her return cannot be overstated. Griner is averaging career bests in blocks per game (4.0) and points per game (17.4), and the Mercury are second in the Western Conference at 9-7.

5. Angel McCoughtry

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The Atlanta Dream sit last in the Eastern Conference, but they’re still well within reach of the playoffs. First place and last place are separated by a mere five games, and the Dream are only two games out of the fourth and final playoff spot. Angel McCoughtry is no stranger to the playoff hunt and has helped guide the Dream to the postseason every single year that she’s been in the league. So, can she put together another strong half of the season and do it again?

6. Nneka Ogwumike

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Nneka Ogwumike played her way into the WNBA All-Star Game after a dominant return from an early-season injury. She’s sixth in the league in scoring (16.8) and second in rebounds per game (9.9). She’ll have some pressure alleviated with the return of Candace Parker, but don’t think that will stop Ogwumike from putting up the numbers that earned her the All-Star nod.

7. DeWanna Bonner

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It’s easy to talk about Brittney Griner when the Mercury come up in conversation, but let’s take a step back and look at the entire picture, lest we forget the play of DeWanna Bonner. Named to her first All-Star team, Bonner is fifth in scoring at 16.9 points per game — which is the most she’s averaged since 2012.

8. Alex Bentley

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Bentley put on a show in front of her home fans at the WNBA All-Star Game, and she likely would have won MVP had the East won. She’s been dynamite defensively, leading the WNBA in steals (37). But she’s been just as good on the offensive end, averaging 16.8 points per contest and has largely been the offensive backbone of a Sun team that is right in the thick of the playoff hunt.

9. Kelsey Bone

Both Alex Bentley and Kelsey Bone were named WNBA All-Stars for the first time this season, and rightfully so. Bone has been phenomenal in her third year in the league as she’s emerged into a dominant force in the Sun’s frontcourt. Bone is posting career bests in points per game (14.9), rebounds per game (6.6) and field goal percentage (53.8%).

10. Cappie Pondexter

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Cappie Pondexter’s homecoming to Chicago has been better than anyone could have expected, and she was recognized for her performance with an All-Star selection. Pondexter is averaging 16.1 points per game and is posting her best shooting percentage (46.2%) since 2010.

Also Considered:

Riquna Williams (TUL), Danielle Robinson (SAS), Emma Meesseman (WAS), Stefanie Dolson  (WAS)

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