Race To MVP: June 16


Storylines are beginning to develop all across the WNBA through the second weekend of action, and when it comes to the MVP race, it’s Elena Delle Donne against the field. Delle Donne put together another phenomenal week of play and comes in at the top of this week’s Race to MVP list for the second consecutive week.


1. Elena Delle Donne

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Delle Donne led the way for Chicago through two games this past week, averaging 25.5 points on just above 50% shooting, in addition to seven rebounds per game. She finished Sunday’s game against the Fever with 24 points and nine rebounds and would have tallied more were it not for the Sky’s blowout win. Delle Donne is averaging 30.5 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.25 blocks through the Sky’s first four games.

2. Angel McCoughtry

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Atlanta’s Angel McCoughtry was the catalyst in the Dream’s first two wins of the season. She nailed a clutch three-pointer with time winding down to give the Dream the 64-61 win over Washington on Friday. McCoughtry is pacing an Atlanta offense that has struggled to start the season. She’s averaging 20.6 points and 6.2 rebounds this season, all while adding in 2.2 assists and steals per contest.


3. Maya Moore

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The reigning MVP falls one spot in this week’s list, but if there’s one thing that’s certain it’s that she’s capable of bursting back up to the top in no time. Moore has helped guide the Lynx to a 3-1 record early on and continues to be the leader of the team GMs tabbed as Western Conference favorites. She only tallied seven points and seven rebounds in the Lynx blowout win against Seattle, but she bounced back with 17 points and seven boards on Sunday.

4. Skylar Diggins

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The Tulsa Shock offense continued its torrid play in the second week of WNBA action, due in large to part Skylar Diggins. She continues to fill up the statsheet and has found ways to be effective even when she isn’t shooting well. Diggins tallied 11 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals in Tulsa’s win over Seattle, and she followed that up with a 21-point, four-rebound performance in San Antonio.

5. Tina Charles

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The New York Liberty got off to a hot, 3-1 start before faltering against the Mystics on Sunday, but Tina Charles has played a major role in their early success. Charles’ post dominance has been a theme in years past, but when you couple it with the added energy brought by the rookies and everything else head coach Bill Laimbeer is utilizing, her contributions are what’s giving the Liberty its edge. She’s averaging 16.2 points and 8.2 rebounds so far.

6. DeWanna Bonner

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The importance of DeWanna Bonner is obvious in Phoenix. Without Brittney Griner, she and Candice Dupree are being asked to carry an increased load for the defending champions. Bonner has done her part to answer that call thus far. The three-time Sixth Woman of the Year Award recipient has averaged 19.3 points and 6.3 rebounds and will likely benefit from Griner’s return later this month.

7. Kayla McBride

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One of the league’s best shooters is lighting it up early in the season, much to the surprise of, well, no one. San Antonio’s Kayla McBride had a rough outing on opening night, but bounced back in an explosive way, putting up 29 points against Atlanta. McBride scored 17 in Sunday’s game against Tulsa. Her continued hot shooting will be vital to San Antonio finding a way to right the ship and get in the win column out west.

8. Tamika Catchings

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The Indiana Fever got its first win over the weekend, and it’s no surprise that Tamika Catchings showed up in a big way. The 14-year veteran scored 27 points and pulled down 13 rebounds in the win over the Mercury. Her free throws down the stretch gave Indiana the advantage it needed to earn head coach Stephanie White her first win at the helm of the Fever.

9. Brittney Griner

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Griner still has yet to play this season, but with every passing game it’s more and more evident just how important her return will be to Phoenix. A talented team regardless, the Mercury are still missing the production and defensive intensity she brings on the interior each night. She’ll make her debut June 27 against the Minnesota Lynx.

10. Nneka Ogwumike

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The Los Angeles Sparks are off to a slow start and it’s evident how much the Sparks miss 2014 All-Star Nneka Ogwumike. She’s been held out of action with a sprained ankle. League general managers spoke highly of her in the offseason and her return to the lineup is sure to provide an added and much-needed spark in Los Angeles.

Also Considered:

Lindsay Whalen (MIN); Candice Dupree (PHX); Odyssey Sims (TUL)

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