The 2025 WNBA All-Star Game is almost right here, which suggests it is time to take inventory of the opening half of the season and provides grades for the second time this summer season.
The 13 groups’ first report card was in mid-June, when the defending champion New York Liberty have been nonetheless undefeated. Their season has taken some twists and turns since. The Minnesota Lynx now have a agency lead over the sector within the league standings whereas the Indiana Fever gained the Commissioner’s Cup title.
Massive names resembling New York’s Jonquel Jones, Indiana’s Caitlin Clark and the Phoenix Mercury‘s Kahleah Copper and Satou Sabally have been battling accidents. Some personnel strikes have been made. There have been each nice and ugly surprises in the best way that groups have carried out.
ESPN’s Kendra Andrews, Alexa Philippou, Kevin Pelton and Michael Voepel hand out midseason marks for the WNBA earlier than the All-Stars converge on Indianapolis.
Leap to:
ATL | CHI | CON | DAL | GS | IND |
LV | LA | MIN | NY | PHO | SEA | WAS
The WNBA’s first-place group has hit a few bumps within the highway of late, with three losses in July, together with the Commissioner’s Cup closing at house to Indiana on July 1. However total, the Lynx (19-4) have been the league’s most constant and cohesive group all season. They’re the second-highest scoring group at 84.9 PPG whereas holding opponents to a league-low 75.3 PPG. They proceed to have the identical grade they’d on the one-month mark.
First-half MVP: Ahead Napheesa Collier. She is the front-runner to win her first league MVP award after being runner-up final 12 months. She has some eye-popping numbers: league-best scoring common (23.9 PPG) and win shares (5.3), a 95.4 free throw proportion and career-high 3.5 assists common. — Voepel
Phoenix (15-6, three video games behind the Lynx) obtained a robust grade in our first report card, and has solely continued to impress within the first half, sitting at second within the rankings forward of Wednesday’s marquee matchup towards the Lynx. That is all regardless of fully overhauling the roster within the offseason, having to lean on a batch of WNBA rookies and coping with a slew of accidents that would have simply derailed this summer season. Every of the Mercury’s large three has missed time this season — mainly, Kahleah Copper has been restricted to 6 video games — and but they haven’t been deterred. Up to now, midseason addition DeWanna Bonner has been a robust match, and the group may very well be even scarier if it lands Emma Meesseman after the break.
First-half MVP: As soon as the so-called Engine in Connecticut, Alyssa Thomas has been sensational in her first season within the Valley, main the league in assists per sport (9.6), having one in all her finest scoring seasons (15.4 PPG, 53.5% FG) and persevering with to cement herself as one of many premier defenders on the planet. Not solely is she the MVP of the Mercury thus far, Thomas is firmly within the league’s MVP race, too. — Philippou
1:13
Mercury win thriller handy Valkyries 2nd straight loss
Regardless of a late tying shot by the Valkyries, the Mercury maintain on to safe a slim 78-77 victory.
The Valkyries (10-11) are firmly within the playoff race. Anchored by its top-5 protection, Golden State is limiting opponents to the second-lowest scoring within the league at 78.6 factors per sport. Solely the Lynx enable fewer factors (75.3). The Valkyries have persistently impressed with how they’ve stayed aggressive in almost each sport — even the losses. Golden State hasn’t dropped a contest by greater than 9 factors since June 5. The Valkyries additionally picked up a 19-point win over the Fever in Caitlin Clark’s first sport again from groin harm. If Golden State retains enjoying at this degree they might make historical past and attain the postseason within the franchise’s inaugural season.
First-half MVP: Kayla Thornton is having the most effective season of her profession, averaging profession highs in factors (14.5), rebounds (7.1) and steals (1.4) — she additionally leads Golden State in each class. In rising because the Valkyries’ go-to possibility, Thornton earned first All-Star choice. — Andrews
1:57
Veronica Burton lead the Valkyries to a commanding win over Fever
Veronica Burton drops 21 factors to guide the Golden State Valkyries to a 80-61 win over the Indiana Fever.
The Liberty began the season 9-0 and seemed sturdy because the defending champions. That they had an A on the primary report card, however have dropped a bit. An ankle harm to WNBA Finals MVP Jonquel Jones that has restricted her to 9 video games modified the dynamics for New York. The 6-foot-6 middle is so key an element each offensively and defensively that it is not possible to play the identical with out her. To their credit score, the Liberty (14-6) have weathered accidents and ahead Leonie Fiebich‘s time away enjoying at EuroBasket fairly properly, led by ahead Breanna Stewart and guards Sabrina Ionescu and Natasha Cloud. However they should be wanting ahead to their full group being again sooner or later.
First-half MVP: Breanna Stewart is the Liberty’s chief in scoring (19.5), rebounding (6.7) and blocks (1.3). With Jones out, there may be quite a lot of stress on Stewart, however the three-time WNBA champion and two-time league MVP has all the time been used to that. — Voepel
1:59
Liberty storm again to beat Dream 79-72
New York rallies from a halftime deficit en path to defeating Atlanta 79-72.
When the Mystics dropped to 5-8, it seemed like they may be coming again to Earth after an sudden sturdy begin. As a substitute, Washington (11-11) has rallied to win six of the final 9 video games. That streak included a pair of wins over Las Vegas, handing Minnesota one in all its three losses and successful at Seattle on Sunday. The Mystics have nonetheless been outscored on the season however now should be taken critically as playoff contenders at seventh within the standings.
First-half MVP: Given rookies Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen are the lone Washington gamers to begin each sport, maybe the reply is first-year head coach Sydney Johnson, who has constructed a top-five protection. Citron has been essentially the most environment friendly of Washington’s double-digit scorers and a fast examine on protection, so I might give her the nod over main scorer Brittney Sykes. — Pelton
1:59
Mystics maintain on to beat Storm
Brittney Sykes’ 19 factors assist carry the Mystics previous the Storm.
Since peaking at 10-4, the Dream have misplaced 5 of their final seven video games to slip to fifth within the standings. Nonetheless, solely final 12 months’s two Finalists have higher level differentials than Atlanta (12-9), which has outscored opponents by 5.0 PPG regardless of integrating new coach Karl Smesko and two new starters plus coping with Jordin Canada‘s absence to begin the season. Smesko’s offense has introduced out the most effective within the Dream’s holdovers on the perimeter and accommodated a pair of submit scorers in Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones.
First-half MVP: Allisha Gray is pushing for All-WNBA first-team honors, having averaged profession highs in factors (18.6), rebounds (5.5) and assists (3.9) per sport whereas making 3s at a 39% clip. Grey was rightfully voted to begin the All-Star Recreation for the primary time. — Pelton
1:28
Jordin Canada drops 26 factors in first half for Atlanta
Atlanta’s Jordin Canada goes off for a staggering 26 factors in simply the primary half.
Maybe the WNBA’s least constant group, the Storm have gone a mixed 5-2 towards the three groups forward of them within the standings however simply 8-7 towards the remainder of the league. Depth is one key consider Seattle (13-9) enjoying to its competitors. Since Erica Wheeler moved into the beginning 5, Storm reserves have averaged a league-low 13.4 PPG, per WNBA Advanced Stats.
First-half MVP: Any of the Storm’s three All-Stars can be an inexpensive selection. Veterans Skylar Diggins and Nneka Ogwumike are the group’s two main scorers and tops in assists (Diggins) and rebounds (Ogwumike). But I might go along with Gabby Williams, who has been a defensive pressure (averaging a league-high 2.5 SPG) and an vital offensive connector. — Pelton
1:59
Storm draw back late to beat the Solar
Seattle grinds out a 79-65 win over Connecticut behind Gabby Williams’ 18 factors.
The Fever (12-10) have had loads to take care of, which they’ve carried out an honest job with. So their grade bumped up from a C-plus. Caitlin Clark‘s quad and groin accidents — she was hurt again late in Tuesday’s victory over Connecticut — have price the All-Star starter 9 regular-season video games thus far. DeWanna Bonnner, anticipated to be a key free-agent addition, wasn’t joyful together with her function and was waived. She has signed with Phoenix. Indiana picked up guard Aari McDonald, who has helped. However the Fever are hoping to get Clark totally wholesome and enhance defensively to take advantage of this season.
First-half MVP: It is onerous to not choose All-Star reserve Kelsey Mitchell, the Fever’s main scorer at 19.3 PPG. She has been so good. However All-Star starter Aliyah Boston (16.0 PPG on 57.7% capturing and team-high 7.8 RPG) will get the nod as she has been the Fever’s most constant inside participant and defensive stalwart. — Voepel
1:44
Caitlin Clark’s double-double leads Fever to victory
Caitlin Clark drops 14 factors and 13 assists to gasoline the Fever to a 102-83 win over the Wings.
The Sparks (8-14) have been underwhelming by way of the primary half of the season. After ending with the worst file within the league final 12 months, they acquired Kelsey Plum within the hopes that the guard, together with Rickea Jackson, Dearica Hamby and a wholesome Cameron Brink, may return Los Angeles to playoff rivalry. Sure, with Tuesday’s win over Washington, the Sparks have already got gained as many video games as in all of final season, however they nonetheless have the fourth-worst file within the league. There is not any clear reply for when Brink might be again. And whereas Plum averages 20.1 factors per sport, there may be quite a lot of work but to do.
First-half MVP: Kelsey Plum. She ranks third within the league in scoring and is matching her profession excessive in factors per sport. She has had a number of huge scoring outbursts, together with a 37-point sport on opening night time and most just lately a 23-point efficiency towards the Solar on July 13. Plum has carried out all the things the Sparks have been hoping to get from her once they traded for her within the offseason. — Andrews
1:42
Kelsey Plum (23 factors) Highlights vs. Connecticut Solar
Kelsey Plum (23 factors) Highlights vs. Connecticut Solar, 07/13/2025
The Sky (7-14) have a brand new coach, Tyler Marsh, and misplaced their most skilled participant, 15-year veteran level guard Courtney Vandersloot, to a season-ending knee harm on June 7. So there was loads to regulate to in 2025. Chicago had an “F” grade one month into the season with simply two victories, however has gone 5-8 since, together with a win over league-leading Minnesota. Chicago nonetheless leads the league in turnovers at 15.7, however that is down two from the Sky’s common in mid-June. So there was enchancment, which is mirrored in a greater grade.
First-half MVP: Ahead Angel Reese. She leads the Sky in scoring (14.0), rebounding (league-best 12.6) and — consider it or not — assists (3.8). She has had 9 double-doubles in a row. Reese held down the fort whereas fellow second-year submit participant Kamilla Cardoso was away enjoying for Brazil within the AmeriCup match. There was loads on Reese’s shoulders, and she or he has responded. — Voepel
1:52
Angel Reese, Ariel Atkins go off in Sky’s win over Lynx
Ariel Atkins drops a game-high 27 factors and Angel Reese chips in 19 because the Sky outlast the Lynx, 87-81.
The Wings (6-16) have had some good wins this season over Atlanta and Phoenix. Their three rookie guards — Paige Bueckers, Aziaha James and JJ Quinerly — have introduced hustle and power to the group. The commerce for middle Li Yueru has helped her get the minutes she wants and Dallas get some consistency inside. However the Wings’ veterans are principally injured or not enjoying very properly, together with guard Arike Ogunbowale. She is averaging 16.0 factors whereas capturing 35% total and 29.5% from 3-point vary, all profession lows.
First-half MVP: All-Star starter Paige Bueckers has helped transfer the Wings up a bit from an F grade final time. She is averaging 18.3 factors, 4.1 rebounds and 5.4 assists and has established herself because the Rookie of the 12 months favourite. However this roster must look totally different subsequent 12 months to finest benefit from Bueckers’ expertise. — Voepel
1:52
Paige Bueckers, Aziaha James mix for 51 in win
Paige Bueckers and Aziaha James mix for 51 factors because the Wings take down the Mercury.
It is onerous to diagnose what has gone unsuitable for the Aces (10-11) as they stumble towards the All-Star break. Their protection has been a wrestle, going from a top-5 protection in 2024 to a bottom-5. In addition they have the fourth-worst offensive score within the league. The Aces squeaked out a much-needed win over the Valkyries over the weekend, nevertheless it got here on the heels of blowing a 15-point lead towards the Mystics — Las Vegas’ largest blown lead of the season. At this level, it is regarding that Las Vegas hasn’t been in a position to shake off the rocky begin, or work out precisely what’s inflicting the struggles. It may take an unimaginable second half of the season to make the Aces a aggressive postseason group.
First-half MVP: Three-time MVP A’ja Wilson has been the lone shiny spot for the Aces’ season — and within the 4 video games she missed her significance was highlighted much more. Wilson ranks second within the league in scoring with 21.5 factors per sport and just lately put up 34 factors, 16 rebounds, 4 assists and a couple of blocks to assist the Aces beat the Valkyries 104-102. — Andrews
1:40
A’ja Wilson comes up large for Aces with 34-point double-double
A’ja Wilson goes for 34 factors and 16 rebounds within the Aces’ tight 104-102 win over the Valkyries.
It isn’t that we have been anticipating a lot from the Solar (3-19) this season. They misplaced their complete beginning 5 from 2024, led by longtime identification of the franchise Alyssa Thomas, plus coach Stephanie White. Nevertheless it has been maybe even rougher than anticipated. Guard Marina Mabrey was the group’s main scorer (15.2 PPG) when she went out with a knee harm; she hasn’t performed since June 20. Veteran middle Tina Charles has since turn out to be the Solar’s prime scorer (15.6), however Connecticut is missing in offense. The Solar are averaging 72.7 PPG and permitting 88.0 PPG, each worst within the WNBA.
First-half MVP: Tina Charles, 36, remains to be doing her job on her technique to the Corridor of Fame. There simply is not sufficient expertise round her to offer her one other shot on the playoffs this 12 months. Hopefully, she has at the very least a couple of years left to get one other probability on the postseason. — Voepel