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The Phoenix Mercury finds a place in the weekly WNBA Power Rankings. Week 5 saw some scintillating actions and some comeback games from big names. Brittney Griner propelled the Mercury to four wins in six games to see them put their name up for playoff contention as the 2024 season inches close to the halfway mark.
Griner's return bolstered the team's two-way play that's blown hot and cold since the start of the edition. Their stretch of wins sees the Las Vegas Aces out of the top five.
Here's a closer look at the other teams that made their way into the power rankings for Week 5.
WNBA Power Rankings: Top 5 teams ft. Phoenix Mercury (Week 5)
#5. Seattle Storm | 9-5
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The Seattle Storm notched up a couple of wins last week but tumbled down to the Phoenix Mercury. The issue at hand is their performance against teams that are over .500 and boast of relentless offense. Seattle's defense has still been their biggest weapon this season as they lead the league with a 93.9 defensive rating.
The Storm have already made the noise as one of the teams set to make the playoffs, and their next slate of five games has them taking on the Las Vegas Aces and Connecticut Sun. It will be interesting to see if they can get past two teams that have title aspirations.
#4. Phoenix Mercury | 7-7
The Mercury has been buoyed by Brittney Griner's return. They have won four of their last six games after the center hit the court after her return from a toe injury that sidelined her at the start of the 2024 season. Her numbers are staggering as she's averaging 22.0 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.8 blocks on 63% shooting in four games so far. Add veteran Diana Taurasi and the electric Kahleah Copper, the Mercury finally appears to be the threat they are on both ends of the floor.
#3. Minnesota Lynx | 11-3
The Lynx have built on the strong start they have to do this season. They have won six of their last seven games, and have stacked up three wins on the bounce. Napheesa Collier continues her ascent with another 30-point performance against the LA Sparks and has healthy numbers this season 21.5 ppg, 10.5 rpg and 3.6 apg. They are ranked second in defensive rating and fourth in offensive rating.
#2. Connecticut Sun | 12-1
The Connecticut Sun are on a three-game winning streak, and like the Seattle Storm and Phoenix Mercury, rely heavily on their defense to get past opponents. They allow 90.7 points for every 100 possessions, showing their lockdown defensive prowess. Furthermore, their wins have come off forcing their opponents to take shots in the paint and from beyond the arc.
#1. New York Liberty | 12-2
The New York Liberty may have one loss more than the Sun, but their dominance sees them take top spot in the rankings. They are unbeaten in their last eight games and are 8-2 in their last 10. Their solo game last week against the Aces was a payback skirmish and they made short work for the defending champions. The team finally seems to have hit its straps on offense after a sedate start.
