The WNBA wasted no time getting back in action after the Olympics, prompting players to consider adjusting the quick turnaround in future collective bargaining agreements. Teams resumed games just four days after the Paris Games, with some players facing significant time zone differences. New York Liberty, with several members fresh from the Olympics, managed to excel in their games against Los Angeles and Las Vegas, securing a playoff spot.
Breanna Stewart, a key player for the Liberty, emphasized the importance of allowing players ample recovery time post-Olympics, especially in a season where the Olympics coincided with regular league games. Despite the league’s perspective of maintaining momentum by avoiding long breaks, players like Stewart and A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces felt the strain of immediate return to competition after the intensive international tournament.
Wilson expressed the need for players to have discussions about receiving adequate rest time to recuperate, considering the physical and mental toll of back-to-back high-level competitions. Several teams played multiple games in quick succession at the start of the second half of the season, highlighting the demanding schedule players face.
On a brighter note, future Olympics being held in Los Angeles may ease travel concerns for USAB players, simplifying logistics for future international competitions. In WNBA power rankings, New York held the top spot, closely followed by Minnesota, Las Vegas, and Connecticut, showcasing the league’s competitive landscape.
In player news, Washington Mystics made a trade with Minnesota Lynx, involving Myisha Hines-Allen, Sika Koné, and Olivia Époupa. Additionally, standout rookie Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever, excelling in her first season, set new records and continued to showcase impressive performances on the court.
In recognition of her outstanding performances, Clark was named AP Player of the Week, leading Indiana to victories with her exceptional stats. Looking ahead, a key matchup to watch is Connecticut facing New York, as the Liberty aim to extend their dominance over the Sun. The WNBA continues to witness intense competition as teams vie for playoff spots amidst a challenging and tightly packed schedule.
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