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Aces Lead WNBA; Dream Stumbles After 17-Point Comeback

5/22/2026

43 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Aces Lead

The Las Vegas Aces (4-1) lead the WNBA at No. 1.
The Atlanta Dream (2-1) sit No. 3 after erasing a 17-point deficit but losing 85-84 to the Aces without two starters.
The Chicago Sky (3-1) climb to No. 4, moving up four spots despite key signings not yet playing.
The Dallas Wings (2-2) stay No. 2 after a 92-69 win over Washington, answering coach Jose Fernandez’s selfishness critique.

Summary

Mercury Injuries

Phoenix Mercury fell to No. 11 after injuries to Kathryn Westbeld (torn ACL), Sami Whitcomb (knee) and status for Natasha Mack.
Toronto Tempo climbed seven spots to No. 6 on a four-game road trip, posting a 2-1 record.
Marina Mabrey and Brittney Sykes each logged 30 + points, the first teammates to do so in a franchise’s first season.
Kiki Rice started, added 19 points, as Napheesa Collier and Emma Cechová remain sidelined.

History

Historical Context

When the WNBA launched in 1997 with eight teams, the Houston Comets won the first championship, setting a pattern of early dominance and rapid shifts as stars like Cynthia Cooper and Sheryl Swoopes defined the league. Decades later, the Las Vegas Aces now lead the standings while the Phoenix Mercury battle injuries, echoing those original competitive swings.

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Aces Lead

The Las Vegas Aces (4-1) lead the WNBA at No. 1.
The Atlanta Dream (2-1) sit No. 3 after erasing a 17-point deficit but losing 85-84 to the Aces without two starters.
The Chicago Sky (3-1) climb to No. 4, moving up four spots despite key signings not yet playing.
The Dallas Wings (2-2) stay No. 2 after a 92-69 win over Washington, answering coach Jose Fernandez’s selfishness critique.

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