Five takeaways from second full week in WNBA

The second full week of the WNBA season concluded on Sunday night with the opening round of games in the Commissioner's Cup.

At this point, there are still two unbeaten teams in the WNBA, the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx, and both looked formidable this week, but especially on Sunday.

Looking back at all the WNBA action over the past seven days, here are the five biggest takeaways.

The Indiana Fever needs Caitlin Clark

Everyone knew the Fever wouldn't be quite as good without Caitlin Clark, but the drop-off was startling. A loss to the Washington Mystics wasn't that alarming.

However, a home loss to the Connecticut Sun, easily one of the worst teams in the league as a double-digit favorite, certainly was worrisome. The Sun followed up their road win over the Fever with a 48-point loss to the Liberty. 

Thankfully, Clark is only expected to miss two more games because Indiana wouldn't be a playoff team without her.

Liberty, Lynx are on a collision course

It's difficult to imagine a better effort than New York's on Sunday. The Liberty notched the second-largest victory in WNBA history (48 points). They also tied their record for 19 three-pointers in a game, from a few weeks ago.

New York has won five of its seven games by double digits and has a point differential of +20.6. Minnesota's point differential is +8.6. 

Napheesa Collier has been incredible. The Lynx also have a top-four scoring offense and defense, just like the Liberty, who lead the WNBA in points scored and scoring defense.

Both teams are 7-0 and tied for the best record. A WNBA finals rematch seems likely at this point, although a lot can change between now and September. 

A'ja Wilson is still A'ja Wilson 

The 2024 WNBA MVP opened the season with four double-doubles in five games, yet she's still been held under 20 points three times this season, including on Sunday.

In a 15-point trouncing of the Los Angeles Sparks earlier this week, Wilson shot over 50% from the field (66.7%) for the first time this season, making 12-of-18 shots for 35 points. 

Wilson also tore down 13 rebounds, dished out six assists, grabbed three steals and had three blocks. It was a historic performance, as well as a reminder that she's still a legitimate MVP threat.  

Phoenix is a pleasant surprise 

One WNBA team that wasn't talked about enough this offseason is the Phoenix Mercury. 

Satou Sabally is averaging 21.2 points per game. She's also been a force on the boards and stellar defensively.  

Sabally scored 24 points and had nine rebounds, in addition to two blocks and four steals in a win over the Sparks on Sunday. It was the second win of the week. 

If it wasn't for a 74-71 loss to the unbeaten Lynx, the Mercury would be tied for the second-best record in the league. 

Napheesa Collier is the runaway MVP

Clark's value became apparent this week, but Collier has been the best player in the WNBA. 

The Lynx superstar is averaging 26.4 points and shooting 51% overall, plus 45% from three-point range. She's been dominant on defense too, notching at least two steals and blocks in three separate games on top of three double-doubles.

If Collier keeps this up, she's a shoo-in for WNBA MVP.