Aussies in WNBA: Taylor the standout Aussie, Lynx and Sparks undefeated
The past week of WNBA performances are an indication of the tight contest the league is shaping up to be in 2016. The Minnesota Lynx and Los Angeles Sparks are the only two undefeated teams, both with 4 wins under their belts. Teams like the young Dallas Wings, Atlanta Dream and New York Liberty are also giving everyone a run for their money.
Australian's Penny Taylor and Erin Phillips are leading the charge from down under.
Sparks and Lynx dominating
Sitting on top of the Western Conference standings are the Sparks, followed closely by the Lynx. Tiffany Hayes has been leading the way for Atlanta Dream, who are sitting on top of the Eastern Conference.
LA's Candace Parker is playing with a point to prove after her shock omission from the US Olympic team. Parker has been outstanding, averaging 20.5 points and 8 rebounds per game so far this season. The aggressive LA captain led the Sparks to win over Atlanta earlier this week with 26 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists with a dominant performance particularly in the 3rd quarter with some epic coast-to-coast work.
.@candace_parker goes coast to coast on ESPN2! She has 23. #WatchMeWork https://t.co/HUhraY0Wc6
— WNBA (@WNBA) May 25, 2016
New York Liberty's forward Tina Charles has taken out the player of the week for the Eastern Conference for her brilliant post work which has become a nightmare for defenders. Charles delivered 29 points, 10 rebounds and 7 steals in the Liberty's loss to Atlanta earlier this week. Charles' also dominated inside in their tight loss to LA, with 17 points, 16 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals.
The ever dominant Maya Moore has taken out Western Conference's player of the week, helping her side to their undefeated status with a casual 22 points per game average so far this season. Her aggression and physicality, alongside her incredible athleticism has shaped Moore into one of the best players to ever grace the court in WNBA history. Moore was instrumental in the Lynx's win over Phoenix earlier today with a massive 34 points. In the Lynx's win over Seattle earlier this week, Moore hit 17 points, took 9 rebounds, made 4 assists and absolutely knocked this one out of the park...
.@MooreMaya looked like @KingJames on this NASTY chase down block! #WNBATopPlays #WatchMeWork https://t.co/GN5hS4g7n2
— WNBA (@WNBA) May 23, 2016
Taylor leading the Aussies
Our Aussie talent is continuing to show what they're made of, with Erin Phillips continuing to present herself as the reliable point guard for the Dallas Wings as they sit 3rd in the Western Conference with 3 wins and 1 loss. Penny Taylor continues to dominate for Phoenix Mercury even though they've had a disappointing start to their season, going winless with 4 straight losses. Taylor hit 15 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists in their 1 point loss to the Seattle Storm.
Mercury head coach Sandy Brondello spoke to the media after the Mercury's last start loss to the Lynx.
https://twitter.com/PhoenixMercury/status/735695419573817344
Taylor also celebrated her birthday this week, and seemed nervous about being the victim of the infamous paddle wheel.
Penny Taylor thought teammates might have something up their sleeves while wishing her a Happy B-Day. Was she right? pic.twitter.com/IxdQDZW87D
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) May 24, 2016
Happy birthday Penny!
Hammon honoured
In a tribute to one of the WNBA's absolute legends, the San Antonio Stars announced that they would retire Becky Hammon's No. 25 jersey on Saturday, June 25. The point guard is the Stars' all time leader in assists, 3-pointers and points per game.
Hammon was the ultimate play-maker, and earned six All-Star selection during her career and was named one of the WNBA's 15 greatest players of all time in 2011. After she retired, Hammon became the first full-time female assistant coach in NBA history as she joined Gregg Popovich's NBA staff at the San Antonio Spurs.
Plays like this one are just a small reason @SAStars is retiring the 25 jersey. #WNBAVault #WatchMeWork https://t.co/6ZWo7IcmsR
— WNBA (@WNBA) May 25, 2016