Connecticut Sun guard Chelsea Gray has anchored the team to the top of the WNBA power rankings after a commanding Week 10 performance, while Detroit Wings star Paige Bueckers could not halt her team’s losing streak despite scoring 30 points in a loss to the Las Vegas Aces. The Sun’s 116-98 victory over the Phoenix Mercury on Saturday—paired with key losses by other contenders—propelled them to the No. 1 spot, according to the latest rankings compiled by WNBA.com and Sports Illustrated. Meanwhile, the Wings’ eight-game losing streak now stands at nine, as they dropped another close game to the Aces (113-107) on Sunday.
Gray, who averaged 28.5 points per game in Week 10, became the first player in WNBA history to record back-to-back 30-point games in the same season. Her 33 points against Phoenix included a career-high 12 three-pointers, a performance that earned her Player of the Week honors for the second consecutive week. “Chelsea’s play has been electric,” Sun head coach Curt Miller told reporters. “She’s not just scoring—she’s dictating the game from start to finish.”
Contrast that with the Wings, who despite Bueckers’ 30-point outburst (including 9-of-12 shooting) fell to 1-10 on the season. Detroit’s struggles extend beyond the scoreboard: they’ve now lost seven of their last eight games, a stretch that includes defeats to both the Aces and the New York Liberty. “We’re not playing up to our potential,” Bueckers admitted post-game. “The defense isn’t locking in, and when that happens, it’s hard to win.” The Wings’ defense ranks last in the league, allowing 110.2 points per 100 possessions, per Basketball Reference.
Why the Sun Are No. 1—and What It Means for the Playoffs
The Sun’s rise to the top spot isn’t just about Gray’s scoring. Behind her, the team boasts a balanced attack with Azura Stephens (15.5 PPG, 10.0 RPG) and Aphroditi Papamichail (12.0 PPG, 6.0 APG) providing secondary scoring and playmaking. Their defense, once a liability, now ranks 10th in the league, thanks in part to the emergence of Natasha Cloud, who leads the team in steals (2.3 SPG).
What separates the Sun from the rest? Their ability to win ugly. In their last five games, they’ve outscored opponents by an average of 18.6 points, yet their offensive efficiency (110.5 points per 100 possessions) remains among the top five in the league. “We’re not waiting for the other team to make mistakes,” Miller said. “We’re making them ourselves.”
For the Wings, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With the playoffs starting in just two weeks, Detroit must turn things around quickly—or risk missing out entirely. The team holds the WNBA’s No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft, but that won’t help if they don’t qualify for the postseason. “We’re not out of it yet,” head coach Cheryl Reeve said. “But we need to start playing like we did in the first half of the season.”
Full WNBA Power Rankings: Who’s Rising, Who’s Falling
Here’s the latest top 10, based on record, recent performance, and playoff implications:
- 1. Connecticut Sun (21-10) – Gray’s dominance and balanced scoring keep them atop the standings.
- 2. Las Vegas Aces (20-11) – A 3-1 week against Phoenix and Detroit solidifies their No. 2 spot.
- 3. New York Liberty (19-12) – Sabrina Ionescu’s return from injury has reignited their offense.
- 4. Seattle Storm (18-13) – An eight-game losing streak has dropped them to fourth, but Breanna Stewart remains a threat.
- 5. Phoenix Mercury (17-14) – Brittney Griner’s leadership keeps them in the playoff hunt.
- 6. Chicago Sky (16-15) – Caitlin Clark’s scoring has stabilized the team, but their defense is a concern.
- 7. Atlanta Dream (16-15) – Aphroditi Papamichail’s trade to Connecticut has left a void.
- 8. Dallas Wings (15-16) – A late-season push could keep them in the mix.
- 9. Minnesota Lynx (14-17) – Sylvia Fowles’ veteran presence is keeping them competitive.
- 10. Detroit Wings (10-21) – Nine losses in a row have dropped them to the bottom of the standings.
Key Storylines: What’s Next for the Top Teams?
The next two weeks will determine which teams secure playoff berths. Here’s what to watch:
- Sun vs. Aces (June 19) – A rematch of last week’s close game could decide the No. 1 seed.
- Liberty at Storm (June 20) – The Liberty need a win to stay in the playoff hunt.
- Wings’ Final Stand – Detroit has just two games left before the playoffs. A win over the Sky on June 22 would be a morale boost.
- Clark’s Scoring Streak – Caitlin Clark has scored 30+ points in three straight games. Can she lead Chicago to a playoff push?
Why the Wings’ Struggles Matter Beyond Detroit
The Wings’ nine-game losing streak isn’t just a local story—it’s a microcosm of a larger WNBA trend. Teams with All-Stars like Bueckers and Stewart are failing to translate individual talent into team success. “You can’t just rely on one player,” said Sabrina Ionescu, the Liberty’s point guard. “The best teams have depth, and that’s what separates the contenders from the rest.”
For the Wings, the clock is ticking. The WNBA playoffs start on June 26, and with only three spots remaining in the Eastern Conference, every game counts. “We’re not giving up,” Bueckers said. “But we have to start playing like we believe we can win.”
What Happens Next: Playoff Picture and Draft Implications
The next confirmed checkpoint is the WNBA Draft Lottery on June 17, where Detroit will learn their exact draft position. Meanwhile, the final regular-season games will determine the last playoff spots. The Eastern Conference semifinals begin on June 28, with the WNBA Finals set for early August.
For fans, the action doesn’t stop here. The WNBA All-Star Game is just around the corner (July 10 in Las Vegas), where Gray and Bueckers will likely face off in a star-studded showcase.
What do you think? Can the Wings turn things around, or are the Sun poised for a deep playoff run? Share your predictions in the comments below.
X/Twitter:
CHELSEA GRAY 🔥 33 PTS, 12-12 FROM 3PT, 6 REBS, 5 ASTS 🏀
CONNECTICUT SUN 116, PHOENIX MERCURY 98 🏆
#WNBA #SunWNBA #ChelseaGray
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