The Best Moments From the 2022 WNBA Season
There was plenty to love about the WNBA season in 2022. The league grew in popularity, new records were set, and new players emerged. But there was also sadness and goodbyes, as several legends walked away from their respective teams. This WNBA season also had a number of heart-breaking moments.
It was a year to remember for fans and athletes alike. A’ja Wilson made history by becoming the fifth player in WNBA history to win the MVP and DPOY awards in the same season. Her Ruffles endorsement deal was the first of its kind for a female athlete. And the Las Vegas Aces won the inaugural championship in their WNBA debut. Other major moments included Sylvia Fowles’ two championships, Sue Bird’s 20 All-Star nods, and the departure of Griner.
Griner’s release after 10 months in Russian custody was one of the most heartbreaking moments of the season. Several teams and players kept her name alive, even as her situation became more complicated. In fact, the WNBA amplified the story to help her get released. Players displayed Griner’s initials on the court, wore her jerseys at the All-Star game, and played with her jersey in the All-Star game.
The Seattle Storm were one of the top teams in the WNBA during the 2022 season. However, they were upset in the playoffs against the Las Vegas Aces. During the regular season, the Aces led the league in both scoring and field goal percentage. They were also the first seed in the playoffs. Although they lost, the Storm were still in championship form.
Shakira Austin was an integral part of the Washington Mystics’ defensive success. She had a fantastic debut and played excellent defense from the outset of the season. Even though she split time with Elizabeth Williams, she still contributed 8.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, and just under an assist per game. As a rookie, she starred in the W and started all 32 games. Despite the pressure, she had a successful first year in the WNBA.
Courtney Vandersloot and Azura Stevens were both excellent in the WNBA. Both women showed great versatility in defending. Their tenacity against some of the best individual defenders in the league led to some excellent results. With eight points in Game 4, Sue Bird was named the WNBA’s assists leader for the year.
The Las Vegas Aces are known for their charisma and gravitas. This was apparent in their WNBA Championship victory over the Connecticut Sun. It was the Aces’ first championship in their WNBA debut and the team’s first Finals appearance in the league.
The Seattle Storm went down to the Las Vegas Aces in the playoffs. After being slowed down in the regular season, the Aces exploded in the playoffs. They defeated the Sky in the WNBA Finals, securing the second Commissioner’s Cup of their WNBA career.
It is hard to say where the 2022 WNBA season will go from here. One thing is certain: a lot of big moments are yet to come.
