Power Rankings Deep Dive: What's Fueling the Lynx and Liberty's Dominance?

We’re only a few weeks into the 2025 WNBA season, but two teams are playing like they’ve read the script, stolen the show, and walked off the court with the trophy: the Minnesota Lynx and the New York Liberty. Both teams are undefeated heading into week 3 and making it look easy. So what’s fueling their dominance? Let’s break it down Sports Girls Club style!

1. Minnesota Lynx (8-0): The Defensive Dynasty Reloaded

Courtesy of Bruce Kluckhohn / AP Photo

Theme Song: “Run the World (Girls)” by Beyoncé

The Lynx are 8-0, first place overall, and doing it with old-school grit and modern finesse. They're that team that shows up early, finishes their homework, and still beats you at your own game. So, what is fueling them beyond raw talent and a hot start? It’s identity.

This is a team that knows exactly who they are.Defensively ruthless, offensively efficient, and emotionally locked-in. There’s no confusion, no hesitation, just trust in the system and trust in each other.

Defensive mastermind Cheryl Reeve, Head Coach of the Lynx, is leading the team with calculated intensity and a defense-first mentality - hence why their defense is giving Fort Knox. With the scariest guards out front, Naphessa Collier and Alanna Smith - yeah, no thanks I’ll go turn the ball over on purpose and get out of their way. The Lynx are forcing teams into low shooting percentages and messy possessions. Their defensive rotations are crisp, and help defense is always there. Opposing offenses look like they’re trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube mid-game. I would be remiss to not talk about Queen Phee. Steady, iconic, and ready to headline. She’s crashing the boards, defending 1-5, and scoring like she’s allergic to losing. This is the fully realized Phee era — MVP talk should not just be encouraged, it should be mandatory. But this spotlight shouldn’t just be on her. Role players are buying in. Minnesota isn’t winning with just stars — it’s depth. Bench minutes are meaningful. Every player looks like they’ve been through a military-grade team-building retreat and came back stronger. So far, Minnesota is looking like a team for both June wins and October banners. 

The Lynx aren’t just good. They’re sustainable and consistent.

2. New York Liberty (7-0): The Superteam Has Entered Its Villain Era

Courtesy of the Sports Economist

Theme Song: “Style” by Taylor Swift

The Liberty are 7-0, have the second best overall record, and flex in every game like they're trying to land on the cover of Vogue and ESPN simultaneously. Their confidence? Earned. Their roster? Stacked. Their vibe? Untouchable. Every possession feels purposeful. Every pass, every cut — it’s jazz, baby. Controlled, creative, and completely in sync.

Sabrina Ionescu is playing with ice in her veins — cool, calculated, and in command. She’s not just scoring; she’s spacing the floor and setting the tempo like a point guard with a PhD in poise. Add in Breanna Stewart’s versatility and Jonquel Jones’ paint dominance, and suddenly, this team looks less like a roster and more like a problem.

Coaching continuity is finally paying off. Sandy Brondello has found her rhythm, and so has the team. The chemistry is real — whether it’s a transition three or a late-game stop, you get the sense the Liberty already knows how the play ends.

Coming off their first-ever championship win last season, this team has the formula to run it back: space the floor, move the ball, and trust your stars. It’s clean. It’s clinical. And it’s cool as hell.

Rounding Out the Rankings: Teams Making Noise

3. Phoenix Mercury (5-3)

Courtesy of the Phoenix Mercury

Current Vibe: “The comeback tour is hitting.”

Kahleah Copper is the engine — aggressive, vocal, and fearless. Add a healthier Brittney Griner and Diana Taurasi’s occasional vintage moments, and this team has the juice. The Footprint Center has become a fortress.

4. Seattle Storm (4-4)

Courtesy of the Seattle Storm

Current Vibe: “Slow burn... but hot.”

Skylar Diggins-Smith is back in assassin mode, Gabby Williams brings athleticism and defensive chaos, while Nneka Ogwumike adds leadership and steady two-way impact. They’re not flashy yet — but that might be exactly why they’re dangerous.

5. Atlanta Dream (5-2)

Courtesy of the Atlanta Dream

Current Vibe: “Power-couple energy with communication issues.”

Rhyne Howard is a star. The team is athletic and aggressive. But they struggle with consistency, especially when forced into half-court sets. If they can clean up defensive lapses, they’re a real problem.

Falling Behind: Who Needs to Hit the Panic Button?

6. Indiana Fever (3-4)

Courtesy of the Indiana Fever

Vibe: “The reality show with a million viewers and a million critiques.”

Yes, Caitlin Clark is the moment, but the system around her is still in beta mode. Poor spacing, defensive struggles, and frequent turnovers are slowing their climb. That said, this team isn’t a bust, just a work in progress.

7. Connecticut Sun (1-6)

Courtesy of the Connecticut Sun

Vibe: “The main character in a drama series where everything goes wrong... every week.”

This is uncharted territory for a team usually known for grit and grind. They've yet to find a rhythm offensively, and their 0-2 record at home is worrying. Alyssa Thomas can only do so much.

8. Chicago Sky (2-4)

Courtesy of the Chicago Sky

Vibe: “Rebuilding… but it’s being live-streamed.”

Angel Reese is doing her part on the glass, and the effort is there. But without consistent scoring and interior presence, this young squad is taking their lumps. It’s a season for development, not domination.

Final Takeaway

The Lynx are doing it with cohesion and crushing defense. The Liberty? With firepower and flair. They’re on different paths but heading toward the same destination: title contention.

And unless something major shifts, everyone else is playing catch-up.

Whether you're here for the analytics or just the drama, one thing’s clear: the WNBA is delivering must-watch basketball, and the Lynx and Liberty are leading the revolution.