Early in the season, these WNBA talents have drawn attention.
A number of players have become breakthrough stars as the 2024 WNBA season goes on, enthralling spectators with their outstanding on-court exploits. Seattle Storm’s Ezi Magbegor, who has played a key role in her team’s early success, is leading this outstanding group. Magbegor hasn’t been the only player to make an impression early in the season. The Phoenix Mercury’s Kahleah Copper, the Dallas Wings’ Arike Ogunbowale, the Los Angeles Sparks’ Dearica Hamby, and the Minnesota Lynx’s Kayla McBride have all demonstrated their abilities and helped their teams win. Take a deeper look at these WNBA breakout stars’ incredible performances.
Ezi Magbegor, a defensive anchor
With an average of three blocks per game, Ezi Magbegor leads the WNBA in block total. He has been a defensive force for the Seattle Storm. In a recent game against the Mercury, she recorded nine rebounds, three blocks, and two steals, demonstrating her defensive skills in full. Magbegor’s skills go beyond defence; according to the Associated Press, she is averaging 13.6 points and 8.6 rebounds per game, demonstrating her all-around ability. Her significance to the Storm was demonstrated on Tuesday when she received a one-year, $186,000 contract extension, demonstrating her dedication to the team.
Magbegor has been invaluable to the Storm because of her versatility as a guard and her presence in the paint. Skylar Diggins-Smith, a teammate, has acknowledged her influence by saying, “Ezi makes everything so easy.” She frequently blocks my photos on assignments, so I say, “Thank you for always having my back.” She is in every place. The best defense-related aid available.
Magbegor is a serious contender for Defensive Player of the Year given her current play.
Kahleah Copper, the offensive juggernaut
This season, Kahleah Copper has elevated her game to new heights, averaging 22.5 points per game as opposed to 18.7 points per game the previous year. According to Ian Levy of Fansided, Copper has had incredible shooting efficiency, converting 42.8% of his field goals, 39.4% of his three-pointers, and 80.4% of his free throws from the line. The Phoenix Mercury have relied heavily on her ability to score at all three levels, particularly with Brittney Griner out of the lineup.
The league is taking note after Copper scored 38 and 37 points in back-to-back games. Her outstanding performance against the reigning champion Las Vegas Aces cemented her place as a front-runner for MVP. According to ESPN’s Alexa Philippou, Copper attributes her progress to the training she did throughout the offseason. She stated, “I took pride in being a three-level scorer, but I wanted to be more consistent.” Her importance to the Mercury’s offence is highlighted by her consistency and high use rate of 33.6%.
Arike Ogunbowale, the dominant force in Dallas
With 26.6 points per game, Arike Ogunbowale leads the league in scoring for the Dallas Wings and is still a formidable force. Ogunbowale has carried the offensive load despite the team’s injury problems, maintaining her career-high usage rate of 33.1%. It’s amazing how well she can score in a variety of ways and manage the strain of being the team’s main scorer.
For the Wings, Ogunbowale’s play has been crucial, particularly with important players like Natasha Howard and Satou Sabally out. Despite a difficult season, her leadership and scoring ability have kept the club competitive.
Boards are being dominated by Dearica Hamby.
For the Los Angeles Sparks, Dearica Hamby has been a revelation, averaging a league-high 13.7 rebounds and 22 points per game. The success of the Sparks has been greatly attributed to Hamby, who has recorded double-doubles in two of the team’s first three games. Against her old team, the Aces, she scored a career-high 29 points. Her mindset was commended by Sparks head coach Curt Miller, who said, “She has a lot of goals for herself personally.” She has always been unique in this league because of her energy, but at the moment, she is playing with confidence and resolve.
Because of her ability to score consistently and control the boards, Hamby has become a vital member of the Sparks’ starting lineup. Her growth this season is evidence of her diligence and hard effort.
Minnesota’s adaptable scorer Kayla McBride
For the Minnesota Lynx, Kayla McBride has had an incredible start to the season, averaging 16 points, 3.9 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per contest. According to Zackery Rogers of Fansided, McBride has shot 49.1% of her three-pointers from beyond the arc, demonstrating remarkable skill. The Lynx are currently 6-2, and much of their success can be attributed to her ability to move without the ball and create scoring opportunities.
McBride’s flexibility and scoring prowess have been a major asset to the Lynx, who now have four players with double-digit scoring averages. Her contributions to the team’s offensive this season have demonstrated her value and potential for future success.
Several athletes have stepped up and given standout performances in the 2024 season. The WNBA’s breakout talents, Kayla McBride, Arike Ogunbowale, Dearica Hamby, Ezi Magbegor, and Kahleah Copper, each brought special qualities to their respective teams. These players will be vital members of their teams as the season goes on, propelling them towards a championship title and making a lasting impression on the league.
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