WNBA: Clark fatigue, Aces falling brief and different disappointments

Expectations can result in disappointment, and that is definitely true in a couple of conditions this WNBA season. Listed below are three of probably the most disappointing storylines thus far:

Caitlin Clark fatigue

Photograph by Quinn Harris/Getty Pictures

I’ve the eye on Clark as each a shock and a disappointment. Seeing the league get an inflow of consideration has been a pleasure. Nevertheless, it has been disappointing watching folks use Clark to push their very own agendas in ways in which typically really feel sexist and racist.

I hope that because the season continues, I will be much less and fewer disillusioned with the drama created by Clark’s existence. She’s actually simply taking part in basketball and doing properly, so if folks can take pleasure in her sport and the league’s expertise, we are able to all get alongside. If not, this can be an ongoing development for years.

What’s up with the Aces?

Photograph by Ethan Miller/Getty Pictures

The Aces was once thought-about THE superpower within the WNBA, however they’ve regarded pedestrian this 12 months. At the moment 11-6, the Aces have already matched their loss complete for final 12 months. And with the Minnesota Lynx stunning us all as a top-four workforce and the Commissioner’s Cup champions, immediately, not solely do the Aces look beatable, additionally they aren’t the favorites to win all of it.

Now, it needs to be famous that Vegas was lacking Chelsea Grey for a lot of the season, and with the Level Gawd returning, they’ve regarded significantly better, successful five-straight video games. Nonetheless, in the event that they proceed to battle to stack up wins and the dynasty speak ends not with a three-peat however with a whimper within the playoffs, will probably be onerous to not be disillusioned within the Aces.

The losers are shedding

Photograph by Stephen Gosling/NBAE through Getty Pictures

Within the WNBA, there isn’t any center class, simply the haves and the have-nots. In 2024, the hole between the 2 classes has elevated, with three groups at the moment with a successful proportion under .300. Final 12 months, solely two groups ended the season with successful percentages that low.

That is probably the most aggressive league within the basketball world, and that competitiveness implies that if you do not have three or extra All-Star-caliber gamers, you haven’t any probability of successful video games on a nightly foundation. Sadly, the Los Angeles Sparks, Washington Mystics and Dallas Wings fall into that class, and that is disappointing.

Hopefully, because the league grows, so will cap house and roster dimension so we are able to have a bit extra stability. At this level, it seems like these three groups haven’t any hope for this season and are already jockeying for place within the Paige Bueckers sweepstakes. That is not very best, with over half of the season remaining to play.