What a historical 2022 WNBA season. The Aces won their first WNBA championship with a new coach Becky Hammon. The Point Gawddddd Chelsea Gray was the Finals MVP and what a year she had after the All-Star snub. Gray won the Commissioner’s Cup MVP and the rest its history. Finally, let’s not forget about two-time MVP A’ja Wilson. Her numbers were incredible, but her presence during the postseason is one for the history book. She dominated every second of the playoffs. Even on the few bad games, she contributed with her leadership and guided the Aces to a ring.
Penny
Atlanta Dream
The Dream’s 2022 season was another historical moment. The new ambiance of the Dream was one to remember, with new coach Tanisha Wright and a new front office with GM Dan Padover, who came from the Las Vegas Aces. The Atlanta Dream felt like a new team from last year’s team because only four returned from last season. Nevertheless, great things were happening for the Dream, a 4-0 start, Rhyne Howard Rookie of the Year, veteran and the 2019 All-Star MVP Erica Wheeler, second-year guard Aari McDonald who played more minutes this year than last season and was a crucial part of the Dream’s early success.
Australian guard Kristy Wallace was another crucial part of the Dream’s comeback year. Cheyenne Parker had her best season in a while. After giving birth to her daughter, she returned even better and the reason why the Dream almost made it to the playoffs. Let’s not forget about rookie Naz Hillmon; she delivered this season with her ability to score, rebound and presence on the court. Even though the Dream had a 14-22 record, great things happened this season and the future is bright for this organization after everything that occurred last season. The attendance was out of this world this season in the Gateway Center Arena; they sold out five of their 11 home games, according to Across the Timeline.
LaDarius
Without question, my favorite moment was about two of the league’s best players, Breanna Stewart of the Seattle Storm and A’ja Wilson of the Aces. The race for the league MVP was one of the most exciting to watch. Ultimately, Wilson came out on top, winning her second MVP award in her career over Stewart. All in all, we saw the future of the league and it’s brighter than ever with Wilson and Stewart.
Honorable Mentions
The 2022 WNBA season will be unforgettable for valid reasons. Four WNBA players retired this season. The WNBA won’t be the same next season without these four players. Let’s start with Sue Bird, who had a 20-year career and played for one team her entire career. That is rare and special in sports. Let’s continue with the most dominant center in the history of the WNBA, sweet Sylvia Fowles (14 years in the league). Then, a defensive threat Briann January (13 years in the league), played with Bird in Seattle this season. And lastly, Kia Vaughn, who many did not know would retire this year. She had a 13-year career and was a vital part of the second unit for Atlanta this season.
All those mentioned above will be missed in their unique way.
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