At the start of the 2026 WNBA season, two teams were widely expected to contend for the championship. Among them were the New York Liberty and the Minnesota Lynx, with the latter anticipated to face challenges due to the absence of their MVP.

Currently, the New York Liberty, despite boasting star players like Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu, are struggling. Stewart continues to impress as one of the league's top performers, averaging 20.4 points per game. Ionescu appears to be regaining her form, but the Liberty have managed only two wins in their last nine games outside of their recent success in the WNBA Commissioner's Cup.

In contrast, the Dallas Wings have been on a roll, winning five straight games in the regular season. Their momentum poses a significant challenge to the Liberty as the two teams prepare to face off on Thursday, July 16, 2026. The Wings' guard Azzi Fudd has been a notable contributor during this surge.

This matchup highlights the shifting dynamics in the league, with the Wings emerging as strong contenders while the Liberty seek to regain their championship form.

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