2016 WNBA season update

DALLAS WINGS: 9-16, fifth in Western Conference

Currently sitting outside a playoff position, Dallas still have time to make up the difference with just 1.5 games separating them from third place. The Olympic break could not have come at a better time as they are currently on a six-game losing streak but a 7-5 record against conference rivals will give them confidence in retaking a finals spot.

Erin Phillips- Phillips has not maintained the starting role which she began the season with, seeing her minutes drop to 15 per game. She is still proving a deadly shot, hitting 41% from beyond the arc and 91% from the free-throw line which puts her in good stead for Australia’s campaign in Rio next month.

NEW YORK LIBERTY: 18-8, first in Eastern Conference

4.5 games clear on top of the ladder, New York have been the dominant team in the East this season with a 10-2 record against conference rivals. Surprisingly, they are only 8-5 at home but their 10-3 road record will give them confidence heading into the playoffs if they have to play away from Madison Square Garden.

Rebecca Allen- Arriving late to the Liberty, Allen debuted in the 2016 season with eight points in just 12 minutes. She has been a model of efficiency since, averaging five points per game in less than 11 minutes off the bench with a season-high 19 points coming against Washington on July 20. She has shot 10-17 from the three-point line so far at a team-high 59%.

SEATTLE STORM: 9-15, fourth in Western Conference

Sitting only a game ahead of Dallas, Seattle are currently on track for their first playoff series since 2013. However, they have just a 3-8 road record this season and still have six games away from home to play including a four-game road trip in early September.

Jenna O’Hea- Maintaining her career averages across the board despite playing two less minutes per game this year, O’Hea is averaging 3.8 points. She tallied ten points against Indiana on June 12 while a season high 14 points came against Phoenix on June 3 when she shot 4-7 from beyond the arc.

Abby Bishop- An interrupted season due to camp commitments with the Opals, Bishop has played nine games, scoring in four of them. Her defence is more vital to the side though and Seattle give up four points less per game when Bishop is in the team.

PHOENIX MERCURY: 10-14, third in Western Conference

A top-two finish is out of reach for Phoenix and while they are sitting third in the West, Seattle and Dallas are nipping at their heels. They must improve their 2-9 conference record to secure that placing with games against the Wings on August 26 and the Storm on September 15 shaping as must-win clashes.

Penny Taylor- Starting all 15 games at the beginning of the season, Taylor is averaging 13.3 points, four rebounds and 3.8 assists per game (second for the Mercury). She reached double-figures in scoring in 11 of those games with a season-high of 25 points coming against Minnesota on May 25. However, a recent hip injury has interrupted her WNBA season and should keep her out of the Opals warm-up games leading into Rio although her Olympic campaign does not look in doubt.