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After (almost) three games for every WNBL team, we are beginning to get an idea of what this season is going to look like. It’s too early to make any predictions, but not too early to appreciate some of the leading players.
The vets carry the Bendigo Spirit to the top of the league
The Townsville Fire and Bendigo Spirit are the two unbeaten teams, but the Spirit have played one more game and their lowest margin of victory was 14 points. Two of those wins came against the two winless teams, the UC Capitals and Adelaide Lightning, but at this stage, three games into the season, that’s enough for them to earn the distinction as the WNBL’s best team.
On opening night, two-time WNBA champ and Seattle Storm stalwart Sami Whitcomb set the tone for the season, scoring 28 points; she remains the league leader with 26.7 points per game. She’s also averaging seven rebounds and 4.3 dimes per game. At 36 years old, the American-born shooter is still dominant on the court, just as is her 2024 Olympic teammate with the Australian Opals, Marianna Tolo. The 35-year-old big didn’t enjoy the same success in the States as Whitcomb, as she played only one season in the W for the Los Angeles Sparks back in 2015, but Tolo has been an integral part of Spirit’s hot start, averaging 15 points and 9.7 boards per game. Plus, the Spirit’s point guard, Kelly Wilson, is the league leader in assists. At 40 years old!
Americans continue to impress
While the WNBL is understandably dominated by Australians, the two roster spots for foreign players are not filled by accidental names. Lauren Cox, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2020 WNBA Draft, is averaging league-high four blocks per game, along with 15 points and 6.5 boards, for the undefeated Fire. Brianna Turner, of the WNBA’s Chicago Sky, is the league leader in rebounds and steals, with 14 and four per contest, accordingly. Former Michigan Wolverine Nicole Munger is the league leader in 3-point percentage at 66.7 percent (8-of-12).
League standings
1. Bendigo Spirit (3-0)
2. Townsville Fire (2-0)
3. Perth Lynx (2-1)
4. Sydney Flames (1-1)
5. Geelong United (1-2)
6. Southside Flyers (1-2)
7. Adelaide Lightning (0-2)
8. Canberra Capitals (0-2)
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