The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) has been a leading professional women’s basketball league since its creation in 1996. Over the years, it has gained popularity and recognition as one of the most competitive and exciting leagues in the world of basketball. With talented players from all around the globe, the WNBA never fails to impress fans with its high level of play and intense competition.
In this blog post, we will take an in-depth look at the 2020 WNBA season and highlight some of the top performances and moments that made this season one to remember. From record-breaking plays to inspiring comebacks, let’s relive the excitement of the WNBA season and celebrate the amazing accomplishments of these talented athletes.
Overview of the WNBA Season
The 2020 WNBA season was unlike any other due to the ongoing pandemic. The league faced many challenges and had to make numerous adjustments to ensure the safety of its players and staff. However, despite these obstacles, the season successfully kicked off on July 25th with a reduced schedule of 22 regular-season games per team.
The WNBA also took a stand for social justice this season, dedicating the entire year to Breonna Taylor and the Say Her Name campaign. Players wore jerseys with Taylor’s name on the back, and the courts were decorated with “Black Lives Matter” slogans, showing the league’s commitment to using their platform for important social causes.
Despite the unusual circumstances, the WNBA did not disappoint in terms of quality of play. The league showcased some of the best talent in women’s basketball, and fans were treated to nail-biting games and jaw-dropping performances throughout the season.
Top Highlights of the Season
The 2020 WNBA season was filled with memorable moments, but here are some of the top highlights that stood out:
Breanna Stewart’s Comeback
After missing the entire 2019 season due to an injury, Seattle Storm’s Breanna Stewart made a triumphant return to the court. The former MVP picked up right where she left off, dominating the game and leading her team to their second championship in three years. Stewart averaged 19.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, solidifying her spot as one of the best players in the league.
Diana Taurasi’s Record-Breaking Three-Pointers
Phoenix Mercury’s Diana Taurasi is already considered one of the greatest players in WNBA history, but this season, she added another accolade to her impressive resume. On August 9th, Taurasi became the all-time leader in three-pointers made, surpassing NBA legend Ray Allen’s record of 2,973. She finished the season with a total of 1,015 three-pointers made, further solidifying her legacy as one of the best shooters in basketball.
A’ja Wilson’s MVP Performance
Las Vegas Aces’ A’ja Wilson had a breakout season, earning her first MVP award and leading her team to the top seed in the playoffs. The 6’4″ forward averaged 20.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game, showcasing her dominant presence on both ends of the court. With her unstoppable post moves and fierce competitiveness, Wilson proved herself as one of the brightest young stars in the WNBA.
Sabrina Ionescu’s Debut
The number one draft pick, Sabrina Ionescu, made her highly anticipated debut for the New York Liberty this season. Despite facing some early-season struggles, Ionescu showed glimpses of her potential and recorded the first triple-double in WNBA history. Unfortunately, her season was cut short due to an ankle injury, but she has already established herself as a player to watch in the future.
Top Performances by Players
Aside from the highlights mentioned above, there were many outstanding performances by players throughout the 2020 WNBA season. Here are some of the top performers who stood out:
Arike Ogunbowale
Dallas Wings’ Arike Ogunbowale had an exceptional sophomore season, averaging 22.8 points per game and finishing second in the league’s scoring race. She also had several impressive performances, including a career-high 39 points against the Washington Mystics and a game-winning buzzer-beater against the New York Liberty.
Ogunbowale’s quickness, shooting ability, and clutch gene make her a dangerous player on the court, and she will undoubtedly continue to be a top scorer in the league in the upcoming seasons.
Courtney Vandersloot
Chicago Sky’s Courtney Vandersloot had a historic season, breaking the single-season record for assists with a total of 220, surpassing WNBA legend Ticha Penicheiro’s previous record of 206. Vandersloot is known for her superb passing abilities and was a key contributor in leading her team to the playoffs this year.
Not only did she break the assist record, but Vandersloot also became the first player in WNBA history to average double-digit assists for the season, finishing with an average of 10.0 per game.
Myisha Hines-Allen
Washington Mystics’ Myisha Hines-Allen stepped up in a big way this season, filling in for injured star players and earning the Most Improved Player award. She led her team in scoring and rebounding, averaging 17.0 points and 8.9 rebounds per game.
Hines-Allen’s versatility and efficiency on both ends of the court made her one of the most valuable players for the Mystics this season, and she will continue to be a key player for the team in the future.
Jonquel Jones
After sitting out the 2019 season, Connecticut Sun’s Jonquel Jones made a huge impact for her team this year and earned First Team All-WNBA honors. The 6’6″ center led the league in rebounds with an average of 9.7 per game and also contributed 19.4 points and 3.1 assists per game.
Jones’ length, athleticism, and all-around skills make her a dominant force in the paint, and she will play a crucial role in leading the Sun to success in the coming seasons.
Conclusion
The 2020 WNBA season was one for the books, filled with impressive performances, record-breaking moments, and inspiring displays of athleticism. Despite the challenges faced, the league was able to deliver a thrilling season that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
While the season has come to an end, the WNBA continues to grow and evolve, showcasing some of the best basketball in the world and inspiring future generations of female athletes. We can’t wait to see what the next season has in store for us, and we can only imagine how the players will continue to raise the bar and push the boundaries of the game.
