Olivia Miles has helped push Minnesota to the front

The Minnesota Lynx have not just started well — they have looked like one of the league’s early measuring-stick teams. Olivia Miles has been a huge part of that story, giving Minnesota another dynamic guard who can push tempo, create offense and make the Lynx feel more dangerous than expected this early. For a team already built around strong structure and veteran confidence, Miles has added a fresh spark that makes Minnesota’s start feel even more real.

Jun 1, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Minnesota Lynx guard Olivia Miles (5) and Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams (10) slap hands during the second half of the game against the Phoenix Mercury at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images — Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Dream look like an East problem

Atlanta has opened the season looking less like a team trying to figure itself out and more like a team ready to make noise right now. With Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Brionna Jones and Angel Reese giving the Dream a mix of scoring, toughness and personality, Atlanta has quickly become one of the more interesting teams in the league. The surprise is not that the Dream have talent — it is how quickly that talent has started to look connected.

May 12, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) and guard Rhyne Howard (10) celebrate during the second half against the Dallas Wings at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images — Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Dallas is growing up faster than expected

The Dallas Wings entered the season with plenty of intrigue, but their early start has made them feel like more than a future-looking project. Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd and Jessica Shepard have given Dallas different ways to win, and the Wings have already shown they can play with real confidence against strong competition. For a young team, that kind of early belief matters. Dallas has gone from interesting to dangerous in a hurry.

May 3, 2026; Austin, TX, USA; Dallas Wings guards Azzi Fudd (35) and Paige Bueckers (5) at the start of the second half against the Las Vegas Aces at Moody Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images — Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

The expansion teams are not playing like expansion teams

One of the best surprises of the season is how competitive the league’s newer teams have been. Golden State, Portland and Toronto have all made the standings feel crowded, and Portland’s win over Indiana showed how quickly an expansion team can become a problem. Instead of looking like easy nights on the schedule, these teams have brought energy, depth and fresh identity to the league almost immediately.

Jun 3, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Toronto Tempo forward Laura Juskaite (2) grabs a rebound from New York Liberty center Jonquel Jones (35) in the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images — Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

The Fever are still searching for their smoothest version

Indiana remains one of the league’s biggest draws, but the Fever’s start has been more uneven than expected. Caitlin Clark is still producing historic moments and carrying enormous attention, but Indiana has already had nights where the offense looked uncomfortable and the pressure felt heavy. That does not mean the Fever are in trouble, but it does make their early season more complicated — and more interesting — than a simple star-powered rise.