​The 2026 WNBA season has been full of surprises. From unexpected win streaks and losing skids to shocking player performances, no prediction is safe — except maybe that Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson will win a record fifth MVP and Minnesota Lynx point guard Olivia Miles will win Rookie of the Year.The Lynx and Aces lead the WNBA standings with respective 18-6 and 17-7 records, but which team tops our power rankings? And, what trend or player has been the biggest surprise from each franchise at the halfway point of the year?We break it all down in this week’s USA TODAY Sports’ WNBA power rankings, released every Tuesday this season:More: Breanna Stewart, A’ja Wilson among 2026 WNBA All-Star starters1. Golden State Valkyries (17-7)Previous rank: 2 (⬆1)What is the biggest surprise at the midway point? Overall successThe Valkyries lead the league in made 3-pointers game (10.6) and have the second-best defensive rating behind the Lynx (100.4). While those facts shouldn’t come as a shock with head coach Natalie Nakase at the helm, this expansion team’s sustained success is no less impressive. Golden State, which made a playoff run in its inaugural season, is a game back of the top spot in the league’s standings.Golden State forced a season-best 20 turnovers in Wednesday’s 83-75 win over the Toronto Tempo. The Valkyries then bested that mark against the Connecticut Sun by forcing 22 turnovers in a 79-64 win on Friday.2. Minnesota Lynx (18-6)Previous rank: 1 (⬇1)What is the biggest surprise at midway point? Record without Napheesa CollierWhen it was announced that five-time All-Star forward Napheesa Collier would be out with an ankle injury to start the season, expectations took a nosedive. Minnesota’s stock dropped even more with free agency departures. Despite all that, the Lynx sit alone atop the WNBA standings.After consecutive wins over the Connecticut Sun, New York Liberty and Phoenix Mercury, it’s clear that the Lynx’s resilience shouldn’t be questioned. Rookie All-Star starter Olivia Miles came back from a two-game absence (calf) with 23 points against the Liberty and 33 versus the Mercury.And the scariest part? Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said Collier is “really close” to a return.3. Las Vegas Aces (17-7)Previous rank: 3 (⬌)What is the biggest surprise at midway point? G Justine PissottWhether you were surprised the Aces waived early 2026 Sixth Player of the Year favorite Chennedy Carter, it’s safe to say her replacement came in and exceeded expectations. Justine Pissott, a 6-foot-4 guard who was signed to Carter’s roster spot, made five 3-pointers in her debut — a WNBA record. She was stunningly efficient with 17 points in 10 minutes on 6-of-7 shooting from the floor.4. Dallas Wings (16-8)Previous rank: 5 (⬆1)What is the biggest surprise at midway point?F Jessica ShepardAfter coming over in free agency from the Minnesota Lynx, Jessica Shepard has excelled in a season where most expected teammate Alanna Smith to breakout. A first-