Aussie Watch: Melbourne heats up ahead of World Cup

With the FIBA World Cup fast-approaching, Jade Melbourne's form continues to get stronger with the Seattle Storm.

The point guard has now scored in double figures in five of her past six matches, including her most recent showing of 15 points, 4 rebounds and 2 steals against Dallas.

In that same game, former Melbourne Boomers star Ezi Magbegor added 2 points, 4 boards, 3 dimes and 1 block for the Storm.

Adelaide Lightning star Steph Talbot has steered the Aces to back-to-back wins against Connecticut (5 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and 1 block) and Toronto (9 points and 1 rebound).

Bendigo star and reigning WNBL MVP Issy Borlase (8 points against Los Angeles) continues to provide a spark off the bench for Atlanta, helping the Dream rattle off three straight wins and continue their Finals push.

UC Capitals' Nyadiew Puoch has excelled on both ends of the court for Portland, with her standout game (8 points, 4 boards and 3 dimes) from the past week coming against Toronto, coached by Opals' Sandy Brondello.

WNBL25 MVP Sami Whitcomb hit two triples on her way to 6 points, 5 assists and 2 boards for Phoenix, in the match with Atlanta.

Elsewhere, Australian Opal Bec Allen put up 14 points, 5 boards, 2 steals, 1 assist and 1 block against Chicago, and now has more than 10 points in five of her past seven fixtures, while rising talent Georgia Amoore posted 10 points, 5 rebounds and 5 dimes in Washington's clash with Minnesota.

Other notable performances in the WNBA from the past week include Geelong's Han Xu (12 points, 7 rebounds and 1 block for New York against Chicago), Tasmanian duo Madina Okot (12 points, 6 rebounds and 2 dimes for Atlanta against Los Angeles) and Gianna Kneepkens (6 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal for Connecticut against Los Angeles) and New Zealand product Charlisse Leger-Walker (10 points, 4 assists, 3 boards and 2 blocks for Connecticut against Las Vegas).