Efficiency has ramped up also

One of the complaints outsiders (mainly the Boneyard) have had was that Arike was a "high volume" shooter ("gunner" to us oldies). Recently her shooting percentage has been close to 50%, including 3 point shot attempts. It's also interesting that she's been getting 8-10 free throws a game now, whereas anything short of criminal assault had been a no-call earlier in the years. In effect she's earned her "bones" and is getting "star treatment". She's also lost a number of potential assists due to poor shooting of teammates.

AO seems to have a history of losing out (I'd say unfairly) on awards (see Asia Durr) and Collier/McCowan of late have also played well; so nothing is guaranteed.