The previous 4 months have been constructing towards this second. And after a report 44-game common season, the sphere is about and WNBA playoffs are lastly right here.
There are loads of storylines to comply with.
Will the Liberty achieve success in defending their title? Or will final yr’s runners-up, the Lynx, wreak vengeance on anybody of their path on their technique to the highest after a dramatic ending to the 2024 Finals?
Or will it’s the Aces, who completed the season on an insane 16-game profitable streak?
The Valkyries are the primary growth crew to safe a postseason berth in its inaugural season, setting a excessive bar for future newcomers.
The Caitlin Clark-less Fever and Nneka Ogwumike-led Storm are additionally within the combine for this yr’s crown.
Though the Lynx are the apparent front-runner to go all the way in which, this yr’s race does really feel like there’s the potential for extra upsets or a darkish horse to make a run given the league’s parity this season.
Storm coach Noelle Quinn beforehand mentioned that’s what makes this season “distinctive.”
“I’m undecided that I’ve seen something like this yr,” she mentioned. “Usually in earlier years, at a sure level within the season, you already know who the highest tier is and it simply hasn’t occurred this yr early. … Everyone has crushed all people sooner or later.”
It all begins with a four-game slate Sunday, with all eight groups vying to be topped this yr’s champion taking part in.
Here’s a breakdown of all 4 of the WNBA’s first-round collection:
(1) Minnesota Lynx vs. (8) Golden State Valkyries
Records: Lynx 34-10, Valkyries 23-21
Season collection: Lynx 4-0
Players to observe: Lynx F Napheesa Collier (23 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 1.6 BPG), Valkyries G Veronica Burton (12 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 6 APG)
Key matchup: The Lynx’s top-ranked protection versus the Valkyries’ Tenth-ranked offense. The Valkyries are going to have a very robust time producing on offense.
We already noticed this was a problem within the common season, with Golden State averaging 67.8 factors in opposition to the Lynx this season. Also, the Valkyries’ season-long 41 p.c crew capturing from the sphere is a league worst.
X issue: Natisha Hiedeman. She offers the Lynx a giant enhance off the bench, and he or she cooked the Valkyries up to now two conferences, pouring in 21 and 24 factors on 63.6 p.c capturing (60 p.c from 3.)
Kenney: Lynx in 2. The Valkyries had numerous franchise firsts this yr. But their first playoff recreation win must wait one other yr.
Lehman: Lynx in 2. Valkyries’ hopes of avoiding sweep dashed when Game 2 was moved out of Ballhalla.
(2) Las Vegas Aces vs. (7) Seattle Storm
Records: Aces 30-14, Storm 23-21
Season collection: Tied 2-2
Players to observe: Aces F A’ja Wilson (23.4 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 2.3 BPG), Storm F Nneka Ogwumike (18.3 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 51.9 FG%)
Key matchup: Can anybody cease Wilson, the three-time MVP who averaged 26.1 factors over the Aces’ season-ending 16-game profitable streak? Ezi Magbegor will get first crack. Perhaps it’s a possibility for 6-foot-6 rookie Dominique Malonga, the No. 2 choose within the draft.
X issue: The resuscitation of the Aces’ season roughly coincides with Becky Hammon shifting six-time All-Star Jewell Loyd to the bench. Her scoring, when she’s on, nonetheless can tilt video games.
Kenney: Aces in 2. Las Vegas is the most well liked crew within the WNBA. The Storm aren’t placing out this fireplace.
Lehman: Aces in 2. A’ja and Co. take the profitable streak to 18.
(3) Atlanta Dream vs. (6) Indiana Fever
Records: Dream 30-14, Fever: 24-20
Season collection: Tied 2-2
Players to observe: Dream G Allisha Gray (18.4 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 38.4 3P%), Fever G Kelsey Mitchell (20.2 PPG, 3.4 APG, 39.4 3P%)
Key matchup: The Fever’s third-ranked offense versus the Dream’s second-ranked protection. Even with Caitlin Clark largely MIA, the Fever put up 84.9 factors per recreation. The Dream allowed simply 76.8 whereas main the WNBA in complete rebounds and defensive rebounds.
X issue: Point guard play. The Fever are on their fourth-stringer in veteran midseason pickup Odyssey Sims. The Dream have Jordin Canada coming off an harm and rookie Te-Hina Paopao.
Kenney: Dream in 2. Atlanta picks up not solely its first playoff win since 2018, however sweeps the collection.
Lehman: Dream in 3. Fever are stable worth for one win, even with out Clark.
(4) Phoenix Mercury vs. (5) New York Liberty
Records: Mercury 27-17, Liberty 27-17
Season collection: Mercury 3-1
Players to observe: Mercury F Satou Sabally (16.3 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 2.5 APG), Liberty G Sabrina Ionescu (18.2 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 5.7 APG)
Key matchup: Alyssa Thomas versus Breanna Stewart. Talk about an thrilling frontcourt battle between two greats. Both are the motors of their groups. Thomas averaged 17.3 factors, 10.5 rebounds and 9.8 assists in opposition to New York this season.
X issue: Jonquel Jones. The Liberty’s success is partially depending on what model of Jones exhibits up. Will we see 2024 Finals MVP Jones, who has made solely a handful of cameos in the course of the common season?
Kenney: Liberty in 3. The Liberty are lastly wholesome. They’ve by no means performed the Mercury with a full crew (together with Emma Meesseman.) The one time their Big 3 have been wholesome, the complete recreation in opposition to the Mercury, the Liberty received. The defending champions will take this one.
Lehman: Mercury in 3. Went backwards and forwards right here. Typically silly to select in opposition to Breanna Stewart in an elimination recreation. But having to play Game 3 on the highway — the place they’ve been iffy all yr — comes again to hang-out the Liberty, who simply run out of time to actually click on within the quick collection.
