After a 44-game common season, one which featured lots of parity, the race for the WNBA championship begins on Sunday.
That is when the primary spherical of the playoffs will start. Eight groups certified, together with the enlargement Golden State Valkyries for the primary time and the Indiana Fever, even with out Caitlin Clark.
The primary spherical is a best-of-three, adopted by a best-of-five within the convention finals, and a best-of-seven (new) within the WNBA Finals.
The primary spherical format has additionally modified, with the lower-seeded staff internet hosting the second sport, which suggests if a lower-seeded staff can win on Sunday, it could have the prospect to shut out the sequence on its residence ground within the subsequent sport.
The format, in addition to the parity across the league this yr, with second by fifth within the standings being separated by simply three video games, ought to make for an thrilling postseason.
Nevertheless, not each staff is able to profitable all of it. Within the WNBA, considered one of these 5 groups will win the league championship, and right here is the case for every.
Minnesota Lynx (34-10)
The Lynx might need the league’s finest general participant, Napheesa Collier, who won’t win the WNBA MVP award regardless of changing into simply the second participant in league historical past to make 40 p.c from three-point vary, 50 p.c from the sector, and 90 p.c from the free-throw line over the course of a season.
Minnesota has the No. 1 offensive score within the league (112.3) and the perfect defensive score (100.0). They’re second in factors allowed and field-goal share protection.
The Lynx are the odds-on favourite for a motive, particularly with the emergence of gamers like Courtney Williams and Kayla McBride.
Las Vegas Aces (30-14)
Winners of 16 video games in a row, Las Vegas regarded like an also-ran early within the season earlier than a drastic turnaround. A’ja Wilson, who led the league in scoring (23.4 ppg) and win shares (9.5), is the favourite to win one other MVP award.
With a nucleus that additionally consists of Jackie Younger, Chelsea Grey and Jewell Lloyd, there’s sufficient expertise in Vegas to win a 3rd title in 4 years. The Aces have made the WNBA Finals three straight years.
Atlanta (30-14)
Rhyne Howard grew to become simply the ninth participant in WNBA historical past to make over 100 three-pointers in a season. Her teammate, Allisha Grey, completed with 98.
The Dream additionally completed with the No. 2 offensive and defensive score within the WNBA, along with being tied for the perfect file. Brtiney Griner has been coming off the bench.
Brionna Jones and Jordin Canada every averaged double figures this season, giving Atlanta a sneaky-deep roster.
New York Liberty (27-17)
The harm bug took a toll on the defending WNBA champs, however Breanna Stewart is again and scored 24 factors in 24 minutes towards Chicago on Thursday. The tandem of Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu remains to be nearly as good or higher than any within the WNBA.
The Liberty may be seeded fifth, however make no mistake, they’re title contenders if they will put the items collectively.
Phoenix Mercury (27-17)
Alyssa Thomas was a top-three participant within the WNBA this season, main the league in assists (9.3), plus scoring 15.6 factors and grabbing 8.8 rebounds per sport. No person ought to sleep on the Mercury, particularly with the dynamic Satou Sabally.
The primary-round sequence towards New York ought to be fascinating. DeWanna Bonner and Kahleah Copper, together with Sami Whitcomb. She made 88 three-pointers this season.
Protection may be what holds again Mercury, but they’ve the offensive firepower to go toe-to-toe with anybody.
