This WNBA regular season honestly felt like a season that would never end – exactly the intent of Cathy Engelbert’s when she initially announced this season would still be 40 games despite the Olympics.
We eventually made it to that conclusion. The season may have finished for four teams – the Chicago Sky, Los Angeles Sparks, Dallas Wings and Washington Mystics. The next time those teams take to the court, the WNBA will have 13 teams instead of 12.
As for the other eight teams remaining, a championship is in their sights. Let us have a look at the playoffs by prognosticating the four first-round matchups.
Atlanta Dream vs. New York Liberty
One probably will not find too many prognosticators outside of Georgia who believe the Dream have a chance of upsetting the Liberty.
Yes, Atlanta did get a victory on the final game of the regular season at Barclays Center, but Sandy Brondello’s team was in rest mode given the Lib already had locked up home court advantage throughout this year’s playoffs.
It is somewhat of a surprise the Dream are at this point given their injury problems, inconsistencies and questions about the future of coach Tanisha Wright.
A bright spot has come in the form of former Liberty Tina Charles. Others have been Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray. But when New York can throw Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, Jonquel Jones and Courtney Vandersloot plus a bench that includes Kennedy Burke and Leonie Fiebich one can expect this one will be done in two games.
Season Series: Liberty 3-1
Phoenix Mercury vs. Minnesota Lynx
This season has certainly been a resurgent one for the Mercury after the season to forget that was 2023. The addition of Kahleah Copper has definitely paid dividends in Phoenix. It has created the reality of an actual big three with the Mercury as Copper has given Phoenix the shot in the arm it has sorely needed.
Brittney Griner and Diana Taurasi are also back in the playoffs as well in what is Nate Tibbetts’ first season as Phoenix head coach.
Then there is Cheryl Reeve’s Lynx. Reeve has done it yet again – Minnesota was projected to be well out of the championship picture at the beginning of the season. With a core that includes Kayla McBride, Alanna Smith, Courtney Williams and a Napheesa Collier that has put herself into the MVP conversation, the Lynx have the potential to spoil plenty of championship parties in these playoffs.
As good as the Lynx have been playing this season (including its Commissioner’s Cup win over New York) one would think Minnesota would be a shoo-in to advance to the semifinals. The only question is if they will advance in two or three games.
Season Series: Lynx 3-1
Indiana Fever vs. Connecticut Sun
This has the potential to be, arguably, the series of the first round.
It is well documented how good the Sun are. It is also well-documented how Connecticut has fielded good enough teams to win championships only to come out on the short end of the stick. A team as stacked as the Sun is with DeWanna Bonner, Marina Mabrey (thank you, Chicago) Brionna Jones, DiJonai Carrington, Alyssa Thomas and Ty Harris looks like a championship team on paper.
Then there is the Indiana Fever which has played its best ball since the break. And contrary to what many in the mainstream sports media may think, it has not been all Caitlin Clark (and she will be the first to say it). Aliyah Boston, Kelsey Mitchell, NaLyssa Smith and Lexie Hull have also propelled the Fever to its first playoff berth since 2016.
As good as Indiana has played recently, expect them to give Connecticut a scare. Experience eventually always wins out so expect the Sun to eliminate the Fever in three games.
Season Series: Sun 3-1
Seattle Storm vs. Las Vegas Aces
When Talisa Rhea added Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins-Smith to a team that already had Jewell Loyd and Ezi Magbegor, it was added to get the Storm back to the postseason.
That mission has been accomplished. Now there is the matter of what comes next – solidifying their status as true championship contenders.
One problem – the Storm have the two-time defending champion Las Vegas Aces in their way and they appear to be playing their best ball going into the postseason.
The Aces have Chelsea Gray. The Aces have Kelsey Plum. The Aces have Jackie Young.
And most importantly – the Aces have A’ja Wilson. And she has been in playoff mode these past several weeks.
Four-seed vs. Five-seed matchups can typically be the most intriguing – even though last season’s between the Dream and Dallas Wings was a dud. The Storm will give the Aces a series – but it is foolhardy to bet against a team with this year’s likely M’VP on it.
Season Series: Aces 3-1
