NFL
By: Nick Andre
The Postseason is here! The battle for the WNBA championship begins as eight teams are on a journey to clinching a title. However, before the last team stands, there are a few rounds they have to go through before the championship round. Let’s dive into each series and who comes out on top.
- Aces vs 8. Sky
The last two WNBA champions face head-to-head in the first round. As the Las Vegas Aces look to defend their crown, they have the Chicago Sky standing in their way. It’s without question who the more superior team is. Many predict the Aces to breeze through this series in two games. However, it won’t be easy as the Sky are not going down without a fight.
In their July 25 matchup, Kahleah Copper exploded for 37 points on an efficient 12-18 shooting. She continued to give Las Vegas fits as head coach Becky Hammon adjusted her game plan to slow down the former Finals MVP. Also, the Sky held a 16-point advantage over the Aces in their last matchup on August 24.
The Sky have a chance to challenge the Aces once again. However, their issue is there isn’t enough firepower on the roster. Led by A’ja Wilson, the Aces have the best starting lineup in the WNBA with the domination of scoring, defense, passing, etc. If Las Vegas sticks to their game plan of sharing the ball on offense while being disciplined defensively, they will take this series in two games.
Prediction: Las Vegas wins 2-0
- Liberty Vs 7. Mystics
The New York Liberty and Washington Mystics have had tremendous battles through the course of the regular season. From dominant performances to game-winning baskets, this is the series that fans anticipate. As the Liberty are on the road to clinching their first WNBA championship, the Mystics are looking to prevent their dreams from happening.
It’s been a rollercoaster journey for the Mystics as they’ve battled through injuries from multiple players. However, the team is getting healthy at the right time. Their leader, Elena Delle Donne, will set the tone for this series while the rest of the team will follow. The Mystics have a great supporting cast that includes Brittney Sykes, Natasha Cloud, Ariel Atkins, and others.
However, the Liberty are just as deep as Washington and slightly more talented. Breanna Stewart has been remarkable all season and is on the hunt for her third championship. With her championship experience, she will look to dominate her matchup against Delle Donne. Also, expect great production from the other two stars Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones. The Liberty will display a total team effort that will result in a series win.
Prediction: New York wins 2-0
- Sun Vs 6. Lynx
Are the Connecticut Sun built to go on another run to the WNBA Finals? Those questions will be answered as the Playoffs begin. They face the Minnesota Lynx in the first round, which is a team that has shown to handle adversity and come out successful.
The question is does the Lynx have enough to slow down Alyssa Thomas? When she’s sprinting the basketball downhill on the fastbreak there’s no stopping her. Also, Thomas’ ability to score and facilitate opens the offense of Connecticut. The Sun have multiple weapons offensively like DeWanna Bonner, Tiffany Hayes, Natisha Heideman, and others.
The Lynx have enough fight in them to push this series to three games. They once defeated the Sun on the road without Napheesa Collier and believe they can do the same with her on the court. Also, this is a great opportunity for the younger players to gain postseason experience. However, it will be the Sun who come out on top in a decisive game three.
Prediction: Connecticut wins 2-1
- Wings Vs 5. Dream
Throughout the regular season, the Dallas Wings have always had the Atlanta Dream’s calling card. They defeated them in all three season matchups and held Atlanta to under 80 points in each contest. There are a lot of reasons behind the Wings’ success against the Dream. Whether it’s a big night offensively from Arike Ogunbowale or the Wings’ frontcourt being disruptive, head coach Latricia Trammell always provides a great game plan that leads to success.
The Dream are in new scenery. This is their first postseason since 2018 and they have a lot of young talent who have little to no experience. With all of the talent Atlanta has, the team has struggled with late-game execution throughout the season. Having a lead against a team like Dallas means that it’s important to close the game on the right note. Lack of ball movement and ill-advised shots play a role in Atlanta’s fourth-quarter struggles.
Expect the combination of Ogunbowale and Satou Sabally to shine throughout this series for Dallas. They also have a great supporting cast who can also make an impact on both ends of the floor. As the team looks to advance past the first round, the Wings have the golden opportunity to get the job done against the Dream.
Prediction: Dallas wins 2-1
