NFL
By Jeffrey Newholm
WNBA Playoffs Loom For Last Four
During Skylar Diggins-Smith’s time in Dallas, the Wings colossally collapsed down the stretch, barely making the playoffs. Her observation? Dallas stood at 0-0. Although Diggins-Smith moved on along with the Wings, her sentiment is the truest ever said about basketball playoffs. Yes, the 2021 Phoenix Mercury, New York Liberty, Dallas Wings, and Chicago Sky struggled in the late regular season. And meanwhile, Connecticut, not playing in the first round, won its last 14 games. But there’s something magical about basketball playoffs.
The hoop gods part veils from the ladies’ eyes; they emerge from the cave of regular-season drudgery and observe the forms of championship basketball. Thursday, the last four WNBA playoff qualifiers compete in one-and-done playoff showdowns. Which two teams will advance towards an elusive Finals, and which two will stew for eight months?
8 PM Eastern, ESPN2: Dallas Wings at Chicago Sky
Sky
Chicago is the team of not-quite. Not enough. Whatever adjective one uses, something always seems to go wrong, and it’s never their core’s fault. First, it was Sylvia Fowles and Elena Delle Donne betraying their teammates by demanding trades. Then, when Chicago finally signed a competent coach in James Wade, it was awful officiating that stole a playoff win in Las Vegas. And this season, it’s whistle after whistle by narcissistic refs with (for some reason) an anti-Sky agenda. But give Chicago some respect.
Courtney Vandersloot, the W’s assist leader for five straight seasons, leads a dazzling offense with her wife, sharpshooter Allie Quigley. Diamond Deshields finally leaves her frustration bags behind as she matures into a fine adult. And Candace Parker says goodbye to frustrating Los Angeles and hello to downtown Chicago, where a budding fanbase roots fervently for their emotionally-sprouting heroes.
Certain Nuts And Bolts Sports writers may be a bit bitter. Be sure, though, the Sky ladies stare into the playoff expanse without a blink of fear.
One more sleep until some #WNBA Playoff basketball. 😤
🎟 Bring the noise at Wintrust Arena: https://t.co/Gc4Xi9Tsp8 pic.twitter.com/m1jhhGrwfJ
— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) September 22, 2021
Wings
The Tulsa Shock bamboozled fans across the states with horrific basketball. Dallas is a better home for the franchise, but the skies still hold much turbulence. After several roster reimaginings, the Wings reached a calmer altitude. Arike Ogunbowale, an NCAA hero at Notre Dame, brings the accuracy of a Marine. Wandering soul Moriah Jefferson finds comfort as a point guard in a town that appreciates her (somehow) overlooked talent. And coach Vickie Johnson provides just the proper experience touch for a young roster (and be sure young is not a synonym for bad).
The Wings waited decades for respect. They don’t plan to wait a day longer.
This is only the beginning. pic.twitter.com/E1JnP2lkyi
— Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) September 22, 2021
10 PM Eastern, ESPN2: New York Liberty at Phoenix Mercury
Mercury
What is an ending? Does everything change after a woman reaches a life milestone? Or is a change just a perception shift? Ever since her fourth Olympic gold in 2016, father time repeatedly tried to make Diana Taurasi find out. But despite numerous blows to her bruised warrior body, the GOAT’s competitive drive continues to wax. Reportedly back for the postseason, Dee continues her drive for an overdue fourth title. This time, though, she has assisting teammates in Brittney Griner, the 6′ 9″ terror with an even sterner passion, and Diggins-Smith, thirsty for success in a more comfortable environment.
Seven years’ wait is too long for the greatest hooper ever (sorry, LeBron). The Mercury loves the postseason and won’t be cowed by anyone.
Are you ready? 👀
The 2021 #WNBAPlayoffs get started tomorrow when your Mercury take on the New York Liberty at GCU Arena! Grab your tickets and let's get loud. 🔥
🎟 https://t.co/PQa3A3Ri81 pic.twitter.com/Tc9e2DTa7G
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) September 22, 2021
Liberty
In Major League, Bob Uecker’s character, Harry Doyle, complains about Cleveland’s hitting. “Two God [BLEEP] hits,” he whines. Fans of the struggling Liberty felt Doyle’s anxiety as New York won only two games in the 2020 Wubble (a quarantined season in Florida). And with controversially-hyped triple-double star Sabrina Ionescu taking control at the point, many doubted the Liberty’s chances to improve. But, as investor Warren Buffet correctly advises, “short-selling’s a loser’s game.” New York spent years in the lottery after a cynical Knicks move to G-League Westchester. But in their new Brooklyn home, and with a dash of luck on the season’s last day, Ionescu builds a metamorphizing roster towards the Finals mountaintop.
Two God [BLEEP] more wins, and New York faces the streaking Sun. Whose record is?
“The time of us not being in the playoffs is over.” – Coach
#OwntheCrown pic.twitter.com/IWI23rWMc2
— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) September 22, 2021
0-0
Four teams, one night. Two franchises built, and two devastated. Thursday, women’s hoops fanatics observe the first step towards championship basketball’s unspeakable ecstasy. The Liberty, Mercury, Wings, and Sky may not have the best records. But in the brave new world of the playoffs? For the briefest of moments, as the ref throws up the ball, everything is perfect again.
