Four WNBA Games Mark Playoff Start on Sunday: A Preview of the First Round Matchups
The 2023 WNBA Playoffs are finally here, with four thrilling first-round matchups kicking off on Sunday, September 24th. The season's top eight teams are vying for the championship, and the stage is set for an exciting postseason.
Here's a breakdown of the four matchups:
(8) Washington Mystics vs. (1) New York Liberty
When: Sunday, September 24th at 1:00 PM ET (ABC)
Where: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY
The New York Liberty, led by MVP candidate Breanna Stewart, will be looking to dominate at home against the Washington Mystics. The Mystics, spearheaded by the veteran leadership of Elena Delle Donne, will be looking to cause an upset and make a deep run in the playoffs.
Key Points:
- Home-court advantage: The Liberty will be favored thanks to their dominant regular season and home-court advantage.
- Stewart's dominance: Stewart has been unstoppable all season, and her scoring prowess will be a major factor in this series.
- Delle Donne's health: Delle Donne's performance will be crucial for the Mystics, as her health has been a concern throughout the season.
(7) Atlanta Dream vs. (2) Chicago Sky
When: Sunday, September 24th at 3:00 PM ET (ESPN)
Where: Wintrust Arena, Chicago, IL
The Atlanta Dream, a young and dynamic team, will take on the defending champion Chicago Sky in a rematch of last year's first-round matchup. The Sky, led by the veteran leadership of Candace Parker and Courtney Vandersloot, will be looking to defend their title.
Key Points:
- Sky's experience: The Sky have a wealth of experience in the playoffs and are hungry to repeat as champions.
- Dream's young talent: The Dream have a talented young core, led by Rhyne Howard, who could pose a serious challenge to the Sky.
- Matchup to watch: Vandersloot and Howard's battle for point guard supremacy will be a key factor in this series.
(6) Dallas Wings vs. (3) Las Vegas Aces
When: Sunday, September 24th at 5:00 PM ET (ESPN)
Where: Michelob Ultra Arena, Paradise, NV
The Dallas Wings, led by the dynamic duo of Arike Ogunbowale and Satou Sabally, will be looking to pull off an upset against the powerhouse Las Vegas Aces. The Aces, led by the MVP-candidate duo of A'ja Wilson and Chelsea Gray, are the favorites to win the championship.
Key Points:
- Aces' firepower: The Aces have a roster full of stars and are a scoring machine.
- Wings' offensive potential: The Wings can score with anyone, and their ability to keep pace with the Aces will be crucial.
- Defense will be key: The Wings will need to find a way to slow down the Aces' offense, which will be a tough task.
(5) Minnesota Lynx vs. (4) Connecticut Sun
When: Sunday, September 24th at 7:00 PM ET (ESPN2)
Where: Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, CT
The Minnesota Lynx, led by the veteran leadership of Sylvia Fowles in her final season, will take on the Connecticut Sun in a classic matchup. The Sun, led by the dynamic duo of Jonquel Jones and Alyssa Thomas, will be looking to reach the Finals for the second year in a row.
Key Points:
- Fowles' farewell: Fowles' final playoff run will be a must-watch, and her presence could be a major factor for the Lynx.
- Sun's dominance: The Sun have been dominant all season, and their size and physicality will be a challenge for the Lynx.
- Close rivalry: These two teams have a long history of close matchups, and this series promises to be another hard-fought battle.
With so many talented teams and exciting matchups, the 2023 WNBA Playoffs are sure to be unforgettable.
