Four WNBA Playoff Games Start Sunday: A Preview of the First Round
The WNBA playoffs are finally here! After a thrilling regular season, the league's top eight teams are ready to battle it out for the championship. The first round kicks off on Sunday, with four exciting matchups. Here's a preview of what to expect:
No. 1 Las Vegas Aces vs. No. 8 Phoenix Mercury:
This is a rematch of last year's first-round matchup, which the Aces won in a sweep. The Mercury have struggled this season, but they have the firepower to make this series interesting. Diana Taurasi, the WNBA's all-time leading scorer, is still a force to be reckoned with, and Brittney Griner is back in the lineup after a year away. However, the Aces are the clear favorites, with MVP A'ja Wilson leading the way. They'll need to find a way to contain Taurasi and Griner, but they have the talent and depth to advance.
No. 2 Chicago Sky vs. No. 7 Dallas Wings:
The Sky are looking to defend their 2021 championship, but they have their work cut out for them in this first-round matchup against the Wings. Arike Ogunbowale, the Wings' leading scorer, is a matchup nightmare, and they have a talented young core around her. The Sky will need to rely on their experienced leadership, including Candace Parker and Courtney Vandersloot, to guide them through this series.
No. 3 Connecticut Sun vs. No. 6 Atlanta Dream:
This matchup features two teams that have played some of the most exciting basketball in the league this season. The Sun are a well-balanced team led by Alyssa Thomas, Jonquel Jones, and DeWanna Bonner. The Dream, on the other hand, have relied on the brilliance of Rhyne Howard, the 2022 Rookie of the Year. This series could be a high-scoring affair, with both teams looking to push the pace and create opportunities in transition.
No. 4 Seattle Storm vs. No. 5 Washington Mystics:
The Storm are looking to extend their playoff run, but they face a tough challenge in the Mystics. Breanna Stewart and Sue Bird are two of the league's best players, and their experience should help them in this series. The Mystics are led by Elena Delle Donne, a former MVP who is still one of the most dominant players in the league. This series will be a battle of two star-studded rosters, with both teams looking to advance to the next round.
What to Watch For:
- Can the Mercury pull off an upset? Taurasi and Griner are capable of leading a playoff run, but the Aces are a formidable opponent.
- How will the Sky defend Ogunbowale? The Wings' star guard can be a scoring machine, and the Sky will need to find a way to slow her down.
- Will the Dream's young core be ready for the playoffs? Howard has the potential to be a game-changer, but the Dream will need other players to step up to make a run.
- Can the Storm extend their playoff run? Stewart and Bird are a formidable duo, but the Mystics are a tough opponent.
The WNBA playoffs are always full of surprises, and this year is sure to be no different. Enjoy the ride!
