WNBA Playoffs 2024: First Round Preview - ESPN
The WNBA playoffs are here, and with a new season comes a new crop of contenders vying for the championship. The 2024 first round promises to be exciting, as eight teams clash for a chance to advance to the semifinals. Here's a preview of each matchup:
1. Las Vegas Aces (1st Seed) vs. 8. Atlanta Dream (8th Seed)
The defending champions, the Las Vegas Aces, enter the playoffs with a dominant regular season, finishing with the best record in the league. They are a force to be reckoned with, boasting a star-studded lineup featuring A'ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, and Kelsey Plum. The Atlanta Dream, on the other hand, snuck into the playoffs as the eighth seed. They will need to pull off an upset of historic proportions to stand a chance against the Aces' firepower.
2. New York Liberty (2nd Seed) vs. 7. Seattle Storm (7th Seed)
The New York Liberty, led by Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart, are a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference. They face the Seattle Storm, a team with a storied history, but one that has struggled to maintain consistency this season. Sue Bird's retirement leaves a significant gap in their experience, but Jewell Loyd and Breanna Stewart are still capable of leading the Storm to a surprising run.
3. Dallas Wings (3rd Seed) vs. 6. Chicago Sky (6th Seed)
The Dallas Wings, with the explosive scoring ability of Arike Ogunbowale, have a solid chance to make a deep playoff run. They face the Chicago Sky, a team with recent championship experience but struggling for consistency this season. Candace Parker remains a force, but the Sky will need to play cohesively to defeat the Wings.
4. Connecticut Sun (4th Seed) vs. 5. Washington Mystics (5th Seed)
This matchup promises to be a thrilling battle of two evenly matched teams. The Connecticut Sun, led by Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner, are a consistent contender. They will face a tough challenge from the Washington Mystics, who are eager to prove they can still compete without Elena Delle Donne. Natasha Cloud and Myisha Hines-Allen will need to step up if the Mystics want to advance to the semifinals.
Key storylines:
- Can the Aces repeat as champions? The Aces have the talent and experience to make a deep playoff run, but facing a motivated opponent in the first round could be a challenge.
- Will the Liberty finally break through? With Ionescu and Stewart leading the charge, the Liberty have the potential to reach the finals. However, navigating the tough Eastern Conference won't be easy.
- Can the veteran teams make a surprise run? Both the Storm and the Sky have the experience to pull off an upset, but they will need to find consistency and play at their best to advance.
The first round of the 2024 WNBA playoffs is sure to be a thrilling spectacle. With so many talented teams and players, it's hard to predict who will come out on top. But one thing is certain: the excitement and competition will be intense. Stay tuned to ESPN for all the latest news, analysis, and highlights from the WNBA playoffs.
