Superstar's Las Vegas Aces A'ja Wilson Can the New York Liberty or Connecticut Sun achieve a historic triple (the first since the Houston Comets' quadruple from 1997 to 2000)? Can the New York Liberty or the Connecticut Sun win their first title in history?
What a journey for the Indiana Fever with their rookie phenomenon, Caitlin Clark ? What about the possible last dance of Diana Taurasi with the Phoenix Mercury?
This is what is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated WNBA playoff campaigns in a long time. The date is set for this Sunday when the four first-round clashes begin.
The posters were still very uncertain until the last day of the regular season, yesterday evening. One of the big stakes was to know the last qualified team, in 8th place. By winning against New York, the Atlanta Dream, who were battling with the Washington Mystics, have punched their ticket.
So, it's time for the first round, which is played as a best-of-three game, where logic has every chance of being respected with home-court advantage, before a second round, then a WNBA final played as a best-of-five game.
THE SERIES OF THE FIRST ROUND OF THE PLAYOFFS
New York Liberty (1) – Atlanta Dream (8)
With 32 wins and 8 losses, the New York franchise, reigning WNBA finalist, has signed the best record in its history. With reigning MVP Breanna Stewart, former MVP Jonquel Jones (2021) and Sabrina Ionescu, New York has a great armada to go very far. And this time, not see the title escape it.
Getting past the obstacle of Tina Charles' Dream, who waited until the last day to qualify, therefore… by beating Liberty, should not pose any difficulty.
Minnesota Lynx (2) – Phoenix Mercury (7)
It was also a very accomplished season for Napheesa Collier's teammates, a legitimate candidate for the MVP trophy. After a slump before the break imposed by the Olympic Games, the Lynx activated the steamroller mode afterwards by winning 13 times in their last 15 games!
The Mercury, who flirted with 50% wins throughout the season, can't say the same. Deprived of Brittney Griner (injured) at the start of the season, the Phoenix-based team will try to defy the odds in a particular context: the possible last campaign of its legend, Diana Taurasi. A possible decisive Game 3 in Arizona would be particularly interesting and epic…
Connecticut Sun (3) – Indiana Fever (6)
Eighth consecutive playoff campaign for the Sun, still in search of its first title after its failures in the Finals in 2019 and 2022. This team, which started the season with 9 straight wins, has two particularities: it is the best defense in the league and, in attack, six of its players are averaging 10 points or more.
This defense should be put to the test to contain the phenomenon opposite, Caitlin Clark. She will discover the playoffs, as will her teammate and reigning rookie of the year, Aliyah Boston. With Kelsey Mitchell's scoring as a bonus, can the Fever pull off the upset?
Las Vegas Aces (4) – Seattle Storm (5)
The Aces, who were the No. 1 team last year in the regular season, have had a more complicated journey this year. Despite this “modest” 4th place to start, it should be noted that they are the most in-form team in the league at the moment (5 wins in a row and 9 wins in 10 games to finish). And then, they still have the ultimate card: A'ja Wilson, the best player in the world, who should recover her regular season MVP trophy.
With Skylar Diggins-Smith and Nneka Ogwumike, the Storm have a good answer, but there is uncertainty over the health of two key starters, Jewell Loyd and Ezi Magbegor. In any case, we will be closely following the performance of Gabby Williams, who has changed the face of the team since her return.
THE CALENDAR
Sunday September 22
New York – Atlanta: 7:00 p.m. (French time)
Connecticut – Indiana: 9:00 p.m.
Minnesota – Phoenix: 11:00 p.m.
Las Vegas – Seattle: 04:00
Tuesday September 24
New York – Atlanta: 01:30 (Tuesday night to Wednesday night)
Las Vegas – Seattle: 03:30
Wednesday September 25
Connecticut – Indiana: 01:30 (Wednesday night to Thursday night)
Minnesota – Phoenix: 03:30
The schedules of the third (potential) games of the series are still to be determined depending on the results.
