The WNBA Playoff Picture: Who’s In, Who’s Out, and Who Holds the Edge
With three-quarters of the WNBA season in the rearview mirror, the playoff race is heating up. Teams are jockeying for position, with a particular focus on the battle between fourth and fifth place for coveted home-court advantage in the first round.
The New York Liberty are currently leading the pack, on track to secure the top overall seed. History shows that entering the playoffs with the best record can be a significant advantage, with only one team in the last seven seasons managing to win the championship without holding the top spot.
Meanwhile, in the race for the No. 2 seed, the Connecticut Sun hold a slim lead over the Minnesota Lynx. A crucial matchup between these two teams could determine who secures home-court advantage in the second round of the postseason. With the Lynx’s recent strong performance, they stand a good chance of surpassing the Sun in the standings.
Looking at the No. 4 vs. No. 5 matchup between the Seattle Storm and the Las Vegas Aces, both teams are fighting to host the first two games of the playoff series. While neither team may be in contention for the title favorites, added reinforcements like Gabby Williams for the Storm and the Aces’ championship pedigree could shake things up.
Three Standout Performances
MV-Phee: Napheesa Collier’s Dominance
In the post-Olympic break games, Napheesa Collier has been a force to be reckoned with, averaging impressive stats across the board. Her stellar performances have been instrumental in the Lynx’s recent success, making her a strong MVP candidate.
Signs of Life in Atlanta: Jordin Canada’s Impact
Atlanta’s offensive resurgence can be attributed to the dynamic duo of Jordin Canada and Rhyne Howard. Canada’s playmaking abilities and defensive prowess have sparked the Dream’s playoff aspirations.
Phoenix’s Role Players Shine
While Phoenix boasts a lineup of star players, role players like Tash Cloud and Sophie Cunningham have stepped up when needed, providing crucial contributions on both ends of the floor.
Rookie of the Week: Jacy Sheldon
Dallas Wings’ Promising Guard
Jacy Sheldon has been making the most of her opportunities as a point guard for the Dallas Wings, showcasing her skills and potential in a challenging season for the team.
Game to Circle: Connecticut Sun at Indiana Fever
A Showdown of Rising Stars
The upcoming matchup between the Sun and the Fever will be a test of Caitlin Clark’s growth and development since their early-season meetings. It will be a chance to see how far both teams have come and how they match up against each other.
(Photo of Napheesa Collier: Ben Brewer / Getty Images)
