The WNBA playoffs start on September 22nd, and seven of the eight spots in the competition have already been secured. Here are the teams that have made it, the teams who are officially out, who’s heating up, and who I think will make it all the way.
Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier. Courtesy of Minnesota Lynx.
Who’s In?
Seven teams have guaranteed entry to the WNBA playoffs as of this week: the New York Liberty, Minnesota Lynx, Seattle Storm, Connecticut Sun, Las Vegas Aces, Indiana Fever, and Phoenix Mercury.
The remaining playoff spot could be clinched by the Chicago Sky, Atlanta Dream, Washington Mystics, or Dallas Wings. The Sky and the Dream both have a 12-22 record, the Mystics are 11-23, and the Wings are 9-25.
The Chicago Sky are currently in the eighth spot in the WNBA Rankings, which favors them to earn the final spot in the playoffs. Rookie Kamilla Cardoso has been having a breakout series of performances for the Sky since the Olympic break, but it remains to be seen if that will be enough to overcome the loss of rookie Angel Reese, whose season ended Friday due to a wrist injury.
Who’s Out?
After a loss to the Chicago Sky last week, the Los Angeles Sparks have officially been eliminated from playoff contention. The Sparks have struggled this season with a 7-27 record despite strong performances from Dearica Hamby and rookie Rickea Jackson. The loss of a valuable rookie starter, Cameron Brink, due to injury in June, may have contributed to a lackluster season performance.
Who’s on Fire?
I will admit I am guilty of counting out the Seattle Storm. It seems most of the stories about the Storm this season have surrounded the lack of playing time by rookie Nika Mühl (which Mühl says she’s okay with, by the way). However, it cannot be denied that Jewell Loyd has been a force for the team, and the addition of Gabby Williams late in the season has added to a convincing regular season finish. Though suffering two losses to the Liberty, the Storm came back Saturday to win 90-66 against the Phoenix Mercury, showing that they have the potential to be a powerhouse. In that game, Loyd logged 20 points, and Skylar Diggins-Smith was close behind with 12.
Seattle Storm’s Gabby Williams keeps the ball away from Phoenix Mercury's Kahleah Copper during a game on September 7, 2024. Photo Courtesy of Seattle Storm.
The Indiana Fever is heading to their first playoffs since 2016, winning six of their last seven. While a lot of this success can be attributed to Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston, Kelsey Mitchell should not be overlooked. On the team since 2018, she has yet to reach the playoffs, but has been integral to the team's success this season.
Who Will Make it to the Finals?
While many would be quick to bet on Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever making a run for the championship, I’m choosing to take a more conservative approach. My bet, barring any surprise injuries, is a Minnesota Lynx vs. New York Liberty championship series.
Is this my dream matchup? Of course. But, I also have evidence to back up this prediction. It was the Lynx vs the Liberty in this year’s WNBA Commissioner’s Cup, where the Lynx claimed the trophy. Both the Lynx and the Liberty are currently ranked first in their respective divisions, which means they will be top seeded in an eventual playoffs bracket. Both teams have proven themselves to be the best of the best.
Although overshadowed slightly by A’ja Wilson’s MVP season, Napheesa Collier of the Lynx has had an explosive season of her own, averaging 20.6 points and 9.8 assists per game. Collier played for Team USA alongside the Liberty’s Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu, who have been pivotal players for the team both before and after the Olympic break.
If you're willing to take the NBA playoffs as any kind of indication or omen, the first-seeded team in the East won this year's championship.
How to Watch
The first round of playoffs is decided in a best-of-three game matchup, while the second round and the finals are decided by a best-of-five matchup.
The WNBA finals will be broadcast on Amazon Prime in late October.
Edited by Emily Tsipis
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