WNBA Playoffs
Austin Ruzbarsky
Staff Writer
The 2024 WNBA Playoffs have been intense, with some highly competitive matchups as teams fight for the championship. The playoffs have seen stellar performances from players like Rookie of the Year, Caitlin Clark, Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu, Napheesa Collier, and the 2024 WNBA MVP, A’ja Wilson. Can A’ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces achieve a three-peat? Is this the year that the New York Liberty or Connecticut Sun won their first championship? Or the season in which the Minnesota Lynx return to the top?
The New York Liberty, led by stars like Breanna Stewart, Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones, secured the No. 1 seed. They dominated in their series against the Atlanta Dream, eventually closing it out in three games. Sabrina Ionescu scored 36 points in a decisive Game 3, showcasing her leadership and elite shooting skills. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Lynx, led by MVP-caliber performances from Napheesa Collier, moved into the semifinals after sweeping the Phoenix Mercury in two games.
The Connecticut Sun defeated the Indiana Fever 87-81 in Game 2 of the First Round of the WNBA Playoffs. With the victory, the Sun won the best of three first-round series 2-0 and advanced to the WNBA Semifinals for the sixth consecutive season. Indiana Fever’s superstar, Caitlin Clark led the Fever’s scoring with 25 points, six rebounds, nine assists, one steal, and one block. Kelsey Mitchel and Aliyah Boston had 17 and 16 points.
Kelsey Plum had a combined 31 points between Games 1 and 2 of the Las Vegas Aces’ first-round series with Seattle Storm. Kelsey led the Aces to an 83-76 victory over the Seattle Storm on Tuesday, advancing to the WNBA semifinals and facing the #1-seeded New York Liberty. The Aces are playing with a different intensity and energy in the playoffs than during the regular season.
The most anticipated 2nd round matchup was between the 1st-seeded New York Liberty and the 4th-seeded Las Vegas Aces. The Liberty, led by stars Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones, had a dominant season leading up to the playoffs. Their well-rounded roster, which included veteran leadership and emerging talent, made them an overwhelming force.
The other 2nd round matchup is the Minnesota Lynx against the Connecticut Sun. The Lynx, led by Napheesa Collier, had an outstanding season and were known for their balanced attack. Collier’s MVP-caliber performances were critical to their success, as she consistently stepped up in pivotal moments.
Contact Austin at austin.ruzbarsky@student.shu.edu