Surprising Outcomes in Round One

Surprising outcomes marked the first round of the 2024 WNBA playoffs, including the surprising dominance of the top four seeds, each advancing with 2-0 sweeps. As we move into the highly anticipated semifinals, basketball fans are in for a treat with two thrilling matchups set to tip off this Sunday.

Semifinals Matchup Highlights

In an exhilarating rematch of last season’s finals, the No. 1 seed New York Liberty is set to face the No. 4 Las Vegas Aces at 3 p.m. ET on ABC. The Liberty, aiming for their first WNBA championship, swept aside the Atlanta Dream in their opener. Sabrina Ionescu's jaw-dropping 36-point performance in Game 2 showcased her explosive talent.

Meanwhile, the Aces, seeking a third consecutive championship, dispatched the Seattle Storm, buoyed by incredible contributions from A'ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, and Chelsea Gray. Wilson, the league's unanimous MVP this year, boasts a record-setting average of 26.9 points per game during the season. The stakes couldn’t be higher as both teams battle not just for victory but for a place in the finals.

In a remarkable display, Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx scored a playoff-record-tying 42 points to eliminate the Phoenix Mercury, who may have just witnessed the final chapters of Diana Taurasi's illustrious career.

Semifinals Overview: Key Matchups and Strategies

(1) New York Liberty vs. (4) Las Vegas Aces

Regular season series: Liberty won 3-0.

Path to the semifinals: New York's performance has been electrifying, with dominant showings from their roster. The Aces, as defending champions, will rely on consistent contributions from their guards alongside Wilson.

This series features fierce individual battles, particularly between the powerhouse forwards, A'ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart, who collectively hold five MVP titles. Both players have proven their ability to deliver under playoff pressure. The match also showcases the tactical versatility of New York, which has opted for larger lineups while maintaining perimeter defense with rookie Leonie Fiebich, who can keep pace with Aces' jet speed guards like Jackie Young.

The crucial question remains: How will the Aces manage to guard both Stewart and Jonquel Jones? With Wilson taking on one of them, the Aces may need to strategize their rotation effectively to not compromise their defense. Meanwhile, Jones has proven she can elevate her game, averaging over her regular-season stats during her encounters with the Aces.

Predictions