WNBA

Angel Reese and Chicago Sky Battle for Final WNBA Playoffs Spot

Published

3 months ago

September 6, 2024

Th the WNBA playoffs fast drawing near, the query stays: which 8 groups will qualify? The everyday season ends on September 19, and the playoffs start on September 22, presenting 3-sport collection hosted by the top seeds. 7 of the 12 groups have already secured playoff spots, including the Indiana Fever, led through WNBA Rookie of the Year preferred Caitlin Clark.

Joining the Fever are New York, Connecticut, Minnesota, Las Vegas, Seattle, and Phoenix. The war for the final playoff spot, but, is still wide open.

How do the WNBA playoffs work?

In the WNBA, with just 12 groups, the pinnacle 8 enhance to the playoffs regardless of convention. Once the spots are decided, the No. 1 seed faces the No. 8 seed in a 3-sport collection, and the No. 2 seed takes on No. 7, and so forth. The first round features a high-quality-of-3 format, with the higher seed web hosting the first 2 games. The semifinals and finals are pleasant-of-5 series, with the better seed web hosting video games 1, 2, and 5.

Also read: WNBA Playoff Standings: Fever, Sky Battle for Postseason Spots

WNBA standings

1. X-New York (27-6)
2. X-Connecticut (24-9)
3. X-Minnesota (24-9)
4. X-Las Vegas (21-12)
5. X-Seattle (20-13)
6. X-Indiana (18-16)
7. X-Phoenix (17-17)
8. Chicago (11-22)
9. Atlanta (11-22)
10. Washington (10-23)
11. Dallas (9-24)
12. Los Angeles (7-26)

Chicago Sky

Chicago has dropped 7 immediately video games and is 2-8 over its closing 10. Despite having two standout inexperienced persons in rebounding powerhouse Angel Reese and dominant interior presence Kamilla Cardoso, the group lacks a pro defend with huge-recreation revel in. As a end result, they regularly seem disorganized and warfare to establish a clear offensive rhythm. First-12 months instruct Teresa Weatherspoon is thought for her motivational skills, however can she draw up performs that deliver when the Sky need points maximum?

Currently clinging to the eighth playoff spot, Chicago has a glimmer of hope as 4 of its final 7 video games are in opposition to groups in the league’s bottom 1/3. The Sky holds a 2-1 facet over Atlanta this season, with a vital matchup on September 17—a ought to-win for Chicago.

Atlanta Dream

Atlanta roster is packed with expertise, providing 2022 Rookie of the Year Rhyne Howard, 3×3 gold medalist Allisha Gray, and Tina Charles, one of the league all-time top scorers and rebounders. However, the pieces haven’t quite clicked this season, with Howard injury before the Olympic wreck handiest adding to the demanding situations.

The Dream recently fell to Phoenix and is 4-6 in its last 10 games. Fortunately, five of Atlanta final 7 games are at home, providing a potential advantage. The September 17 matchup against Chicago is a must-win, but perhaps even more crucial are the back-to-back games against the Mystics. Winning both would give the Dream momentum heading into the Chicago game. Stealing a victory against Minnesota or New York would also boost their playoff chances.

Washington Mystics

The Mystics are 4-6 of their ultimate 10 video games, suggesting they aren’t tanking to stable the ability No. 1 pick, Paige Bueckers. While a playoff berth appeared out of reach earlier in the season, it’s now within the realm of possibility.

With four in their final seven video games in opposition to groups which have already clinched playoff spots, wins can be hard to come back by using. Yet, Washington defied the odds with the aid of winning again-to-back games towards Seattle and Chicago in late August.To secure that final eighth spot, stars Ariel Atkinson and Brittney Sykes will need to deliver standout performances every game.

Dallas Wings

Dallas is arguably the most exciting group in this listing. Wings big name Arike Ogunbowale, the WNBA second-main scorer at 22.6 factors in keeping with sport, is the nice one-on-one player within the league. However, the team has been plagued by way of accidents, with Natasha Howard, Maddy Siegrist, and Satou Sabally all missing vast time.

Now absolutely wholesome, Dallas is eager to expose that its 9-24 document doesn’t mirror its genuine expertise. Case in factor: the Wings’ dominant 94-76 victory over championship contender Minnesota. The very last stretch won’t be clean, with games towards New York and road matchups against Indiana and Las Vegas. But if any team could make a late push and pull off upsets, it’s Ogunbowale and the Wings.

Los Angeles Sparks

No crew is extra eager for the 2024 WNBA season to quit than the injury-riddled Sparks, who might be lucky to reach 10 wins. They are not considered critical contenders for the final playoff spot.