As the summer winds to a close, so does the WNBA regular season. Already in their 18th season, the WNBA will start its playoff season on September 17th, with a majority of the games being played; on ESPN, ESPN2, NBATV, and ABC. Along with some of the New York Liberty’s game being played on MSG Network. These games can also be streamed live on the WNBA site (WNBA.com), as well as the WNBA app.
In the Western Conference, the favorite, Minnesota Lynx, will be facing the Los Angeles Sparks. The Lynx, are happy to have veteran guard, Seimone Augustus, back on the court after suffering two injuries. Augustus, who has had a knee surgery along with a foot injury, has been out since August 11. Along with Maya Moore, the two are likely to lead the team in scoring. But they will not just have to rely on their two stars. The Lynx are stacked with talent, from seasoned point guard, Lindsay Whalen, to strong forward, Sylvia Fowles. From a record standpoint it would seem that the L.A. Sparks would have no chance. However, the team has been fighting back from a terrible start off to their season. With superstar forward, Candace Parker, and key swingman, Alana Beard, activated for the playoffs, it now seems that the L.A. Sparks still have a fighting chance. Still, it is hard to give a prediction of the winner until the first game. The second seeded, Phoenix Mercury are hoping to be able to defend the hard earned championship they fought for last year. The defending champions has the 2 time Defensive Player of the Year, Brittney Griner, in the paint. Phoenix’s main strategy towards a win is using their strong defensive front to create easy offensive points. In the backcourt Candice Dupree, DeWanna Bonner, and Monique Currie will try and mimic the never say die fighting personality of their guard, Diana Taurasi. Taurasi, who said in February that she would be taking the season off to prepare and stay healthy for her winter Russian team, is the missing piece of the puzzle. But this has not stopped the Mercury so far and the team hopes that it will not affect them in anyway for the playoffs. For the Shock, the season has been rough. Losing forward, Glory Johnson, to a domestic dispute between her and her former fiance (Brittney Griner) and then an unexpected announced pregnancy has left the team without her scoring and defensive abilities. The Shock hope to run the tables and make it farther than many may think. With a strong Western Conference showing, each team must show strength and resilience in order to clinch a finals spot.
In the Eastern conference the teams are none of the predicted favorites from the start of the season. The first seeded New York Liberty are seeking another championship after not appearing in last years playoffs. With guards Epiphanny Prince, Swin Cash, and Candice Wiggins giving a strong offensive backcourt, the two bigs down low will provide the defensive stability needed to hold off the strong offensive front of the Washington Mystics. Epiphanny Prince has been the offensive spark that the Liberty have needed. Prince has proved to be an efficient and consistent scorer as well as being a pull-up connoisseur. She has given the Liberty the extra boost needed. With Kiah Stokes and Tina Charles down low, the two have formed a chemistry that has yet to be well defended. Stokes provides a stellar defensive effort by forcing tough shots and blocking them without fouling. Charles on the other hand has also shown her tough defensive work primarily on the boards, averaging 10.1 rebounds per game. Coach of the year, Bill Laimbeer has been teaching the Liberty players the defensive tenacity and offensive awareness that was shown back when he played with the Pistons in the late 80s. With rookie Natasha Cloud and veteran Ivory Latta leading the charge, the Mystics hope to rely on their offense to get them through. Latta will be the main focus for the Liberty’s defense. With her threat around the three point line, the Liberty’s defense will have to keep a watchful eye over her. She also brings an emotion to the team that keeps everyone thinking positive no matter the score. Natasha Cloud has definitely proven herself in her rookie season. She provides the height necessary to guard some of the Liberty’s taller guards like Swin Cash. She also is an outstanding shot and pass creator, using her sharp eye for court to her advantage. The two powerhouses of the WNBA, the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever, will be one of the toughest series in the playoffs. With MVP swingman, Elena Delle Donne, providing the main scoring source with 31.6 points per game will be the top offensive player for the Fever to worry about. She also will keep the team on track, providing the team with the necessary experience in tough situations. On the Fever side, veteran forward Tamika Catching will provide all services; shooting, passing, rebounding, and defensive help. Along with Catchings, Erlana Larkins will also provide a strong presence as well as being a strong rebounder. In the East it is not just about the scoring. The primary concern of all Eastern conference playoff teams, will be who to defend and how to effectively defend them and keep them from scoring.
This years playoff run will be like none other. With tougher players and teams posing tougher threats, each team must not only, find their strength, but also find the other team’s weaknesses and capitalize on that. It is no doubt that this 2015 WNBA playoff season will be one for the sports history books.
By Alyssa Spady