The upcoming WNBA semifinals promise an exciting clash of star power, as well as a pursuit for a three-peat and the quest for two franchises to claim their first championships. The Las Vegas Aces are gearing up to face the New York Liberty in a Finals rematch. Led by unanimous MVP A’ja Wilson, the Aces are striving to achieve a feat not seen since the Houston Comets – winning three titles in a row. On the other hand, the Liberty are seeking redemption after their defeat against Las Vegas last season.
In the second series, the Connecticut Sun will take on the Minnesota Lynx. The Lynx, once the dominant force in the previous decade with four championships from 2011 to 2017, are aiming to return to the Finals after a hiatus. Meanwhile, Connecticut has made it to the championship round twice but has yet to claim the title. Both franchises are eager to secure their first WNBA championship.
The rivalry between New York and Las Vegas is showcased by the Liberty’s sweep of the regular-season series, although the Aces were without Wilson in their last encounter. The marquee matchup in this series features A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart, two standout players known for their postseason excellence. Wilson raised the bar this season, averaging a record-breaking 26.9 points and 11.9 rebounds, earning her third MVP title. Stewart, supported by Sabrina Ionescu, adds depth to the offense.
New York brings newcomer Leonie Fiebich into the mix, enhancing their size and shooting abilities. Meanwhile, Las Vegas strengthened their lineup with Tiffany Hayes, who came out of retirement to earn the Sixth Woman of the Year honors. With New York holding the homecourt advantage, having clinched the No. 1 seed, they aim to utilize their enthusiastic home crowd support to gain an edge in the series.
On the other side, Minnesota and Connecticut will battle it out, with the Sun having won two of the three regular-season matchups. A pivotal player to watch in this series is the Lynx’s Napheesa Collier and the Sun’s Alyssa Thomas, both known for stepping up in the playoffs. Collier showcased her prowess with a remarkable 42-point performance, while Thomas continues to excel in high-pressure situations.
Former Notre Dame guards Kayla McBride and Marina Mabrey could play crucial roles as X-factors in determining the series outcome. The Lynx excel in ball movement, leading the league in assists during the regular season and maintaining their sharing mentality in their playoffs sweep.
As the WNBA semifinals unfold, fans can expect gripping matchups, intense competition, and a display of talent as teams vie for a shot at the championship title.