As the 25th WNBA regular season comes to a close, it looks like the Connecticut Sun and the Las Vegas Aces will come out as the one and two seeds. The Seattle Storm, led by 12 time WNBA all star, Sue Bird, and 2018, 2020 WNBA champ Breanna Stewart-are still in the race for third with the Minnesota Lynx. This would mean that in the semifinal round it’s possible that the Seattle Storm and LV Aces would face off. That was the 2020 finals matchup, when Sue Bird torched the Aces in three games.
“I felt shocked When I heard she signed with Sky,” Said WNBA fan, Manny Verdugo. “Although I am sad as a Sparks fan I am glad she went back to her hometown. She brings versatility to the team. I strongly believe they are going to play deep into the playoffs this year.”
The Chicago Sky, led by 35-year-old Candice Parker. Parker signed with the Sky instead of the Los Angeles Sparks in late January this year. This has worked out with the Sky having been on a winning streak, breaking into the 6th seed after winning the past three games. They beat the reigning WNBA champs Seattle Storm twice. In one of those games, Candice dominated the court scoring 25 points. Beating the Atlanta Dream led by a young point guard, Aari McDonald. McDonald came up just short in last year’s NCAA women’s basketball tournament losing in the championship.
“I also believe that Candice Parker could carry the Sky far into the playoffs. Diamond Deshields will also be a big factor as she will add a freshness to the team and the 6th man spark not many teams have.” Said WNBA fan and former San Marcos women’s basketball player, Heijh Diaz. “They have good depth and chemistry. That will take them as a deep front running team in the playoffs”
Another team to keep an eye out for this year’s playoffs is the Dallas Wings, as they had the top two picks in this year’s 2021 WNBA draft, Charli Collier and Awak Kuier. Yet it seems like they are having a tough time in the league. Charli is averaging 3.8 PPG and 3.6 RPG, while Awak is averaging 2 PPG and 2.1 RPG. Only time will tell if the rooks ever get comfortable in the league. The Wings are in the 7th seed and looking to stay there for the playoffs.
A team on the rise is the Phoenix Mercury led by young forward, Skylar Diggins-Smith. On Tuesday they squashed the Sky’s three game win streak. Skylar scored 20 points, 10 assists and 8 rebounds. The Sky couldn’t stop Phoenix from the three point lead as Diana Taurasi torched them from deep, hitting 5 threes and finishing the game with 17 points. Kia Nurse, another player on Mercury, hit four threes and added 21 points. With the win over the Sky, the Mercury have a guaranteed spot in the playoffs. They are currently the 5th seed, but it’s predicted that they will move up to the 4th seed, as they are on a nine game win streak. They have beaten teams including the Liberty Twice, Atlanta Dream, and Indiana Fever.
“I know the Mercury will Play really well,” Said San Marcos Women’s basketball player, Piper Nealson “and know they will continue to work hard and come together as a team for a chance at winning the championship.”
The 25th WNBA season has been filled with so much excitement. The game winners, the dunks, the crazy shots, and much more. The WNBA has only good things coming their way, with an insane amount of potential. So as all the WNBA fans are ready and excited, let’s just kick back, grab some popcorn and see what’s in store from the 25th WNBA playoffs.
