The Las Vegas Aces are hoping to turn into the primary WNBA workforce to win three consecutive championships because the Houston Comets received 4 in row within the league’s first seasons. It’s a tall activity, and after they started the season with a 6-6 report, it appeared unlikely, however with 4 Olympians and the very best participant on the earth, they will by no means be counted out.
Tiffany Hayes has been a key addition off the bench; Hayes is a main candidate for Sixth Participant of the Yr, and supplied a much-needed spark after sluggish begins, whereas Kelsey Plum has discovered a rhythm post-Olympics.
Aces-Storm Playoff Schedule:
Sport 1 can be in Las Vegas on Sunday, September twenty second at 10pm (on ESPN)
Sport 2 can be in Las Vegas on Tuesday, September twenty fourth at 9:30pm (on ESPN)
Sport 3, if mandatory, can be in Seattle on Friday, September twenty seventh, time TBD (on ESPN2)
Common Season Collection: Las Vegas received 3-1
Notable Gamers:
Aces: A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Younger, Chelsea Grey
Storm: Nneka Ogwumike, Jewell Loyd, Skylar Diggins-Smith, Ezi Magbegor
Prediction: Aces in three.
The Aces have been higher than the Storm this season — and particularly because the break. For the reason that Olympics, the Aces are 11-5, whereas the Storm are 8-7 and have had plain moments of frustration after letdown losses. The Storm additionally haven’t had many marquee wins this 12 months— they’re 4-10 towards the highest 4 groups within the league this season, and have largely feasted on non-playoff groups regardless of how gifted this roster is perhaps on paper.
There’s additionally the problem of well being. The Aces completed the season at full power, however Seattle was with out Jewell Loyd (knee) and Ezi Magbegor (concussion) for the previous few video games. Storm head coach Noelle Quinn has confirmed that Loyd can be good to go, nevertheless it’s not sure if she’ll be at full power. If Magbegor is to overlook any time, Seattle is a special workforce defensively.
Nneka Ogwumike has been taking part in at an MVP degree this season, and Diggins-Smith has been a lot better because the break, averaging 18.5 factors (on 47.6% capturing) and 6.3 assists. Loyd’s effectivity remains to be not fairly there (she’s capturing 35.7% because the Olympics) however she’s at all times an offensive menace, significantly in late-game conditions.
The large problem for Las Vegas this season has been the guard play alongside A’ja Wilson — Plum, Jackie Younger, and Chelsea Grey every took a step again within the early elements of the 12 months, and whereas they’ve all been higher of late, their postseason manufacturing and effectivity stay query marks. Seattle would possibly be capable to steal one in Las Vegas, however I’d be shocked if Aces can’t shut this one out.
Key Query: Can anybody decelerate A’ja Wilson?
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Picture by Steph Chambers/Getty Pictures
That’s going to be the problem for any workforce dealing with the Aces this postseason, and it could possibly be an insurmountable one. Wilson is having a profession 12 months — and among the best in league historical past — averaging 26.9 factors on 51.8% capturing. She’s not going to be stopped, however Wilson needs to be considerably contained for the Storm to have an opportunity. Magbegor’s standing going ahead is especially vital for this very motive.
