The 2022 WNBA Playoffs are set to kick off this Sunday with all four first-round series starting. The defending champion Las Vegas Aces, led by star player A’ja Wilson, will be looking to make history by securing a third consecutive championship title. Excitement is also high as rookie sensation Caitlin Clark makes her postseason debut in what is sure to be a thrilling playoff season.
The postseason format will once again feature a best-of-three series in the first round, with the higher seeded team hosting the first two games. If necessary, a decisive third game will be played at the home of the lower seed. While this format has been met with some criticism from players and coaches, especially in light of the league’s provision of charter flights throughout the season, the intensity and competitiveness of the playoffs remain unmatched.
New York forward Breanna Stewart expressed her thoughts on the format, stating, “Now that we have charters that should have changed automatically. To create the home-court advantage. So there’s just some, like, little nuances that need to be looked at and be dissected a little bit. Obviously if we can extend playoffs, it makes it feel a little bit less rushed.” Despite the challenges posed by the format, teams are gearing up for what promises to be an action-packed postseason.
One of the key storylines to watch is Caitlin Clark’s quest to follow in the footsteps of her idol, Maya Moore, and lead her team to a WNBA championship. Clark, who had a standout rookie season, shattered records for assists and rookie points, propelling her team, the Indiana Fever, to the playoffs as the No. 6 seed. Alongside her fellow rookies, Clark played a pivotal role in boosting ratings and attendance for the league this season, underscoring the bright future of women’s basketball.
Veteran player Diana Taurasi, whose future in the WNBA remains uncertain, was recently honored by the Phoenix Mercury in what could potentially be her final season. Taurasi, the career playoff leader in points, is hungry for another shot at a championship title. However, the Mercury face a tough matchup against the No. 2 seed Minnesota Lynx in the opening round, setting the stage for an intense showdown between two powerhouse teams.
The Las Vegas Aces, who clinched back-to-back championships in the previous seasons, are determined to make history by securing a third consecutive title. Led by A’ja Wilson, the Aces have been on a winning streak, with nine victories in their last 10 games heading into the playoffs. Despite a slow start to the season due to Chelsea Gray’s recovery from a foot injury, the Aces are hitting their stride at the perfect time as they gear up to face the Seattle Storm in the 4-5 matchup.
As the playoffs unfold, several players are on the cusp of breaking records and making history. Courtney Vandersloot of the Chicago Sky is just three assists away from surpassing Sue Bird’s playoff record of 364, achieving the feat in 10 fewer games. Meanwhile, Connecticut Sun’s DeWanna Bonner is closing in on Lindsay Whalen’s mark of 82 playoff appearances, with just two games to go. The Minnesota Lynx and the Seattle Storm are tied with the Houston Comets for the most championships, each team boasting four titles. On the other hand, the New York Liberty, the only original WNBA franchise yet to win a championship, are determined to make their mark this postseason.
As the excitement builds for the start of the 2022 WNBA Playoffs, fans can expect an electrifying display of talent, determination, and fierce competition as teams vie for the ultimate prize. Stay tuned for all the latest updates, highlights, and analysis as the journey to crown a new WNBA champion begins.