NEW YORK — We’ve bought a WNBA Finals rematch in at Barclay’s Middle at this time, because the first-place New York Liberty host the streaking Las Vegas Aces. On the identical time, Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever look to bounce again from their first loss in weeks as they face the Atlanta Dream. With simply two weeks remaining within the common season, at this time’s four-game slate holds important seeding implications, notably for the Minnesota Lynx, who just lately secured the #2 seed.
Earlier than we dive into at this time’s jam-packed schedule, let’s check out final evening’s lone sport consequence: the Seattle Storm blew out the Phoenix Mercury, 90-66. The Storm had been led by Jewell Loyd (20 factors) and Skylar Diggins-Smith (12 factors, 11 assists). Jordan Horston added 16 factors off the bench.
With the loss, the Mercury fall two video games beneath .500 and accrue their second-consecutive double-figure loss. It’s their fifth defeat in six video games.
Phoenix’s Sophie Cunningham appeared to insinuate that an angle downside was permeating throughout the Mercury locker room.
“We have to learn to be nice teammates,” Cunningham mentioned. “On the finish of the day, we get to play basketball for a residing, in order that’s a blessing. Possibly altering our views to begin to be a little bit extra grateful can be a very good begin.”
Contemplating the quantity of expertise on this Mercury roster, it’s outstanding they’ve had extra on-court success.
Immediately’s WNBA video games
The Minnesota Lynx (25-9) vs the Washington Mystics (11-23) at 3pm ET
The Lynx have been the most well liked workforce within the league for the reason that Olympic break. They’ve gained 9 of their final 10 video games, and Napheesa Collier — domestically deemed MVPHEE — has been stellar. Collier is averaging 22 factors on 54.7% capturing for the reason that break — it’s the best proportion by any participant among the many high 14 scorers.
However the Mystics have been fairly darn good of late, too. The identical workforce that started the 12 months 0-12 has gained 5 of their final six video games, and it’s been a well-rounded workforce effort. In that span, 4 Washington gamers have averaged within the double-figures: Brittney Sykes (13.8 factors), Emily Engstler (11.8 factors), Ariel Atkins (11.3 factors), and Shakira Austin (10 factors).
The Atlanta Dream (12-22) vs the Indiana Fever (18-17) at 4pm ET
The Fever will look to bounce again from a loss to the Lynx on Friday evening because the host the Atlanta Dream this afternoon. Regardless of that efficiency — through which they had been outscored by 17 factors within the third quarter — Caitlin Clark and the Fever have seemed like authentic contenders for the reason that Olympic break.
Atlanta remains to be not out of the playoff hunt, however they haven’t been capable of constantly string collectively wins and oust the Chicago Sky for the ultimate playoff spot. The items are there — Rhyne Howard has discovered a rhythm, Tina Charles has turned again the clock — however is it sufficient to tug out a win? They’ll face a very good check with the Fever, who’ve had Gainbridge Fieldhouse rocking all season, and notably as of late.
The Las Vegas Aces (22-12) vs the New York Liberty (28-6) at 4pm ET
The Aces and Liberty will face off in a Finals rematch, and a Las Vegas win might go a good distance in showcasing that the workforce has made an necessary late-season leap. After beginning the 12 months 6-6, the Aces have gained 4 straight video games, most just lately a comeback win on the highway in opposition to the Connecticut Solar on Friday. Issues are trending upwards: A’ja Wilson is within the midst of a historically-dominant MVP season, and Kelsey Plum is recent off of top-of-the-line video games of her 12 months.
The Liberty gained each matchups between the 2 groups this season, however Las Vegas defeated New York for the championship within the Finals final 12 months. A’ja Wilson appeared to have tweaked her leg on Friday, however she didn’t seem on the damage report and ought to be good to go. A win would go a good distance for the Liberty, too, who’ve cut up their final six video games and haven’t seemed fairly as dominant as their earlier-season selves.
The Dallas Wings (9-25) vs the Chicago Sky (12-22) at 6pm ET
The Sky shall be with out Angel Reese tonight, who’s out for the remainder of the season with a wrist damage. Reese has been Chicago’s most impactful participant this season, so with out her, this remaining stretch appears to be like exceedingly troublesome for Chicago. With simply six video games left to play, each sport issues for the Sky if they’re to carry onto the WNBA’s remaining playoff spot (although doing so might have damaging draft implications).
Up to date WNBA Standings
Right here’s the place every part stands with lower than two weeks left to play:
- New York Liberty (28-6)
- Minnesota Lynx (25-9)
- Connecticut Solar (24-10)
- Las Vegas Aces (22-12)
- Seattle Storm (21-14)
- Indiana Fever (18-17)
- Phoenix Mercury (17-19)
- Chicago Sky (12-22)
- Atlanta Dream (12-22)
- Washington Mystics (11-23)
- Dallas Wings (9-25)
- Los Angeles Sparks (7-27)