NEW YORK — We’ve acquired a WNBA Finals rematch in at Barclay’s Middle right now, because the first-place New York Liberty host the streaking Las Vegas Aces. On the similar 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, right now’s four-game slate holds important seeding implications, notably for the Minnesota Lynx, who not too long ago secured the #2 seed.
Earlier than we dive into right now’s jam-packed schedule, let’s check out final evening’s lone recreation 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 under .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 drawback was permeating throughout the Mercury locker room.
“We have to discover ways to be nice teammates,” Cunningham stated. “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 somewhat extra grateful could be an excellent begin.”
Contemplating the quantity of expertise on this Mercury roster, it’s outstanding they’ve had extra on-court success.
Right now’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 crew within the league because the Olympic break. They’ve received 9 of their final 10 video games, and Napheesa Collier — regionally deemed MVPHEE — has been stellar. Collier is averaging 22 factors on 54.7% taking pictures because the break — it’s the very best share by any participant among the many high 14 scorers.
However the Mystics have been fairly darn good of late, too. The identical crew that started the 12 months 0-12 has received 5 of their final six video games, and it’s been a well-rounded crew 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 — by which they had been outscored by 17 factors within the third quarter — Caitlin Clark and the Fever have regarded like respectable contenders because the Olympic break.
Atlanta continues to be not out of the playoff hunt, however they haven’t been in a position to persistently 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 an excellent take a look at 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 great distance in showcasing that the crew has made an essential late-season leap. After beginning the 12 months 6-6, the Aces have received 4 straight video games, most not too long ago a comeback win on the street towards 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 contemporary off of among the best video games of her 12 months.
The Liberty received 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 must be good to go. A win would go a great distance for the Liberty, too, who’ve break up their final six video games and haven’t regarded 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 ultimate stretch appears exceedingly troublesome for Chicago. With simply six video games left to play, each recreation issues for the Sky if they’re to carry onto the WNBA’s ultimate playoff spot (although doing so might have adverse 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)
