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Can Ticha's Monarchs pull off an upset? Bill Baptist WNBAE/Getty Images |
The year before, it was the Charlotte Sting at the No. 4 seed who knocked out the top-ranked Cleveland Rockers in the first round.
Who's it going to be in 2003? Or will this be a year where all the top seeds advance to the Conference Finals?
WNBA.com asked you to tell us your pick for underdog upset or let us know why you think your top-ranked team is sailing through opening-round action.
Here are a few of the responses that we've received:
Go, Lynx, Go!
Well, I'm a Lynx supporter and I'm not fooling myself that the Lynx are definitely the underdog here, but it's been a good season of a new coach and some new players that have been melding together during the regular season. LA has only had one blowout with us, otherwise, the other 3 games this year have been close. So, I'm hoping they can put a couple wins together to pull off a round one victory. We'll have to see. Katie playing well and scoring like she can will be vital, but we have a number of players that can do the damage, Sam, Williams, Edwards, Harrower, JB, they have all had some individual great games, if they can put a couple games together of several players being "on game" they can be a very dangerous team. We'll see.
-- Becky (St. Croix Falls, WI)
Snow Storm on the Way
Top seeds once again, but I think Houston has had enough and will reign supreme. And in my dreams, Snow will step up to have the game of her life. Her time is coming. She's in great hands with Tina and Sheryl. They're gonna shape her into the great player she is.
-- Bobby (Anchorage, AK)
There's Another Team in California
If Sacramento can play like they are capable of, I believe they will win the WNBA Championship. If they play anything like they did against Detroit or the last game vs. the Comets, they will do very well. They are playing much better with the new coaching staff, tough defense and a more open offense. They have some fantastic veterans: Ticha, Yo and Tangela along with some new players that have been coming through at the right time. Go Monarchs!
-- C.A. (Hollywood, CA)
Winning Ways in Connecticut
I think that Connecticut will definitely knock off Charlotte. Charlotte has showed that they are vulnerable and I think the Sun know what it takes to win. The State of Connecticut will continue its winning ways in women's basketball.
-- Dale (Pine Ridge, SD)
It All Comes Down to Experience
I predict the upset will come out of the East. The Shock look good but I don't think they will be prepared against the team with veteran experience. I predict LA Sparks to take the championship again this year.
-- Fontrea (High Point, NC)
Houston and Connecticut in the Finals
Out of all the first round matchups I think that the best chance of an upset might be where most people wouldn't think. Minnesota has played LA really tough this whole year. I think that they could surprise the Sparks if they can get their shots to fall. Katie Smith needs to average around 20 points for the series. If that happens the Lynx could pull off the upset. I think the Sparks won't get past the conference finals because the other 3 teams in the west are just as good as them. My pick for the finals would be Houston and Connecticut with Connecticut winning.
-- Cory (Breck, MN)
Top Seed All the Way
Detroit Shock is going to win it all! In their last regular season game, they played their backups the entire game and still won. They simply have the best team, from the starting five to the last woman off the bench. I especially will be happy to see my fellow Wolverine alum Stacey Thomas get a championship ring. The Shock have brought lots of happiness to Detroit sports fans this season, which we needed since the Tigers have been a total joke. Go Shock! Bring the championship home to Motown!
-- Vince (Flint, MI)
Glorious Second Half
The Monarchs have the potential to go all the way this year! They beat LA twice this season, proving they can handle the "top dog." The glorious second half of the season is evidence that the Monarchs can shine when they play their best. If they make it past Houston, I think they will come away champions.
-- Marlaine (Sacramento, CA)
Heads Will Be Turning Soon
Top Underdog this year? No Doubt goes to the Cleveland Rockers!! This team has the heart, intensity, and drive to look past all the odds and step up in these playoffs! Not many people may be counting them in, but everyone is going to be turning their heads soon once the Rockers start making their way towards a championship in 2003! C-Town is bringing it home!!! GO ROCKERS!
-- Steph (Cleveland, OH)
Well-Oiled Machine
I think that Charlotte will be the one in the east to worry about because they have a complete team with awesome, skillful players that will play the game from tip-off to the last buzzer. They have an incredible coach in symphony with the leadership of Dawn Staley. They have a textbook team that works like a well-oiled machine. If they keep their heads in the game, they will be unstoppable. As for the west, I can't see anyone taking LA. They play fearless and emit an aura of confidence. LA is very intimidating and they know that most teams are intimidated by them. They'd better watch out for Sacramento and Houston however...
-- Liz (Freeport, NY)
