Recapping An Amazing Start To #WNBAPlayoffs

Drew Zlogar

Are you not entertained?

The 2018 WNBA Playoffs have been must-watch television from every step of the way. Now, in the best-of-5 Semifinals, with storylines that have already captured the attention of many, let’s take a look at just how intriguing the WNBA Playoffs have been so far.

First Round

Griner vs. Cambage, DT vs. Diggins-Smith

Liz Cambage, the 53-point performer and a dominant force down low, had a First Round Single-Elimination battle with opposing big Brittney Griner. Oh, and don’t forget an All-Star point guard matchup between Skylar Diggins-Smith and Diana Taurasi. Though the Wings duo combined for 45 points, it was the Mercury who advanced 101-83, thanks to Phoenix’s trio of Bonner, Griner and Taurasi combining for 72 points.

Finals Rematch 

The Los Angeles Sparks and Minnesota Lynx. Need we say more? The past two seasons’ Finals matchup opened this year’s Playoffs with win-or-go-home implications. Lindsey Whalen’s swan song of her illustrious career was cut short as the Sparks moved on with a 75-68 win behind 26 points from Chelsea Gray.

What a way to start.

Onto the Second Round.

Second Round

Balanced Mystics Attack

Would you believe it if someone told you at the beginning of the postseason, the Sparks would be eliminated in the Second Round by over 30 points? Well, the Mystics had six players in double-figures, led by Delle Donne’s 19 points and 12 rebounds. Washington collectively dominated the Sparks, winning 96-64. The Mystics outscored, outrebounded (36-29) and dished out more assists (28-15) en route to their Second Round win.

Mercury Trio Stays Hot 

It took every one of the 77 combined points from the Mercury’s star trio to escape Mohegan Sun Arena with a 96-86 win over Connecticut. Phoenix continued on in the Playoffs with back-to-back 70+ point combined efforts from Bonner, Griner and Taurasi, while Taurasi continued her excellence in win-or-go-home games.

Bring on the Semifinals.

Semifinals (Best-Of-5)

The Dream Is Still Alive For Atlanta & Washington 

All knotted up at 1. A sneaky three-point victory in Game 1 behind Delle Donne’s 32 points, propelled the Mystics out to the early series lead. In Game 2, it was looking eerily similar to Game 1, a grind-out, back-and-forth battle that would come down to the last moments. With 3:04 left in the fourth quarter, Mystics superstar Delle Donne went down to the ground with an apparent knee injury. She left the game and didn’t return. Lockdown defense and a few clutch buckets in remaining time elevated Atlanta to a 78-75 win. Delle Donne’s status for Friday’s Game 3, and throughout the rest of the Playoffs, is crucial for Washington’s plans on going all the way. She is officially listed as questionable.

Storm Eyeing Sweep 

Game 1 and 2 both ended 91-87, with Seattle taking each and every haymaker the Mercury tried throwing. Breanna Stewart’s Playoff career-high 28 points and Jewell Loyd’s 23 in Game 1 held off a fierce, late rally from Phoenix. Game 2 will go down as an instant classic. Down 17 in the fourth quarter, the Mercury charged all the way back as Taurasi put the team on her back, as she does so often, scoring the team’s last nine points, including a corner triple with 3.6 seconds left that forced overtime. Once the extra period began, it was Stewart’s team-high 27 points, and four other Seattle players in double-figures that helped the Storm escape with another win.

With a trip to the WNBA Championship on the line, Atlanta, Phoenix, Seattle and Washington will undoubtedly continue their high-level of play, hoping for the chance at winning a title.

Regardless of who the two teams are that book Finals series tickets, the 2018 WNBA Playoffs have lived up to the hype and fans are taking notice.

Take a look for yourself.

 

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