WNBA Semifinals Set: Aces, Fever, Lynx, and Mercury Clash for Finals Berth
The WNBA semifinals are upon us, promising a compelling battle for a trip to the WNBA Finals.The Las Vegas Aces, fresh off their Commissioner’s Cup victory, will face the surging Indiana Fever, while the minnesota Lynx will square off against the Phoenix Mercury. These matchups pit contrasting styles and compelling storylines against each other, setting the stage for a dramatic postseason push.
This year’s semifinal field represents a shift in the WNBA landscape. The Aces,lead by A’ja Wilson and Jackie Young,aim to continue their championship form,while the Fever,spearheaded by Aliyah Boston and Natasha Howard,seek to prove their remarkable turnaround is no fluke. Meanwhile, the Lynx and Mercury both defied expectations to reach this stage, adding further intrigue to the playoff picture. The winners of these series will determine who competes for the WNBA title,with the Finals scheduled to begin September 29th.
Las Vegas Aces vs. indiana Fever
The Aces (0-7 when scoring below 70 points in the regular season, including an 81-54 loss to Indiana on July 3 and an 80-70 loss on July 24) will need to consistently exceed the 80-point mark to overcome the Fever. limiting the impact of A’ja Wilson and Jackie Young, along with Chelsea Gray’s clutch fourth-quarter performances, will be crucial for Indiana’s success.
Indiana’s postseason run has been fueled by the strong play of Aliyah Boston, who recorded a double-double with 12 rebounds and 10 points in Game 3 against Atlanta, and Natasha Howard. However, Las vegas will aim to dominate the paint, requiring support for A’ja Wilson in containing Boston and Howard.
X-factor: NaLyssa Smith staying out of foul trouble.Smith has been instrumental in the Aces’ recent success, but her effectiveness is limited when hampered by fouls – she had five fouls in Game 3 against Seattle, playing onyl 18 minutes.
Prediction: aces in 4.
The series will showcase a compelling coaching matchup between Las Vegas’ Becky hammon and Indiana’s Stephanie White.
Minnesota Lynx vs. Phoenix Mercury
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