2024 WNBA Season: Playoffs

[azfan]

I am a liberty fan and don't expect to see them in the final. I don't think the semifinal series with the aces goes beyond 4 games. Bad coaching and not a complete team. Some players are overrated.
Would like to see someone like Howard who can play all 3 frontcourt positions, and would give the Liberty a 3rd rebounder. Plus has proven to be an effective scorer even if the 3rd or 4th option.
Plus she has championship experience, has been there twice with Stewie, Sue, and Loyd.
She doesn't have to be the star but is good at doing all the little things that a championship team needs.

The Aces are clearly the hottest team playing. That said, there are some interesting mismatches for both teams

 

[Blueballer]

The Aces are clearly the hottest team playing. That said, there are some interesting mismatches for both teams

Well I wouldn't say they had the toughest schedule in September. Their big claim to being hot was beating CT twice. NY beat them in a close one and there was a close one with the Fever. They hadn't played MINN since August losing the last 2 times they played them. I would however certainly agree that they may very well have been the 2 seed had they been at full strength the entire season.

 

[nwhoopfan]

I'm not sold on the Aces beating the Liberty. I'm interested in the defensive assignments. Who gets to guard Fiebich? I can't imagine they'll put 5-8 Plum on 6-4 Fiebich, but I think Young will either be matched up with Ionescu or Laney.

 

[azfan]

Well I wouldn't say they had the toughest schedule in September. Their big claim to being hot was beating CT twice. NY beat them in a close one and there was a close one with the Fever. They hadn't played MINN since August losing the last 2 times they played them. I would however certainly agree that they may very well have been the 2 seed had they been at full strength the entire season.

As the hottest team currently playing the Aces beat everyone in front of them. It's always interesting to take the contra that is what if but in the world of reality they beat those they played and I believe they're 11 and one over there last 12 games. Going into the meaningful portion of the playoffs regardless of sport you want be playing your best. Of the four teams playing right now the Aces are played the best basketball.. How that plays out remains to be seen.

In my view the winner of the Aces semi would be the favorite to win at all.

 

[Martin]

Weird I did not try to reply to two posts at once. I feel so far behind the technology curve sometimes.

 

[Martin]

This sentiment continues to fall on deaf ears unfortunately. These types of articles and talking points won't go away because the narrative has taken a strong hold and has a life of its own.

The narrative makes media money and fans aren't willing to see both sides of the issue. Social media influencers jump on board because they get clicks to gain more followers. The WNBA commissioner has been invisible on the matter and when asked gave a very weak response which prompted the WNBAPA to come out with their own response.

It hasn't mattered when Clark has come out to say that she doesn't want people using her name to champion their opinions. It doesn't matter if she says Carrington's eye poke wasn't intentional to press. People have drawn their respective line(s) in the sand and nothing will change for some time.

If Clark says it was unintentional that’s good for the W. If Clark points a finger and says I think it was intentional, imagine the reaction. Most of us here have probably played competitive sports in our lifetimes. We know “stuff happens” when we are running, jumping, sliding, punching, tackling, grabbing etc. But everytime “something happens” the reaction shouldn’t be stuff happens. Sometimes you can look at the replay and ask yourself “does this pass the eye test?”

 

[cancontent]

If Clark says it was unintentional that’s good for the W. If Clark points a finger and says I think it was intentional, imagine the reaction. Most of us here have probably played competitive sports in our lifetimes. We know “stuff happens” when we are running, jumping, sliding, punching, tackling, grabbing etc. But everytime “something happens” the reaction shouldn’t be stuff happens. Sometimes you can look at the replay and ask yourself “does this pass the eye test?”

It's not a matter of "if". Here's her speaking to the media about it.

 

[WBBTakeover]

I am a liberty fan and don't expect to see them in the final. I don't think the semifinal series with the aces goes beyond 4 games. Bad coaching and not a complete team. Some players are overrated.
Would like to see someone like Howard who can play all 3 frontcourt positions, and would give the Liberty a 3rd rebounder. Plus has proven to be an effective scorer even if the 3rd or 4th option.
Plus she has championship experience, has been there twice with Stewie, Sue, and Loyd.
She doesn't have to be the star but is good at doing all the little things that a championship team needs.

If the Liberty don't make the finals, there will be a bunch of departures. Sandy and Sloot won't be the only ones.

I am picking Aces in 4 because I don't think that a championship-caliber team will lose six times in a single season to the same team. The Liberty already have three wins--none of them while the Aces were at full strength.

I also think that Howard can help the Liberty, but not the one you're referencing.

 

[cancontent]

Nice to see with the semi-final kicking off tomorrow.

 

[AidanFan20]

I personally think the Libs are going to get rings. Forget the last few games of the reg. season when they weren't all that motivated. Take a look at the way they played in the first round, crushing a scrappy ATL team that had been playing a LOT better heading into the postseason... THAT's what we'll see the rest of the way.

Hafta admit that I'm a Liberty fan because I saw Sabrina play a number of times for Miramonte HS in Orinda, CA... Miramonte is arch-rival of Aidan Mahaney's HS, only a couple miles away. And then I watched Sabrina do her thing as an Oregon Duck many times. But my above take still stands.

 

[cancontent]

I personally think the Libs are going to get rings. Forget the last few games of the reg. season when they weren't all that motivated. Take a look at the way they played in the first round, crushing a scrappy ATL team that had been playing a LOT better heading into the postseason... THAT's what we'll see the rest of the way.

Hafta admit that I'm a Liberty fan because I saw Sabrina play a number of times for Miramonte HS in Orinda, CA... Miramonte is arch-rival of Aidan Mahaney's HS, only a couple miles away. And then I watched Sabrina do her thing as an Oregon Duck many times. But my above take still stands.

Similar comments were said last year about the Liberty. This series is a toss up to me.

 

[JellyBean]

I am a liberty fan and don't expect to see them in the final. I don't think the semifinal series with the aces goes beyond 4 games. Bad coaching and not a complete team. Some players are overrated.
Would like to see someone like Howard who can play all 3 frontcourt positions, and would give the Liberty a 3rd rebounder. Plus has proven to be an effective scorer even if the 3rd or 4th option.
Plus she has championship experience, has been there twice with Stewie, Sue, and Loyd.
She doesn't have to be the star but is good at doing all the little things that a championship team needs.

The Liberty just have a certain focus about them vs previous runs. I mean, I like the Aces in this matchup, but the Liberty worry me. They have a "We taking care of business" mindset about them lately and if Sabrina is making shots like she has been lately, the Aces, if they aren't on their "A" game, could be in serious trouble. That really goes for any team but in this matchup, the Liberty could be dangerous. Plus, Stewie, a New Yorker, did not get the job done last season. You know she is going to be driven. I can't wait for this game. Sunday can not get here fast enough!

 

[JellyBean]

Similar comments were said last year about the Liberty. This series is a toss up to me.

It is a toss up for me as well. Either team could win this series and battle it out against Minny/Connecticut in the Finals.

 

[bballnut90]

I think Libs get the job done, but it'll be a battle. Aces have looked better as of late but Plum/Young/Gray all have had down years and the Aces have size and strength inside to manage Wilson in the post. Ionescu is the x-factor though. If she is off, NY is far more beatable. I also think Stewart has to play in "takeover" mode rather than being passive and deferring to teammates. In 2018/2020/2022 she was a menace in the playoffs and consistently hunted her shot and was dominant. NY needs that version of her to win. I think it's NY in 4, but if it goes 5, I'm betting on the Aces.

In regards to Minnesota vs. Connecticut, I think Minnesota takes it. Collier looks unstoppable and the Lynx are 15-1 since the All Star break. They're just playing so well and ultimately look like a more consistent team than Connecticut. I think Mabrey/Bonner are x-factors for Connecticut, they needs to knock down shots for them to win. I think it's Lynx in 3 or 4.

 

[GoChips20]

I think Libs get the job done, but it'll be a battle. Aces have looked better as of late but Plum/Young/Gray all have had down years and the Aces have size and strength inside to manage Wilson in the post. Ionescu is the x-factor though. If she is off, NY is far more beatable. I also think Stewart has to play in "takeover" mode rather than being passive and deferring to teammates. In 2018/2020/2022 she was a menace in the playoffs and consistently hunted her shot and was dominant. NY needs that version of her to win. I think it's NY in 4, but if it goes 5, I'm betting on the Aces.

In regards to Minnesota vs. Connecticut, I think Minnesota takes it. Collier looks unstoppable and the Lynx are 15-1 since the All Star break. They're just playing so well and ultimately look like a more consistent team than Connecticut. I think Mabrey/Bonner are x-factors for Connecticut, they needs to knock down shots for them to win. I think it's Lynx in 3 or 4.

15-1 is an unbelievable statistic even when you consider the historical WNBA heavyweights who have come close to or matched it. I think Lynx are the favorites even with the star power of the Liberty. I’d be surprised if Aces knock them out but that’s who I’ll be rooting for. Aces really need everyone to show up and then some tho; even at peak, Wilson/Gray/Plum/Young probably aren’t enough to get it done unless they have a 5th starter-quality player rolling.

 

[nwhoopfan]

even at peak, Wilson/Gray/Plum/Young probably aren’t enough to get it done unless they have a 5th starter-quality player rolling.

Have we seen all 4 playing at peak at the same time even once this year? I think if that happens, they'd beat anybody. But sure, will definitely help if Hayes or Clark have a strong game as well.

 

[nwhoopfan]

If Clark says it was unintentional that’s good for the W. If Clark points a finger and says I think it was intentional, imagine the reaction. Most of us here have probably played competitive sports in our lifetimes. We know “stuff happens” when we are running, jumping, sliding, punching, tackling, grabbing etc. But everytime “something happens” the reaction shouldn’t be stuff happens. Sometimes you can look at the replay and ask yourself “does this pass the eye test?”

Yeah, what was Clark gonna say when asked about it? And obviously Carrington isn't going to say she did it on purpose. I've seen the replay. That is absolutely the most unnatural follow through I've ever seen. Everything about the positioning of her fingers and wrist is just wrong. I don't for a second believe it was an accident. And then Mabrey mockingly reenacting it on the sideline later on with Carrington and them both laughing doesn't help the cause. It was all caught on camera. I think it's pretty obvious what happened, for any that want to admit it.

 

[snlMINAJ]

I wasn't surprised by the Mercury considering the personnel. The question was whether their talent could come together to steal a game and make it interesting. They almost achieved that in Game 1 after being down 23 points.

The Lynx, as good as they are defensively as a unit (the best in the league), are susceptible to uber athletic players who can generate scoring opportunities for themselves and/or for others. In other words, if your superstars are playing in concert, you can beat them because they do not have as many superstars as other contending teams. To me, their other superstar is the head coach and her uncanny ability of getting players to buy-in for the greater good. We'll have to see how that shakes out against a team that is as talented as the Mercury but far more disciplined.

There are a number of people on here who are adamant that the Liberty and Lynx (I think we all know why) will meet in the WNBA Finals and that neither Vegas (the two-time defending champs) nor Connecticut (who played in the Finals in 2022) have even the tiniest of shots, but I'm not one of them. I've repeatedly said that I would take "the field" over the Liberty winning the championship in 2024 and I do believe that the Sun, who actually won the season series against the Lynx and could've swept them, has a great chance of defeating the Lynx and returning to the WNBA Finals this year. The Marina Mabrey acquisition has not been discussed enough as a reason why the Sun could be dangerous moving forward.

If we do get that 2022 WNBA Finals rematch, I hope people tune in instead of complaining about who's missing.

i will only say the one time this season the lynx beat the sun was after the MM acquisition, and one of the 2 lynx losses was the game collier exited at beginning of 3rd quarter i believe with that plantar fasciitis injury.
as far as i am concerned, none of the previous matchups this season indicate anything.

 

[snlMINAJ]

Yeah, what was Clark gonna say when asked about it? And obviously Carrington isn't going to say she did it on purpose. I've seen the replay. That is absolutely the most unnatural follow through I've ever seen. Everything about the positioning of her fingers and wrist is just wrong. I don't for a second believe it was an accident. And then Mabrey mockingly reenacting it on the sideline later on with Carrington and them both laughing doesn't help the cause. It was all caught on camera. I think it's pretty obvious what happened, for any that want to admit it.

the mabrey gesture i thought was related to 3-point FG

 

[JellyBean]

Have we seen all 4 playing at peak at the same time even once this year? I think if that happens, they'd beat anybody. But sure, will definitely help if Hayes or Clark have a strong game as well.

Nope. We have not seen all 4 playing at their peak. Even Kelsey Plum said it recently, about how either Jackie and A'ja have been on and KP and Chelsea were off their game. Or there were moments when KP and A'ja were on but the other two were off. A'ja has always been on her game. Like you said, if all 4 are On, they beating anybody. Nobody can stop the Aces except the Aces. Throw in Tiff and Clark and if they are clicking. It is a wrap!

 

[WBBTakeover]

I find it interesting how folks insist on putting Jackie Young in All-Defense team conversations. Well, the two All-Defense teams came out today. Connecticut, NY, Seattle, and Minnesota all had two members each. The Aces? One member--and it wasn't Jackie Young.

Can we please stick a pin in the "Jackie Young great defense" narrative? The voters aren't seeing it. She got lit up this year, and her defense (along with KP's continued poor defensive effort and Chelsea's slow recovery) played a major role in the regular season drop-off for the Aces. With Chelsea now nearing peak form, however...

 

[Geew1992]

Reeves was named coach of the year.

Pheesa defensive player of the year

 

[cancontent]

the mabrey gesture i thought was related to 3-point FG

Mabrey was doing Carmelo Anthony's 3 to the dome. If you watch the actual sequence. She makes that gesture after Carrington drained a 3 and Indy called time out.

Video editing is an amazing tool to manipulate and portray different narratives.

 

[WBBTakeover]

I also find it interesting that people (read: NYC media) seem to think that the Liberty will be the only team motivated to perform in the semifinal series--as if the Liberty didn't just sweep the Aces in the regular season series THIS SEASON. That wasn't "revenge"? You don't think that the Aces would see this series as an opportunity for them to seek "revenge" for that?

I expect Chelsea to go 2022 playoffs Chelsea Point Gawd mode on the Liberty because the injury that she suffered against them in the 2023 Finals threw off a good portion of her 2024 season. How's that for motivation and redemption?

 

[JellyBean]

Mabrey was doing Carmelo Anthony's 3 to the dome. If you watch the actual sequence. She makes that gesture after Carrington drained a 3 and Indy called time out.

Video editing is an amazing tool to manipulate and portray different narratives.

Yeah. That was my view on the matter as well. The replay showed Mabrey pointing towards her temple not her eyes.