Always an interesting “middle of the pack” series, No. 4 Las Vegas Aces will face No. 5 Seattle Storm in the first round of the 2024 WNBA playoffs. Despite the 4-seed, Las Vegas has the talent and ability beyond that ranking, but Seattle also has a lot of experienced veterans. It will be a battle for sure.
Series Schedule:
Game One: Michelob ULTRA Arena — 10 p.m. ET on September 22 (ESPN)
Game Two: Michelob ULTRA Arena — 9:30 p.m. ET on September 24 (ESPN)
Game Three (if necessary): Climate Pledge Arena — TBD on September 26 (ESPN2)
Matchups We Can’t Wait to Watch
Chelsea: Getting to see Nneka Ogwumike vs A’ja Wilson in the post is going to be so fun. It will take a collective effort from Seattle’s front-court to try and slow Wilson down offensively. On the other end, Wilson will be shutting down anyone trying to get to that basket. Ogwumike is going to have to find creative ways to get around her. Ultimately, the best case may be to try and draw as many fouls as possible to slow Wilson down.
Blake: Chelsea said it, Nneka vs A’ja is the star power we’re looking for, but I’m excited to watch Ezi Magbegor try to stop Wilson. Magbegor blocked 82 shots this season, which is second in the WNBA behind only the aforementioned Wilson, who tallied 98 total swats. The next leading shot blocker behind the two is Alanna Smith with 57. An Aces vs Storm playoff series includes the two best rim protectors in the league, by a landslide. A Magbegor-Wilson paint battle is appointment television.
X-Factors
Chelsea: A’ja Wilson. It’s definitely an X-Factor to have the best basketball player in the world on your team. Wilson’s impact on both ends of the floor makes her such a threat. Thinking about Seattle’s defense, it will be crucial for Magbegor and Mercedes Russell to limit their fouls trying to guard her. Chelsea Gray also comes alive in the postseason, and the Point Gawd will be dishing it out all series long. With the added shooting ability of Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young’s ability to do all the little things, Las Vegas packs a lot of power.
Blake: Seattle’s X-Factor to me is Jordan Horston. We know the importance of their stars, but Horston’s second year in the league has been special. She’s an incredible defender, ranking in the top-30 across the league in both steals and blocks. She’s extremely versatile with an ability to defend on the perimeter and in the post. Horston’s defense can turn into quick transition offense with her ability to run the floor, too. If Seattle is going to steal a game or win this series, they have to win around the margins, and Horston is one of the WNBA’s best at doing the little things and raising a team’s floor.
Bold Predictions
Chelsea: I think Wilson is going to break a single-game scoring record. These playoffs are going to be really close on most fronts, and Wilson has the ability to put the team on her back. I’m hoping we get a 50-piece or something wild like that.
Blake: Seattle will steal a game in Las Vegas and force a decisive game three back at home. To be specific, the Storm’s win will come on a Gabby Williams game-winning three. I still can’t get over that Gold Medal game in Paris.
