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ESPN
Sep 17, 2024, 11:14 PM ET
The New York Liberty are within the driver’s seat for the WNBA playoffs, having formally clinched the most effective document and well-positioned in first place. However issues are getting very fascinating within the stretch run.
Eight groups make the postseason. Ending within the prime 4 means an opportunity to host a best-of-three first-round playoff collection. Proper now, these 4 spots look to be determined by 5 groups: New York, the Connecticut Sun, the Minnesota Lynx, the Seattle Storm and the two-time defending champion Las Vegas Aces.
The Liberty, one of many WNBA’s authentic franchises, are nonetheless looking for their first WNBA title. New York fell within the WNBA Finals final season to the Aces, however to date in 2024 the Liberty have been the league’s most constant group.
The Indiana Fever have not been to the playoffs since 2016. With back-to-back No.1 picks Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark the previous two seasons, the Fever have secured a playoff spot. Who will nab the eighth and remaining postseason berth?
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Breanna Stewart’s double-double lifts Liberty to No. 1 seed
Breanna Stewart finishes with 15 factors and 10 rebounds because the Liberty defeat the Mystics to clinch the No. 1 seed and home-court benefit within the playoffs.
Key remaining dates
Sept. 19: Common season ends
Sept. 22: Playoffs begin
Oct. 20: Final attainable finals date
The WNBA playoff predictor
The ESPN Analytics group breaks down playoff likelihood up to date in actual time. The top eight teams make the playoffs — a best-of-three collection within the first spherical, the place groups are seeded primarily based on regular-season efficiency, and a best-of-five format for the semifinals and finals. Up to date nightly:
Clinched a playoff spot: New York, Minnesota, Connecticut, Las Vegas, Seattle, Indiana, Phoenix.
WNBA’s prime 5 gamers by WPA
How a lot does a single participant imply to the group? Win Chance Added (WPA) captures how a lot likelihood goes up or down when a participant is on the courtroom and offers them approximate credit score. Right here we break down the league’s finest within the class. Up to date after video games:
WNBA’s prime 5 rookies by WPA
The 2024 rookie class is worthy of its personal breakdown. Win Chance Added (WPA) captures how a lot likelihood goes up or down when a participant is on the courtroom and offers them approximate credit score. These rookies haven’t solely impacted their groups, however the league. Up to date after video games:
Value looking
• How do the WNBA playoffs work? The dates, format and extra
• WNBA awards tracker: Unanimous MVP? Clark or Reese for ROY?
• WNBA Power Rankings: Why the Lynx are the league’s hottest group
• 25 reasons to read: Our midseason version of prime 25 participant rankings
• WNBA predictions time: 10 issues that may occur within the second half
• Rookie tracker: Caitlin Clark. Angel Reese. We’re monitoring the rookies
