- Caitlin Clark’s rookie season in the WNBA came to an end as the Connecticut Sun eliminated the Indiana Fever.
- Napheesa Collier averaged a WNBA-record 40.0 points per game as Minnesota eliminated Phoenix.
- A rematch of last year’s WNBA Finals awaits as the New York Liberty and the Las Vegas Aces both got through their first-round matchups.
The first round of the WNBA playoffs is complete, which means WNBA championship odds are shifting. Here’s a look at what happened in a very entertaining first-round.
Clark Puts Up Numbers, But Fever Loses to Connecticut
Caitlin Clark’s rookie season ended on Wednesday night in Connecticut as the Indiana Fever lost 87-81 to the Sun, who swept the series 2-0.
Of course, Clark put up great numbers, averaging 18 points, five points and 8.5 rebounds. However, she was inefficient (under 40% from the field, under 30% from behind the ark) and the Sun are a much more experienced team. It was their late-game execution, especially in Game 2 after a 93-69 blowout in Game 1. But the future is bright for Indiana, and Clark had a record-setting season, from rookie basketball cards to WNBA betting numbers.
However, the series ended under a dark cloud as there was more online abuse towards Clark’s opposition. In something that should have happened a long time ago, the WNBA issued a statement:
But don’t take anything away from Connecticut, as DeWanna Bonner, Alyssa Thomas, Marina Mabrey, and Most Improved Player winner DiJonai Carrington, were all excellent in the series.
Collier Puts Up Jordan-Esque Numbers Against Phoenix; Is This It for Taurasi?
The Sun will have their hands full with Minnesota, who swept Phoenix in two games. Napheesa Collier was incredible, setting a new WNBA record for points per game in a playoff series.
Collier was second to Las Vegas’ A’ja Wilson in WNBA MVP voting, but has taken it to another level in the playoffs. Along with her 40.0 points per game, Collier averaged 64% from the field, 62.5% from three-point land, and 89.3% from the free-throw line. Phoenix had no answer for her.
However, it might have been the end for one of the WNBA’s GOATs. Phoenix’s Diana Taurasi received a standing ovation from the Minnesota crowd could make this her last season.
If this is the end, Taurasi’s legacy is solidified. In 20 seasons in Phoenix, she has won three WNBA titles, including a pair of Finals MVPs. She has been an All-Star 11 times, won five scoring titles, and an MVP in 2009.
That’s not even going into her international play, where Taurasi shone for years in between WNBA seasons. Not to mention, six Olympic gold medals and in college, Taurasi won three national titles at Connecticut. Regardless of what she decides, Taurasi is a certified legend.
Liberty Out to Avenge Finals Loss to Aces
Finally, we’ll get a rematch of last year’s WNBA Finals. The Las Vegas Aces kept their mission for a three-peat going by sweeping Seattle. A’ja Wilson got off to a slow start after receiving the MVP award before Game 1, but she wound up averaging 22.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks in two games against the Storm.
The Liberty were pushed by Atlanta, but also ended up with a sweep in their series with the Dream. Sabrina Ionescu was spectacular in a 91-82 Game 2 win, putting 36 points and nine assists for the Liberty. Breanna Stewart didn’t have a great series by her standards, but Jonquel Jones and Leonie Fiebich stepped up.
All eyes will be on this massive five-game series. The Aces defeated the Liberty in four games to win their second consecutive WNBA title. Can New York get their revenge? Tune in to what should be an incredible series.
