Image: Yahoo Sports
The Las Vegas Aces’ stunning 26-point playoff comeback, where they erased a 26-point deficit to defeat the Connecticut Sun 78-74, was the most dramatic moment in the WNBA this season. However, the bigger story is how uncharacteristically the top teams have struggled to assert their dominance throughout the regular season. For most of the WNBA’s history, the league’s champion has looked the part from start to finish – not just during the playoffs, but throughout the regular season.
From 2009 to 2024 – the league’s 12-team era – only two champions weren’t the top seed in the regular season or within at most two games of the league’s best record: Indiana in 2012 and Chicago in 2021. Last season was a different situation, as the eventual champion Las Vegas Aces started the season 5-5 and went on to win the championship. The trend continues this season, with top teams like the New York Liberty struggling to find consistency.
The Liberty, who have won only three games in their last eight, are still trying to find their rhythm despite having a talented roster that includes Sabrina Ionescu and Betnijah Laney. The Liberty’s coach, Sandy Brondello, has expressed frustration with her team’s inconsistent performance, saying, “We’re not moving the ball as well as we need to, and we’re not getting the stops we need to.” With the Liberty’s next game against the playoff-bound Dallas Wings, they will need to find a way to turn their season around quickly.
The Liberty’s struggles have raised questions about their chances of making a deep playoff run. With their current record, they would need to win at least 8 of their remaining 12 games to secure a playoff spot. If they don’t improve their performance, it’s possible that teams like the Aces or the Sun could pull ahead and become the team to beat.
The WNBA’s trend of top teams struggling to assert their dominance throughout the regular season has left fans wondering what to expect from their favorite teams. Will the New York Liberty eventually find their groove, or will they fall short of the playoffs once again? Only time will tell.
Image: Yahoo Sports
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