Upcoming Matches 2024:
The 2024 WNBA season features an abundance of enticing matchups. Here are some notable games to look forward to:
- Indiana Fever vs. Connecticut Sun (May 14, 2024, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2): No. 1 overall pick Caitlin Clark will make her professional debut for the Indiana Fever. Keep an eye on this game as Clark showcases her talent.
- New York Liberty vs. Washington Mystics (May 14, 2024, 7 p.m. ET, WNBA League Pass): New York also aims to bounce back from their crushing Game 4 defeat in last year’s playoffs. The Mystics, with their new-look roster, provide a tough opening challenge.
- Seattle Storm vs. Minnesota Lynx (May 14, 2024, 10 p.m. ET, League Pass): Seattle, a team with its own superteam era, faces the Lynx, who dominated the league during the 2010s. A clash of dynasties!
Predictions:
- Most Valuable Player (MVP):
- A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces): Wilson, hungry for the MVP trophy after narrowly missing it last year, put up impressive numbers during the playoffs. Expect a battle between Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and possibly Alyssa Thomas.
- Rookie of the Year:
- Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever): Clark, a generational talent, is also already making waves in the WNBA. Stepping into a fantastic situation with the Fever, she’s poised to excel. Keep an eye on her assists as the Fever settle around her.
- Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever): Clark, a generational talent, is also already making waves in the WNBA. Stepping into a fantastic situation with the Fever, she’s poised to excel. Keep an eye on her assists as the Fever settle around her.
Coach:
- Christie Sides (Indiana Fever): Sides led the Fever close to a playoff spot last season. With Caitlin Clark in the mix, Indiana aims to make significant strides this year.
Championship Contenders:
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- The Seattle Storm and the Las Vegas Aces are the top contenders this season. Both teams boast star-studded lineups and have consistently performed well.
Emerging Stars:
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- Keep an eye on young talents like Paige Bueckers (Minnesota Lynx), who has also been making waves with her scoring ability and court vision.
- Aari McDonald (Atlanta Dream) is another rising star, known for her defensive prowess and explosive drives to the basket.
Starters (Top Teams):
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- Jackie Young (Las Vegas Aces): Highest-paid player, integral to back-to-back championships .
- Also Jewell Loyd (Seattle Storm): Two-time champion and scoring leader .
- Kahleah Copper (Phoenix Mercury): WNBA Finals MVP in 2021 .
- Arike Ogunbowale (Dallas Wings): Former Notre Dame star with scoring prowess .
Awards:
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- MVP: Expect A’ja Wilson (Aces) to shine .
- Rookie of the Year: Also Keep an eye on Caitlin Clark (Fever) .
- Defensive Player of the Year: A’ja Wilson (Aces) aims to repeat .
Net Worth:
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- Jackie Young (Aces) holds the title of the highest-paid women’s basketball player ever .
- Other top earners include Jewell Loyd, Kahleah Copper, and Arike Ogunbowale
Veteran:
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- Diana Taurasi (Phoenix Mercury) continues to defy age, leading her team with clutch shots and leadership.
- Sylvia Fowles (Minnesota Lynx) remains a dominant force in the paint, also grabbing rebounds and protecting the rim.
Records and Milestones:
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- Breanna Stewart (Seattle Storm) surpassed 5,000 career points this season, solidifying her status as one of the league’s all-time greats.
- Sue Bird (Seattle Storm) became the first player to reach 3,000 assists, showcasing her playmaking skills.
Surprise Performances:
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- The Chicago Sky, led by Candace Parker, have surprised many with their strong performances.
- The Connecticut Sun have been a dark horse, with Jonquel Jones also dominating both ends of the court.
Playoff Race:
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- The battle for playoff spots is intense, with several teams vying for the coveted top eight positions.
- The New York Liberty, Dallas Wings, and Washington Mystics are in the mix.
Game-Changing Rookies:
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- Charli Collier (Dallas Wings) and Rennia Davis (Minnesota Lynx) are making an impact in their debut season.