The playoffs are finally here. In these opening round, best-of-three series, stealing game one is near-essential in a team’s quest for a championship. Let’s take a look at who showed up in game 1 and whose back is against the wall.
New York Liberty vs. Atlanta Dream
The Liberty took care of business in game one.
The dynamic duo of Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu proved too much for the Dream to handle. Following an 83-69 win on Sunday, the Liberty are going to look to put away the Dream in game two on Tuesday.
The unsung hero of the Liberty game one win was Leonie Fiebich. The guard dropped 21 points on 7-8 shooting. Going forward, New York is going to be an extremely hard team to stop if opposing defenses are not able to key in on Stewart and Ionescu.
However, all hope is not lost for the eighth-seeded Dream. Of the 11 players who saw the floor for Atlanta, 10 of them scored. The biggest key for Atlanta going forward is going to be the defensive game plan.
Connecticut Sun vs. Indiana Fever
It’s been a roller coaster of a season for the young Indiana Fever.
After starting the season 2-8 in their first 10 games, they find themselves as the sixth seed in this year’s playoffs. Their reward? A matchup with Alyssa Thomas and the Connecticut Sun.
The Sun cruised to a 93-69 victory in Game One. Led by a triple-double from Alyssa Thomas and 22 points on 63.6% shooting from DeWanna Bonner, the Sun completely outmatched the Fever.
The offensive firepower was not all that went well for Connecticut in game one. The Sun’s defense was their key to victory on Monday. Connecticut was able to contain Mitchell and Clark to 45% and 23.5% shooting, respectively. If the Sun can replicate their defensive success in game 2 (and the rest of the playoffs) they will be a hard team to beat.
Don’t expect to see the Fever go down without a fight, however. It was clear Mitchell and Clark could not get in rhythm–Clark did not get a three to fall until the second half. She finished the game shooting 2-13 from deep. Shots that were normally routine for the high-scoring backcourt just did not fall in game one. It’s hard to see that happening in back-to-back games, especially in a win-or-go-home game two.
Aliyah Boston and Lexie Hull were the lone bright spots for a Fever team that just looked overmatched. Boston notched a 17-point, 11 rebound double-double. In addition, Hull’s hustle plays were game-changing for the Fever. Four steals and six rebounds from your guard are always welcome when you are struggling to put the ball in the hoop.
Game 2 is on Wednesday and the Fever will have an opportunity to silence the doubters. However, Indiana will be forced into an early vacation if the Sun can execute defensively.
Minnesota Lynx vs. Phoenix Mercury
After a hot start that made it look like the Lynx would run away with the game (and the series), the Mercury’s experience made it the most exciting game of the night. There are many questions to be answered regarding Minnesota’s up-and-down performance (despite a 102-95 victory)
The Lynx were anchored by a 38-point performance by Napheesa Collier (on 57.9% shooting no less). Collier’s scoring along with a 20-point outing from Kayla McBride ensured Minnesota’s offensive firepower would be enough to secure a game one victory.
There was much to be desired regarding the Lynx’s second-half defense, however.
Diana Taurasi and the Phoenix Mercury overcame a 56-42 deficit at the half and even took the lead in the fourth quarter. It took a Lynx 7-0 run at the end of the fourth quarter to secure a narrow win for Minnesota. If the Lynx are to win this series and have extended playoff success, they need to ensure they can close out games when they have a lead.
Despite every game being a must-win from here on out, a vintage Taurasi performance gave the Mercury the confidence that they can still win this series. 21 points from the veteran leader, along with a couple of clutch buckets in the fourth, is definitely a good sign that the 42-year-old has enough left in the tank for one more playoff run.
The series continues on Tuesday. Don’t be surprised if the Mercury find a way to upset the third-seeded Minnesota Lynx in three games. Game two will determine if Phoenix can send Taurasi off with one more magical run.
Las Vegas Aces vs. Seattle Storm
Championship teams make championship plays.
The Aces’ three-peat hopes looked to be in jeopardy when the Storm came into Vegas and shut down unanimous MVP A’ja Wilson out of the gates. The Storm took a 42-38 lead into the half and held on to a one-point lead going into the fourth quarter.
However, the Aces showed why they belonged in these playoffs in the fourth. Las Vegas outscored Seattle 14-2 en route to a 78-67 game one victory.
Moving forward, the Aces have to get off to a better start; Holding your opponent to two points in a quarter is extremely difficult. On the bright side, their stars showed up when it mattered most. When Wilson was cold, 2022 Finals MVP Chelsea Gray was able to come through. Gray’s five-point, five-assist second quarter kept Vegas in the game.
Seattle proved to the world that they aren’t going down easily, though. They may have run out of gas in the fourth, but holding a lead in three of four quarters is a good sign for this team.
Like every other team who lost on Sunday, the next two games are win-or-go-home. But, Seattle showed the ability to compete with the reigning champions. Getting out to another hot start and containing MVP A’ja Wilson will ensure the Storm will get to game three.
Looking Ahead
Anything is possible in the playoffs.
Losing game one is not the end of the world for any team. Some big names did not play up to expectations on Sunday, but it’s not wise to bet against stars in back-to-back games.
For those that did lose on Sunday, it’s do-or-die time. It’s time for the stars to come through. Win or go home is the most dramatic experience in sports, and we get the pleasure of watching these stars show up in the biggest of moments.
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