As the WNBA regular season comes to a close, ESPN’s Rebecca Lobo breaks down the biggest storylines heading into the WNBA postseason — from the Lynx and Fever’s very different paths to the playoffs, to sleeper teams that could make noise, to the MVP race that’s coming down to the wire.
What stands out to you most about this Lynx–Fever matchup to close the regular season on ESPN?
I’m intrigued by how different the path to the playoffs was for each team. Each fan base had legit championship expectations coming into the season. Minnesota started the season 9-0 and has been dominant throughout. They weathered the storm of Napheesa Collier’s injury and have stayed mostly healthy this season. The Fever, of course, have taken a much different road, losing five players to season-ending injuries.
Now both teams end the regular season and will start the playoffs with much different expectations for what a successful playoff run will be. A championship is a real goal for the Lynx. I think a first-round playoff upset would be seen as a massive success for Indy, considering the roster turnover they have had this year.
Is there a sleeper team that could surprise people this postseason?
Even though they shouldn’t be a sleeper considering they sit at #2/3 in the standings, the Atlanta Dream may surprise some people during the playoffs. I don’t think most expected them to be having this degree of success and to be playing this well after their roster changes and the addition of a new coach and system. They’ve also had to overcome injuries to key pieces this season (Jordin Canada, Rhyne Howard) but have found a really nice rhythm down the stretch.
Which player matchups are you most excited to see in a playoff setting?
If PHX/NY: Alyssa Thomas going against Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones. A player with tons of playoff experience but without a title against the experienced frontcourt of the defending champs.
If LVA/NY: For two years (2023, 2024) this was the best rivalry in the WNBA. A first-round matchup between the last two champions will be intense.
How has this WNBA season, with record-breaking attention and new stars, set the stage for the playoffs?
The 2024 playoffs were incredible and culminated in one of the best finals in league history. This regular season used that launching pad and continued the momentum for the WNBA. I hope we experience a high level of play and fan engagement like we’ve seen throughout the regular season. It’s been a blast to cover the league again this year.
What storyline are you most looking forward to following over the next several weeks?
Who will win MVP? Before her ankle injury it looked like Napheesa Collier was going to run away with it. But the play of both A’ja Wilson and Alyssa Thomas since the beginning of August has made this race very close — similar to what we saw in 2023.
Rebecca Lobo, Ryan Ruocco and Holly Rowe will be on the call this Tuesday as the Minnesota Lynx visit the Indiana Fever on ESPN at 7:30 pm ET.
