The first round of the WNBA Playoffs ended on Wednesday. In one game, the Seattle Storm defeated the Minnesota Lynx, 84-74. And in the other, the Chicago Sky beat the Phoenix Mercury 105-76. The latter match also eliminated a team that I thought could be an upset candidate against Washington in a semifinals matchup.
Phoenix won the head-to-head series against Washington this season, 2-1. Let’s take out the July 10 loss when Elena Delle Donne AND Emma Meesseman sat the game out due to injury and international commitments, respectively. Even then, Phoenix center Brittney Griner scored at least 25 points in each game, having her way with every Washington low post player, whether it was LaToya Sanders or Tianna Hawkins or even Meesseman defending her.