The 2020 WNBA Semifinals are upon us after single-elimination first and second rounds.
The Connecticut Sun steam rolled the Chicago Sky and Los Angeles Sparks in rounds one and two playing the best basketball of the season earning their second consecutive semifinal trip. The Minnesota Lynx returned Sylvia Fowles and knocked off Phoenix in the second round behind a balanced team effort.
Buckle up as four teams remain and these matchups are sure to get intense in these best of five series. Here is a look at the keys to these matchups and what it will take to make it to the WNBA Finals.
Minnesota Lynx vs. Seattle Storm
The Seattle Storm hold a 2-0 advantage over the Lynx headed into the semi’s to go along with a few days rest. Minnesota’s path to this point only required one playoff win after securing a first round bye. Both teams should be fairly fresh.
The Storm have been the favorites to win it all this year and finished tied with Las Vegas for the best record in the league and winning seven of their last eight games. Breanna Stewart was runner up for 2020 MVP this season averaging 19.7 points per game and 8.3 rebounds. Does the MVP “snub” fuel Stewart in the playoffs? Potentially. But it is the balanced scoring Seattle has making this a tough matchup for Minnesota to go along with the best defense in the league.
Sue Bird has been limited this season playing in just 11 games, but has shown time and time again her ability to lead her team to championships. Jewell Lloyd is capable of putting up big numbers, Alysha Clark has been as steady and consistent as any player in the league this year. Natasha Howard poses some serious problems when she is playing to her potential and Jordin Canada has emerged as a premier point guard in the league.
The 2020 WNBA Coach of the Year Cheryl Reeve has simply found a way this season with her Lynx squad. Minnesota returned Sylvia Fowles last game, who missed close to five weeks of the season with a calf injury. Fowles struggled offensively as she shook off some of the rust, but the Lynx will need her presence to have a chance in this series. Rookie of the Year Crystal Dangerfield continues to not look like a rookie averaging 16.2 points per game and appearing to accept more of a go-to role as the season progresses.
The Lynx have to be good across the board. Against the Mercury, everyone contributed and the right players made shots. You have to attack balance with balance in this matchup and the Lynx have maintained a gritty approach to go along with their ability to rise to occasions this entire season.
The biggest question marks lie in Seattle’s ability to be healthy and Minnesota’s ability to control the glass, force tough shots and score it from multiple positions.
The Lynx vs. Storm tips on Sunday, September 20 at 3:00pm ET on ABC.
