As anticipated it was a straightforward begin to the playoffs for the Las Vegas Aces. They by no means trailed in Sport 1 in opposition to the Chicago Sky on Wednesday night time, and led by as a lot as 32 en path to a 87-59 win. “Playoff Chelsea” Grey led the best way with 20 factors, 4 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and two blocks.
The defending champion Las Vegas Aces completed the common season on a four-game successful streak to set a brand new WNBA single-season file of 34 wins, and clinch the No. 1 total seed within the playoffs. Now, they’re going to start their quest to change into the primary repeat champions for the reason that 2001 and 2002 Los Angeles Sparks with a first-round matchup in opposition to the Chicago Sky.
This was a troublesome season for the Sky, who misplaced almost their complete championship core within the winter, then noticed head coach and GM James Wade resign out of the blue in July. Heading into the ultimate few weeks their possibilities of getting a playoff spot appeared slim, however they rallied and received 5 of their final six video games to earn the eighth and ultimate spot.
Forward of this best-of-three opening-round sequence, here is every little thing you could know:
(1) Las Vegas Aces vs. (8) Chicago Sky
Sport 1: Aces 87, Sky 59 (Aces lead 1-0)
Sport 2: Sky at Aces, Sunday, Sept. 17 — 3 p.m. ET
- Date: Sunday, Sept. 17 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Michelob Extremely Area — Las Vegas, Nevada
- TV channel: ABC | Stay stream: fubo (try for free)
- Odds: Not but launched
Sport 3*: Aces at Sky, Wednesday, Sept. 20 — TBD
*If crucial
Gamers to look at
Aces: Chelsea Grey
A’ja Wilson is the Aces’ finest participant, however Grey is the participant to look at on this sequence, and all through the playoffs. She was unstoppable within the playoffs final season en path to the Aces’ title, averaging 21.7 factors, seven assists and three.8 rebounds on other-worldly 61.1/54.4/83.3 capturing splits. Can she as soon as once more elevate her recreation within the postseason? In that case, the Aces will probably be extraordinarily troublesome to beat.
Sky: Kahleah Copper
The Sky go as Copper goes. Within the common season they have been 10-7 when she scored not less than 20 factors and 7-16 when she didn’t. If they need any hope of pulling off an all-time upset, they’ll want their finest participant to ship in a critical manner. The 2021 Finals MVP, Copper has a confirmed historical past of stepping up within the playoffs, however this will probably be her hardest activity but.
Three keys to the sequence
The three-point battle
Exterior capturing is a key element of each playoff sequence, however particularly mini three-game units. All it takes is one outlier recreation for the underdog to power a deciding Sport 3. With these two groups, it is much more necessary contemplating the frequency and accuracy of their exterior assault.
The Aces completed second within the league in each 3-point makes an attempt per recreation (24.9) and 3-point share (37.2), however the Sky weren’t far behind, checking in at fifth in makes an attempt (22.2) and tied for second in share (37.2). Chicago scored 30.3% of their factors from 3-point land, whereas the Aces scored 30.0% of their factors from past the arc. Of the top-25 3-point shooters by share this season, eight will probably be taking part in on this sequence: Jackie Younger, Courtney Williams, Chelsea Grey, Kahleah Copper, Marina Mabrey, Kelsey Plum, Alysha Clark and Robyn Parks.
Whereas the Aces have loads of clear benefits on this sequence, 3-point capturing shouldn’t be one in all them. The Sky catching fireplace and the Aces going chilly is probably going the one manner this sequence is aggressive.
Aces ought to dominate within the paint
The Aces have A’ja Wilson, so it is little shock they have been the most effective within the league at scoring across the basket. Their 38.4 factors within the paint per recreation have been good for third within the league, they shot 66.8% inside 5 toes, which led the league, they usually took 19.5 free throws per recreation, which ranked fourth.
They merely roll by way of most groups, and the Sky are unlikely to place up a lot resistance, even with Elizabeth Williams patrolling the paint. No staff allowed extra pictures inside 5 toes this season than the Sky, who allowed 27 such makes an attempt per recreation, with opponents making 60.1% of them. In the case of opponent factors within the paint, the Sky have been additionally useless final, giving up 40.1 per recreation.
It does not take an professional to understand that is a nasty mixture for the Sky.
Can the Sky maintain the ball?
Any staff seeking to pull off an upset within the playoffs can’t beat itself. The Sky are already at a serious drawback within the expertise division, and the worst defensive staff within the playoffs. They have to restrict their turnovers or this sequence goes to be a fast sweep.
However caring for the ball in opposition to the perfect protection within the league is way simpler stated than completed, particularly for a staff just like the Sky, who’ve had bother doing so all season lengthy. No playoff staff turned it over greater than the Sky this season, who had a 17.8 turnover share.
Regardless of having the perfect protection within the league, the Aces are pretty common at forcing turnovers, ending tied for sixth at 13.9 per recreation. They make you pay whenever you do cough it up, nonetheless, scoring 17.1 factors off turnovers per recreation, which ranked third within the league. In the event that they get additional alternatives to attain, they’ll take benefit in opposition to this porours Sky protection.
Prediction
No actual want for any in-depth rationalization right here. The Aces are the far superior staff on this matchup and went 19-1 at residence this season, whereas the Sky received 18 video games in whole. They need to cruise to a cushty two-game sweep. Decide: Aces in 2
