Arike Ogunbowale on the “rivalry” between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese
Dallas Wings guard Arike Ogunbowale explains why it was the media that started the so-called beef between WNBA rookies Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.
Sport in Seriousness
The WNBA playoffs are just around the corner. Which eight teams are playing? That’s a good question.
There are two weeks left of the regular season, which ends on September 19. The playoffs begin on September 22 with a three-game series contested by the top seeds. Seven of the league’s 12 teams have already secured playoff spots. And yes, the Indiana Fever, with WNBA favorite Caitlin Clark, considered Rookie of the Year, are among them.
The other six teams are: New York, Connecticut, Minnesota, Las Vegas, Seattle and Phoenix. But the last playoff spot is still open.
Here’s everything you need to know:
How do the WNBA playoffs work?
In the WNBA, which has only 12 teams, the top eight seeds, regardless of conference, qualify for the playoffs. Once all spots are filled, the top seed plays the No. 8 seed in a three-game series, the No. 2 seed plays the No. 7 seed, and so on. The first round is a three-game series, with the first two games played by the higher seed. The semifinals and finals are five-game series, with the higher seeds playing Games 1, 2 and 5.
The latest possible date for Game 5 of the WNBA Finals, if necessary, is October 20.
WNBA table
Off into the night of Thursday:
- 1. X-New York (27-6)
- 2. X-Connecticut (24-9)
- 3. X-Minnesota (24-9)
- 4. X-Las Vegas (21-12)
- 5. X-Seattle (20-13)
- 6. X-Indiana (18-16)
- 7. X-Phoenix (17-17)
- 8. Chicago (11-22)
- 9. Atlanta (11-22)
- 10. Washington (10-23)
- 11. Dallas (9-24)
- 12. Los Angeles (7-26)
- (Teams with an “X” have already secured a playoff spot)
Contenders for the last playoff spot in the WNBA
As you can see, it’s going to be a close race for the last playoff spot. Let’s take a look at the contenders.
Chicago sky
Chicago has lost seven straight games and is 2-8 in its last 10 games. While the team boasts two of the league’s best rookies in rebounding machine Angel Reese and interior powerhouse Kamilla Cardoso, the roster lacks a veteran guard with big-game experience. They often look uncoordinated and lack an offensive identity. First-year coach Teresa Weatherspoon is known for her ability to motivate, but can she create plays that lead to baskets for Chicago in must-score situations?
The Sky are clinging to eighth place with both hands. If there is a silver lining as the season heads into its final stretch, it is that four of Chicago’s final seven games are against teams in the bottom third of the league. The Sky have a slim 2-1 lead over Atlanta this season, with their final game coming on September 17. That is a game Chicago must win.
Atlanta Dream
Atlanta’s roster is by no means lacking in talent. The Dream have 2022 Rookie of the Year Rhyne Howard, 3×3 gold medalist Allisha Gray and Tina Charles, one of the best scorers and rebounders in league history. However, it hasn’t worked out that way (the fact that Howard missed a few games due to injury before the Olympic break didn’t help).
The Dream lost their last game against Phoenix and are 4-6 in their last ten games. Five of Atlanta’s last seven games are home games, which should give the Dream an advantage. The Sept. 17 game against Chicago is a must-win, but perhaps more important are the two back-to-back games against the Mystics. If the Dream win both, they’ll go into the Chicago game with momentum. Getting a win against Minnesota or New York would help.
Washington Mystics
The Mystics are 4-6 in their last 10 games, meaning they aren’t going anywhere in the hopes of landing likely future No. 1 pick Paige Bueckers. While it seemed impossible for Washington to make the playoffs at the start of the season, it’s no longer impossible now.
Four of their final seven games will be against teams that have already clinched a playoff spot, so it’s unlikely they’ll beat any of those teams. On the other hand, in late August it seemed unlikely that Washington would win two games in a row in Seattle and Chicago, and the Mystics have done it. For Washington to secure that final eighth spot, however, stars Ariel Atkinson and Brittney Sykes will have to play well in every game.
Dallas Wings
Dallas is undoubtedly the most exciting team on this list. Wings star Arike Ogunbowale is the league’s best one-on-one player and the WNBA’s second-leading scorer (22.6 points per game) this season. However, her team has been plagued by injuries – Natasha Howard, Maddy Siegrist and Satou Sabally have all missed long stretches.
But now that everyone is finally healthy again, Dallas seems determined to prove that its 9-24 record is not a reflection of its talent. How else to explain the Wings’ dominant 94-76 win over championship contender Minnesota? Dallas has a brutal final few weeks ahead of it, with two games against New York and road games at Indiana and Las Vegas. But if anyone can go on a run and pull off a few upsets, it’s Ogunbowale & Co.
Los Angeles Lakers
No one is more excited for the end of the 2024 WNBA season than the extremely struggling Sparks, who will be lucky if they win 10 games this season. They are not serious contenders for the final playoff spot.
Email Lindsay Schnell at [email protected] and follow her on social media @Lindsay_Schnell
