The Las Vegas Aces, reigning WNBA champions, are beginning their pursuit of a historic three-peat as they face off against the Seattle Storm in Game 1 of the first round of the WNBA Playoffs. Ironically, the storm vs aces in the 2022 playoffs—the last time Seattle made a postseason appearance.
Despite being the fourth seed, the Aces enter this series as strong favorites, not only to win but to secure yet another championship. The Storm, on the other hand, underwent significant changes during the offseason and have emerged as a consistent team with one of the top defenses in the league.
Seattle Storm vs Aces Preview
The Aces concluded the regular season on a high note, showcasing some of their finest basketball. They didn’t just scrape through wins; they dominated, defeating playoff-bound teams convincingly. Heading into Game 1, Seattle faces a monumental task, especially with the uncertainty surrounding star player Jewell Loyd. Loyd, Seattle’s leading scorer, has been battling a knee injury and could either miss the game or be less than 100%. Either way, with the game in Las Vegas, the odds heavily favor the home team.
Seattle Storm: Is Jewell Loyd Ready?
After missing the playoffs last year, the Storm return to postseason action, but their reward is a tough matchup against the two-time defending champion Aces. Las Vegas won three out of four meetings between the teams this season, including a victory in Seattle just a week ago.
Though the playoffs offer a clean slate, Seattle’s chances will hinge on Jewell Loyd’s status. The Storm’s leading scorer, averaging 19.7 points per game, has been out since September 13 due to a knee issue. If she’s healthy, Loyd will be key to Seattle’s chances. Her performances against the Aces have been varied, including a standout 28-point showing in July, but also two lackluster games in June, where she totaled just 10 points.
Nneka Ogwumike, the team’s second-leading scorer, ended the season on a strong note, averaging 19.7 points over her final three games. Ezi Magbegor, the Storm’s top rebounder (8.0 per game), and defensive anchor, will also be crucial, especially as Seattle’s defense ranks fourth in efficiency while playing at one of the league’s fastest paces.
Las Vegas Aces: A’ja Wilson Leading the Charge
The Aces are chasing history, and their journey to a potential three-peat starts against a familiar foe. Las Vegas, led by MVP favorite A’ja Wilson, has been dominant all season. Wilson averaged a remarkable 26.9 points and 11.9 rebounds, becoming the first player in WNBA history to surpass 1,000 points in a single season. She also broke the league record for rebounds and finished with 98 blocks—her career-high.
Wilson’s consistency has been a game-changer, scoring at least 20 points in all but three games this season. This takes the pressure off other key players like Kelsey Plum, who averages 17.8 points per game, and Jackie Young, who contributes 15.8. Both Plum and Young are sharpshooters from deep, combining for nearly five made three-pointers per game. Tiffany Hayes and Chelsea Gray also play vital roles, adding depth to an offense that ranks second in the league.
The Aces’ offensive efficiency is second only to their ability to take care of the basketball, with the league’s top assist-to-turnover ratio. This ball security will be essential as they aim to maintain their high-scoring pace.
Prediction: Aces Hold the Advantage in Game 1
While the playoffs reset the stage for every team, the Aces come in with significant momentum. A’ja Wilson scoring 20+ points seems like a near certainty, and if you’re looking for more value, the Aces’ recent dominance suggests a double-digit win isn’t out of the question. Las Vegas has won five straight games by an average margin of 11 points and appears to be peaking at the right time, while the Storm will either be without their top scorer or trying to reintegrate her after injury.
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