The 2024 WNBA playoffs are upon us, featuring eight teams that battled through a thrilling four-month season, culminating in a nail-biting finale on Thursday.

Teams such as the New York Liberty and Las Vegas Aces viewed playoff qualification as a necessity, both fiercely looking to reach a championship showdown. On the other hand, teams like the dynamic Minnesota Lynx and the Indiana Fever, spearheaded by Rookie of the Year contender Caitlin Clark, needed to regain momentum after the Olympic break, making them potential upsets in the playoffs.

The Phoenix Mercury aim to give three-time champion Diana Taurasi another championship ring, while the Connecticut Sun and Seattle Storm are eager to demonstrate that they deserve the recognition that New York and Las Vegas have enjoyed throughout the season. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Dream won their last three games to secure the final playoff spot, finishing the regular season in eighth place with a thrilling victory against the Liberty.

Here’s a rundown of the eight teams as the 2024 WNBA playoffs kick off:

2024 WNBA Playoff Preview: Strengths and Weaknesses of All 8 Teams

No. 8 Atlanta Dream (15-25)

• Strengths: Rebounding, defensive enhancements
• Weaknesses: Shooting efficiency

The Dream managed to secure a playoff position despite having the lowest field-goal percentage in the league at 40.6%, entering the playoffs as the least productive scoring team in the WNBA for 2024. Only veteran center Tina Charles and occasional starter Naz Hillmon shot above the league average of 43.8% while averaging over 20 minutes on the court. Shooting success has been elusive for Atlanta, whether from close-range, mid-range, or beyond the arc.

The Dream’s playoff entry was achieved through their strong rebounding efforts. Charles’ impressive 374 rebounds ranked third in the league, with only the Liberty and the Chicago Sky surpassing them in rebounding numbers. Additionally, they excelled defensively towards the playoffs, restricting opponents to less than 76 points in their last five games. Their chances against the powerful New York team will significantly depend on maintaining this defensive trend.

No. 7 Phoenix Mercury (19-21)

• Strengths: Experience, determination, gritty playing style
• Weaknesses: Rebounding, inconsistency, excessive reliance on three-pointers

Even with 6-foot-9 Brittney Griner on their roster, the Mercury have struggled with rebounding all season, finishing with low rankings in both total rebounds and rebounding percentage (47%). As a result, the Mercury have had to be exceptionally resourceful to achieve victories, a challenge that their experienced lineup, including the legendary Diana Taurasi, has managed to overcome.

However, the Mercury’s performance hasn’t been straightforward, as they don’t stand out in any particular area. Much of their success hinges on the shooting accuracy of their perimeter players. When Phoenix shoots below 30% from three-point territory, they struggle, with a record of 4-8 in such games this season. While Taurasi, Kahleah Copper, and Sophie Cunningham have a strong shooting mindset, only Cunningham’s 37.5% success rate surpasses the league average from three-point range this year.

No. 6 Indiana Fever (20-20)

• Strengths: Shooting proficiency, ability to generate fast breaks
• Weaknesses: Defensive struggles, lack of experience

The Caitlin Clark phenomenon is set for an exciting playoff run, marking a significant turnaround for a team that started the season 1-8. An impressive 8-2 streak following the Olympic break transformed the Fever’s prospects, and while Clark’s talents have shone, the team’s success can also be credited to strong contributions from Aliyah Boston, NaLyssa Smith, and Kelsey Mitchell, all boasting field-goal percentages exceeding 46%, enabling Indiana to achieve a league-best 45.4% shooting efficiency for the season.

Though they have made the playoffs, the Fever yield the highest points per game of any playoff team, allowing over 85 points each game, although recent performances show slight defensive improvement. Under head coach Christie Sides, Indiana has adopted a fast-paced approach, often resulting in turnovers (ranking fourth in the WNBA) but also creating opportunities for Clark to accumulate assists. While their lack of playoff experience presents challenges, this young Fever squad has exceeded expectations.

No. 5 Seattle Storm (25-15)

• Strengths: Fast breaks, free throw proficiency, solid interior defense
• Weaknesses: Three-point shooting

The Storm lead the league in steals, with all five starters posting at least 40 steals each. They have taken more field goal attempts than any other team this season. When facing Seattle, teams must be ready to keep up, leading to a lot of free throws and often causing foul trouble for their opponents.

Center Ezi Magbegor ranks second in the league in blocks, showcasing Seattle’s defensive strength. Veteran players Skylar Diggins-Smith, Jewell Loyd, and Nneka Ogwumike are all averaging over 15 points per game. However, Seattle’s strategy relies on volume shooting rather than focusing on high-percentage shots, which can leave them vulnerable in tight contests or against teams that force them to slow down.

No. 4 Las Vegas Aces (27-13)

• Strengths: A’ja Wilson, depth, playoff experience
• Weaknesses: Offensive rebounding

The Aces have earned their reputation as two-time defending champions with an impressive 16-3 playoff record over the past two years. Their roster is filled with champions who have won a collective 27 WNBA and NCAA titles. Vegas not only possesses talent but also exhibits a relentless, never-give-up attitude, complemented by a roster of elite players. However, they do struggle with offensive rebounding, averaging just 5.5 per game, the lowest in the league.

While some may view this as a drawback, the Aces have addressed it effectively by topping the league in defensive rebounds.

Listing A’ja Wilson as a standalone strength might seem humorous, but she is undeniably the most formidable player in women’s basketball today, enjoying an exceptional season. It’s rare to see a center ranking high in steals or a contender for Defensive Player of the Year who also scores nearly 200 points more than her closest rival.

No. 3 Connecticut Sun (28-12)

• Strengths: Defense, causing turnovers, getting to the free-throw line
• Weaknesses: Rebounding

The Sun are incredibly tough, a trait that proves advantageous during playoff seasons. Alongside Seattle, Connecticut boasts five starters with at least 40 steals each, and according to Basketball Reference, they force turnovers on 17.5% of their opponents’ possessions, the best in the league. Under head coach Stephanie White, this team has allowed the fewest field-goal attempts, making them the only team this season to restrict opponents to under 75 points per game. Scoring against Connecticut is no easy feat.

Star forward Alyssa Thomas is the only player within 70 assists of Clark, and aside from DeWanna Bonner, they may need more help on the boards. Nevertheless, even if the team doesn’t receive as much attention as the other top four, DiJonai Carrington has stepped up, and a trade for Marina Mabrey in July highlighted the Sun’s ambition for success.

No. 2 Minnesota Lynx (30-10)

• Strengths: Three-point shooting, offensive efficiency, defensive execution
• Weaknesses: Size, dependency on three-point shots

Operating without a traditional center, Minnesota is charging into the playoffs, boasting a stellar 13-2 record since the Olympic break, establishing themselves as serious title contenders. This run includes impressive victories by double digits against both the Aces and Fever, culminating in a significant 88-79 win against the New York Liberty on Sunday. If their three-pointers continue to be consistent, the Lynx will be a formidable opponent.

Under the guidance of Cheryl Reeve, Minnesota plays efficiently, favoring a slower pace that allows for creating open shots, especially from beyond the arc, where they lead the league with a 38.1% shooting percentage. Naphessa Collier would be a top MVP candidate if it weren’t for Wilson’s historic achievements and seems ready to guide this well-rounded squad through high-pressure moments.

No. 1 New York Liberty (32-8)

• Strengths: Shooting, team defense, rebounding, physicality
• Weaknesses: Inconsistency

The Liberty are excelling, ranking high in nearly every statistical category. Each of their five starters has the capability to dominate a game, while Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart create significant obstacles for opposing teams trying to score inside. New York has a lineup of “small ball” players who actually bring size, creating matchup challenges across the court.

They are the only team averaging over 10 three-pointers per game, and Sandy Brondello’s group leads the WNBA with a remarkable 52.4% shooting percentage on field goals inside the arc. Plus, with Ellie the Elephant, the Liberty boast the most stylish mascot in American sports.

Finding a weakness in New York is challenging, but they’ve had a few more lackluster performances than expected. The Washington Mystics managed to challenge them significantly on three occasions this season, and both Chicago and Minnesota secured victories against the Liberty when New York struggled to score even 70 points.

WNBA playoffs: Bracket and matchups

Round One matchups

• No. 8 Atlanta Dream vs. No. 1 New York Liberty
• No. 7 Phoenix Mercury vs. No. 2 Minnesota Lynx
• No. 6 Indiana Fever vs. No. 3 Connecticut Sun
• No. 5 Seattle Storm vs. No. 4 Las Vegas Aces

2024 WNBA playoff schedule:

All times are in Eastern Time.

Sunday 9/22

• Game 1: Atlanta Dream at New York Liberty – 1 p.m. on ESPN
• Game 1: Indiana Fever at Connecticut Sun – 3 p.m. on ABC
• Game 1: Phoenix Mercury at Minnesota Lynx – 5 p.m. on ESPN
• Game 1: Seattle Storm at Las Vegas Aces – 10 p.m. on ESPN

Tuesday 9/24

• Game 2: Atlanta Dream at New York Liberty – 7:30 p.m. on ESPN
• Game 2: Seattle Storm at Las Vegas Aces – 9:30 p.m. on ESPN

Wednesday 9/25

• Game 2: Indiana Fever at Connecticut Sun – 7:30 p.m. on ESPN
• Game 2: Phoenix Mercury at Minnesota Lynx – 9:30 p.m. on ESPN

Thursday 9/26

• Game 3*: New York Liberty at Atlanta Dream – Time TBD on ESPN2
• Game 3*: Las Vegas Aces at Seattle Storm – Time TBD on ESPN2

Friday 9/27

• Game 3*: Connecticut Sun at Indiana Fever – Time TBD on ESPN2
• Game 3*: Minnesota Lynx at Phoenix Mercury – Time TBD on ESPN2

(* – If necessary)

Where to watch the WNBA playoffs

The 2024 WNBA playoffs kick off on Sunday, September 22, airing on ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2. Fans can also stream every game online on ESPN+.

Catch the 2024 WNBA playoffs with a Fubo subscription