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"What we did in the [pre] season doesn't matter," Sabrina Ionescu told reporters. "Now it's zero-zero, and we have to make sure that, you know, we take that into consideration-- It's anyone's game and we have to go out there and take it, it's not going to be handed to us." "We know how Connecticut is going to play, and obviously they're going to take it to another level, and so we have to as well," Ionescu told reporters pregame.
New York Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello described game one as the "worst game of the season." "We [The Liberty] will be better next game. I'm 100 percent sure of that. We've got great players, and we will have to respond in the right way. It's a great challenge for us," Brondello told the media post-game.
Despite sweeping the Sun, the Liberty were held to a season low 63 points, on 33.8 percent field goal and 29.6 three-point percentage. Contrary to their dominant performance in the paint against the Washington Mystics, they were outrebounded by the Sun 35-30, and were held to 22 points in the paint. With the presence on of Jonquel Jones, the Liberty were held to just four points down low in the second half.
Rebecca Allen impresses against her former team
A signature @becallen8 reverse lay to get us going.#CTSun | #ForgedByFire
— Connecticut Sun (@ConnecticutSun) September 24, 2023pic.twitter.com/mLDElHoPDZ
After a 25-21 first quarter lead, the Liberty commanded a 40-37 halftime edge over the Sun. Despite keeping the score adjacent, New York fell completely fell apart in the second half. It was at this time where the Connecticut Sun "took their game to another level." Despite losing Jonquel Jones in the offseason, and Brionna Jones to injury, Connecticut found a way to break through the Liberty. Rebecca Allen, in her first WNBA semifinals, had her best playoff game of her career, with 18 points, two blocks, two steals, seven rebounds. The former Liberty forward shot 77.8 percent from the field, and 66.7 percent from the three-point line. The Sun, with who had a top defense all year, certainly did not disappoint in game one.
The Sun set the tone after their 11-3 run in the first quarter, led by Rebecca Allen. In the offseason, Allen, along with the 2023 No. 6 pick were acquired by the Connecticut Sun in the Jonquel Jones trade. In the acquisition, Kayla Thornton was shipped to New York, and Tyasha Harris to Connecticut. Poised with confidence, Allen set the tone with a reverse layup over Sabrina Ionescu. She later pulled a contested 26 three-point jumper over Breanna Stewart, with the help of Alyssa Thomas's screen.
With 6:44 left to go in the first quarter, it was clear the Connecticut Sun were prepared for this moment. With Allen on Sabrina, her steal turned into bold faced three-pointer in the hand of Ionescu. Feeling her stride, No. 9 pulled a contested three-pointer in front of Marine Johannès during the third quarter.
Rebecca Allen is ON ONE
— WNBA (@WNBA) September 24, 2023@becallen8 has started off the 1Q with 8 PTS (3-3, 2-2 from 3)
ESPN | 2023 #WNBAPlayoffs | @google pic.twitter.com/b2mi2AJPJZ
The Connecticut Sun have trust in their entire team
Despite a 10-2 run by the New York Liberty in the second, the Connecticut Sun outscored the New York Liberty 28-15 in the third quarter. They shot an incredible 44 percent from the three and held the Liberty to 33 percent field goal shooting. The creating of mismatches, especially with Bonner and Vandersloot down below, opened up three-point opportunities for the Sun.
The Sun, led by head coach Stephanie White, utilized other players besides Thomas, who scored zero points in the third. Prior to getting into foul trouble, Tiffany Hayes finished with six points, along with Allen and Hiedeman. Connecticut, a team that often relies too heavily on DeWanna Bonner and Alyssa Thomas, turned to their starters and role players for production. Ultimately, this matchup game down to confidence, the Sun were able to hit tough shots as a team.
The backcourt tandem between Tiffany Hayes and Natisha Hiedeman combined for 24 points, six assists, and nine rebounds. Between Hayes, Heideman and Allen, all three players set the tone for Connecticut to thrive down the stretch. All five Connecticut Sun starters finished positive on the court, contrary to their last matchup against New York.
.@NatishaHiedeman knocks down ANOTHER triple
— WNBA (@WNBA) September 24, 2023
The @connecticutsun are on a 11-2 run over the last 2:37
The Sun had a colossal third quarter
It's clear the Connecticut Sun capitalized on their defensive stops. Allen continued her dominant three point shooting this quarter, along with Hiedeman in the corner over Ionescu. From there, Connecticut went on a 12-3 run. The defensive pressure from White's squad forced New York to turn the ball over four times in this quarter, and 14 as a team. As a result, the Sun capitalized with 7 fast break points, and held New York to zero throughout the entire matchup.
DEWANNA
— WNBA (@WNBA) September 24, 2023BONNER
With that bucket, DeWanna Bonner passes Taj McWilliams-Franklin for 3rd on the Sun All-Time Playoffs points list with 383
"We came out really slow in the first quarter and then the third quarter. It's been happening in the last few games, and I think it's mindset. Frustration sets in, we don't execute, and we all know we are better than that," said coach Brondello.
New York cut the deficit to five points, followed by Kayla Thorntons three-pointer. Even with the slightest momentum, the Liberty couldn't get stops on defense. With DeWanna Bonner doubled by Vandersloot and Thornton, Rebecca Allen was ready to strike beyond distance again, this time in the corner over Jonquel Jones. Alyssa Thomas the point forward position, was able to find teammates in the low post with back door cuts. With one second remaining in the third, Bonner hit a buzzer beating mid-range shot over Breanna Stewart. From there on out, the Sun remained poised with confidence and determination. Bonner finished the game with 20 points, three blocks, one steal, and seven rebounds.
The Liberty couldn't find their stride on offense
Throughout the month of August, the Liberty ranked first in both offensive rating and net rating. Multiple Liberty players have stated the playoffs are a different time, and this matchup proved just that. Jonquel Jones finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds, and two blocks. With New York scoring 18 points in the paint first half, the Connecticut Sun were able to adjust to that defensively. With ten first half points, the Sun limited Jones to four second half of the game. Though the Liberty defeated the Mystics with paint presence, the Sun figured out a way to negate that.
Even with Jones's strength and size, you could visibly see multiple orange jerseys that surrounded her the second half the game.
New York is confident they will play better
The Liberty offense overall looked stale and out of rhythm. Though Breanna Stewart finished with a team high 19 points and six rebounds, Stewart shot 7-25, and 0-8 from the three. With the perimeter heavily guarded, Connecticut forced New York to take unwanted shots. Betnijah Laney, an incredible x-factor in their starting lineup, finished with just three points on 1-9 shooting. Laney saw some looks in the paint and couldn't finish in several of them. In the fourth quarter, the Liberty struggled to score on turnovers, especially with Hiedeman's block over Breanna Stewart with eight minutes to go.
"That's what makes it tough is her [Alyssa Thomas] ability to guard multiple positions, and you know, they knew where I was all night. Credit to them, but we'll be back," said Stewart post-game.
.@NatishaHiedeman with the BIG TIME REJECTION
— WNBA (@WNBA) September 24, 2023
The @connecticutsun lead by 15 in the 4Q on @ESPN
2023 #WNBAPlayoffs | @google pic.twitter.com/R2TtRKCYLd
With Ty Harris sent to the Suns bench with five personal fouls, New York still couldn't take advantage. Ionescu, who finished with 12 points, was 4-14 from the field, and was guarded heavily with her every move.
Breanna Stewart expresses frustration
"They were being aggressive, you know, blowing things up for us, but I don't think we handled it well," Stewart told the press. " We didn't stay poised or composed. We had the ability to the second and third side, and we just didn't do that today. So, it's a little bit frustrating to drop this one at home."
Their offensive seemed uncharacteristic, as they shot just 13.6 percent, and 10 percent from the three in the final quarter. New York was held to just eight points in the final ten minutes. This game was a struggle, not just by Stewart, but along with the entire team.
After a sloppy game one, the New York Liberty (0-1, 0-1 Home) will matchup against the Connecticut Sun (1-0, 1-0 Away) for game two of the WNBA semifinals. With one more home matchup, the two teams will play on Tuesday, at the Barclays Center.
Stay tuned for more WNBA related articles. Click here
Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter at BallisLife, and a Sports Content Creator on Twitch and TikTok. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.
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DeWanna Bonner and Alyssa Thomas are an elite duo
What a duo
— WNBA (@WNBA) September 21, 2023@athomas_25:
28 PTS, 6 REB, 12 AST
DeWanna Bonner:
2023 #WNBAPlayoffs | @google pic.twitter.com/cVKu6IGHy9
No Brionna Jones? No problem. Heading into Wednesday's matchup, the Connecticut Sun knew they were possibly facing elimination on a tough road matchup at the Target Center. 14-6 on the road, the Sun faced a Minnesota Lynx team who were under .500 at home and were plagued with injuries. Without Jessica Shepard, Lindsay Allen, and Aerial Powers, Minnesota was able to secure the 82-75 game two victory over the Connecticut Sun.
With the stardom of Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner, the Sun overcame Napheesa Colliers 31 points, and defeated the Lynx 90-75. Thomas and Bonner combined for 53 points, 18 assists, 16 rebounds, three blocks, and shot 21-33. The duo made up nearly 60 percent of the team's entire offense. The Connecticut Sun, led by Stephanie White, are in their seventh straight playoff appearance, and will head to their fifth straight semifinals. The Sun lost Jones to a season ending achilles injury early in the season.
The @ConnecticutSun advance to their fifth straight WNBA semifinals
— ESPN (@espn) September 21, 2023pic.twitter.com/P7ieDw0GG1
In a critical game three, Connecticut was able to capitalize on the rebounds, along with scoring domination in the paint. Alyssa Thomas set the early tone with a push back mid-range shot over rookie Diamond Miller. With eight points in the first quarter, No. 25 tied a career high with 28 points, one steal, 12 assists, and six rebounds. Through three games against the Lynx, Thomas averaged 23 points, 9.3 assists, 2.3 steals, and 5.7 rebounds.
Much like we projected, Thomas played an entire 40 minutes of basketball. While getting an early lead was important, Thomas created points off turnovers, which included assists on the outside. Her ability to distribute to her teammates was impeccable, along with her strength offensively down in the post. With a commanding 17-6 lead, DeWanna Bonner and Alyssa Thomas showed their chemistry on the court, creating opportunities for each other off the pick and roll. Below is a prime example of Alyssa Thomas strength, taking on three defenders in the paint.
The dimes were dropped last night as the @ConnecticutSun secured their 5th consecutive Semi-Finals appearance
— WNBA (@WNBA) September 21, 2023
Check out the best #StatefarmAssistsoftheNight | @StateFarmpic.twitter.com/bCMRvkRE4c
DeWanna Bonner, a fourteen-year WNBA veteran, pulled a 24 foot three-point jumper with zero hesitation over Rachel Banham. Her ability to create her own shot and drain from downtown over Dorka Juhasz certainly made a statement. Similar to Thomas, Bonner finished with 25 points, three blocks, one steal, six assists, and ten rebounds. She shot 50 percent from three and had multiple key blocks. No. 24 became the third player in WNBA history to have 1,000 playoff points 500 rebounds and joins Tamika Catchings and Candace Parker on the all-time list.
Brilliant so far in the postseason, Bonner averaged 22 points, ten rebounds, 4.7 assists, and one block in three games vs. the Lynx. Bonner's athleticism was highlighted all night, as she made fadeaway jumpers, and capitalized on the fast break points off turnovers. The momentum started to shift after Bonner drained an 11-foot jump shot over Bridget Carleton at the Buzzer.
DeWanna Bonner at the buzzer
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 21, 2023
The @ConnecticutSun are one half away from advancing to the semispic.twitter.com/6hWGGpPpzC
The Connecticut Sun take over early
The Minnesota Lynx had the early tempo in game two, in which they outscored the Connecticut Sun in the first half. With Lynx fans buzzing at the Target Center, it was vital for the Sun to catch an early lead. The Sun had a monster first quarter, tallying 26 points and started on a 20-6 run. By the half, Connecticut outscored Minnesota 49-34, in which they made their first three field goals, and five of their first six shots. With Collier missing her first two shots, and Minnesota missed four straight field goals, from 6:48 to 2:34 in the first quarter. Once Diamond Miller made a driving layup, Minnesota didn't make a field goal until Carleton's three-point shot around the 8-minute mark. From there, the Lynx were held to 30 points through the next two quarters.
Tyasha Harris shines as the ultimate x-factor
Tyasha Harris showed why she can be such an x-factor for this team, after being acquired by the Connecticut Sun this offseason in the Jonquel Jones trade. Struggling in game two, Harris finished with 19 points, one rebound, and one assists off the bench for Connecticut. In a vital role, the guard shot 7-11 from the field, and 4-6 from the three-point line. Through 40 games played, Harris led the WNBA in three-point percentage, which was a career-high (46.4 percent). She was excellent around screens set by Alyssa Thomas and was able to drop in the shots and layups. Her confidence was at an all-time high, as she ripped a long three-point shot over Rachel Banham.
a SILENCER from three by @TyHarris_52
— Connecticut Sun (@ConnecticutSun) September 21, 2023#CTSun | #ForgedByFire
Minnesota struggled offensively
Forward Napheesa Collier had an impressive performance, delivering 31 points on 11-19 field goal shooting. The Lynx starting four combined for only 26 points, in which they finished 43.3 percent from the field. Although the Lynx cut the deficit to one point in the third quarter, they were shutout mainly until the final quarter of the game.
Kayla McBride was a large factor in Minnesota's game two win over Connecticut. In game three, McBride struggled from the field, adding only ten points in 40 minutes. With the season on the line, Minnesota was unable to get the stops defensively, and offensively come up with a plan outside of Collier. After a first-round exit, the Lynx have a promising young team, comprised of Dorka Juhasz and Diamond Miller around Kayla McBride and Napheesa Collier.
The Connecticut Sun will face the New York Liberty in the WNBA Playoffs Semifinals. The best of five games, the Liberty will have home court advantage for the first two games. Connecticut will play New York on Sept. 24 at 1 p.m. ET, at the Barclays Center.
Stay tuned for more WNBA related articles. Click here
Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter at BallisLife, and a Sports Content Creator on Twitch and TikTok. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.
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Prior to Tuesday's matchup, Washington Mystics guard Natasha Cloud knew this was a must win for the Mystics. Prior to game three, Cloud stated, "she will be guarding Sabrina Ionescu for 40 minutes," and the Mystics defense was "lazy." Throughout one of the most intense games of the year, Natasha Cloud backed up her talk with a career night, and the Liberty remained poised throughout a chaotic second half. Cloud finished with 33 points, four steals, and nine rebounds, on 5-7 three-point shooting. Sabrina Ionescu added 11 points, two steals, five assists, and nine rebounds, on 4-11 shot attempts.
Prior to the matchup, both Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart spoke to the media about the critical matchup. It's apparent the two players knew this game wasn't going to be an easy task. When asked what it will take to close out this series, Stewart calmly stated:
"To keep our emotions in check. Know that D.C. [Washington Mystics] is obviously going to be literally fighting for their season tonight, and know that if we can control the pace, control the boards, really play how we want to defensively, everything will open up offensively," said Stewart. In this case, Stewart was 100 percent right. The Mystics fought for their season until the final seconds of overtime. Through the fourth quarter, both teams were tied four times, and there were five lead changes in ten minutes.
In 38 minutes, the New York Liberty were able to keep Mystics star Elena Delle Donne in check. In 38 minutes, the forward had 11 points, and was held to 4-16 shooting. Delle Donne, battling injuries all season, averaged 16.7 points in the regular season, and was held to zero percent three-point shooting in game three. "Yeah, just having an attention to her, making sure we know where she is on the court, pick and roll coverages, me and Stewie [Breanna Stewart]," Jonquel told the press.
Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones took charge
No. 30 is a true professional, and keeping their emotions in check was more vital than ever. Not her best shooting performance, Breanna Stewart finished with a team high 27 points, nine rebounds, three blocks, two assists, and two steals. Up by one point, with 1:13 remaining in the fourth quarter, Stewart had the two biggest plays of the game, next to Jonquel Jones. No. 30 got up for a block, and with 45 seconds to go, the forward drilled an 11-foot turnaround shot. Her big time shot put the Liberty up 74-71, until Brittney Sykes responded with a 24 foot three-point jump shot.
Shortly after Stewart made the 11-foot jumper to extend the lead to three, Jonquel Jones had a momentous block on Natasha Cloud's driving layup attempt. It was then, Jones turned the ball over, and racked up her fourth personal foul of the game, sending Cloud to the free-throw line. Tied 74 all, Cloud made both free-throws, despite the electric crowd at the Barclays. With 27.3 seconds remaining, Sandy Brondello formulated a plan of attack, around both players. Given New York finished 4-23 from the three-point line, and 0-7 in the third quarter, the game plan was to attack inside. After a missed driving layup by Breanna Stewart, Natasha Cloud fouled, which sent Sabrina Ionescu to the line in the bonus.
"Like I said, you sometimes, you have to find a way, what's the best way the win. They are [Stewart and Jones] the easy ones at the rim, and JJ did a few reps from high, you know a little iso at the top, that's all JJ," coach Brondello told the media post-game. Jones finished with six points in the third, and Stewart with six in overtime. New York bullied Washington in the paint, 52-42, and monopolized on the rebounds, 41-38. Out of the six shots taken in the paint during the final quarter, Jones and Stewart accounted for four of them.
Jonquel Jones is a former MVP for a reason. Down 76-74, No. 35 grabbed an essential rebound, after Ionescu missed both free throws. From there, Jones was sent to the line, after being fouled by Myisha Hines-Allen. With 11.4 seconds to go, Jones made two necessary rebounds, which tied the game. With the season on the line, Washington had a chance to win the game. Due to miscommunication, Cloud overthrew the ball to Sykes on the inbound. The fans went into frenzy, and the ballgame went into overtime at the Barclays.
"I had to redeem myself after turning the ball over," Jones said after the victory. "Honestly, there was no other option but to make the free throws. Just going into my free-throw routine, just saying what I normally say to myself when I shoot free-throws." Laughing it off, Jones stated "I say one, two, spin, bend, shoot, every time."
"The free throw, the free throw rebound from JJ-- that was a missed shot we knew we had to miss to get that, and her to knock down two really big shots, that was big for us, " said Brondello after the game.
The New York Liberty and Washington Mystics meet again in overtime
Multiple players of the New York liberty have insisted that the Washington Mystics play much better than a No. 7 seed. With the regular season series split 2-2, the Mystics defeated the Liberty 90-88 in the final matchup of the season, thanks to Brittney Sykes buzzer beater. Tied 76-76, Washington had five minutes in overtime to keep their season alive. With a champion winning coach, the Liberty were able to adjust to their opponent's defense, which ultimately secured the victory.
Natasha Cloud wasn't playing around when she said she would play a full 40 minutes on Sabrina Ionescu. In sudden death overtime, both teams battled, and the score remained close up until the four second mark. Guards Courtney Vandersloot and Sabrina Ionescu were bottled up a majority of the night, which forced Brondello to put the ball in the hands of Breanna Stewart.
"Because the guards, I mean they just made Sloot [Vandersloot] and Sabrina [Ionescu]---it was a tough night, so we just put the ball back in Stewies [Stewart] hands, " Brondello told the press after the win.
JJ put on a SHOW at @barclayscenter
— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) September 20, 2023
Jonquel Jones was able to dominate in the paint the entire night, especially with the mismatch on Hines-Allen. Given the perimeter was locked up, Stewart was able to bring Delle Donne out of the paint, and Jonquel Jones was able to iso her way to the basket. With her six-foot six frame, Jones had the size and strength to attack Washington's weakness, which was defense in the high and low post. Through four quarters and overtime, the Liberty had 23 made shots in the paint, which was uncharacteristic for New York, who led the league in three-point percentage. New York was able to show how impactful this team can be. They are very much as much of a threat outside, as they are inside.
REAL SIMPLE. @jus242 pic.twitter.com/J1TdiIO8cj
— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) September 19, 2023
Several plays were run with Stewart running the point, with both her and Jones at the top of the key. With Stewart as the primary ball handler, strong screens made by Jonquel Jones, opened up opportunities and back door cuts for her teammates. Four of Courtney Vandersloot's eight points erupted in overtime, which included a vital back door cut, and 20-foot jumper. with 18 seconds remaining, Jonquel Jones redeemed herself with a steal, after turning the ball over. Breanna Stewart's six made free-throws led the Liberty to a 90-85 overtime victory over the Mystics.
Betnijah Laney is the definition of New York "grit"
With the abundance of talent on this New York roster, there's Betnijah Laney. Proven a true x-factor on both sides of the ball, Laney has established herself as a tough, physical player, that gives her all, night in and night out, regardless of the matchup. In two post season matchups against Washington, No. 44 averaged 19 points, five rebounds, and two assists. In Tuesday's victory, the forward finished with 19 points, one steal, three assists, and two rebounds. She hit a pivotal three point shot with 2:18 to go in the fourth, to keep the Liberty alive.
What the box score often doesn't indicate is her tough defensive matchups against star players. Laney was often matched with Natasha Cloud, who had a career night with 33 points. At times, she had to guard the mismatch on Delle Donne. Passing up the three-point shot, Laney had several drives to the basket, showing full physicality and toughness. Her acrobatic back door reverse lay ins have become a staple of her game, and really emphasize her multidimensional game play.
Bucket B was in full effect tonight
— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) September 20, 2023
The turning point in the matchup started with Betnijah Laney. Knowing the perimeter was heavily guarded by Ariel Atkins, No. 44 furiously barged into the paint, and knocked down a nine-foot fadeaway shot on Atkins. With zero hesitation, Laney set the tone again in the first quarter, and played forcefully until the end of regulation. When Ionescu, or other players are locked up, look for Laney to always play a factor.
"Doing what we need to do and in the right way. If someone's having a tough night, we always say, how can you still impact the game," Brondello said following the win. With Sabrina Ionescu held the 11 points, the guard was impactful in several key areas, including the rebounds. Ionescu had two steals, nine rebounds, and five assists. With Vandersloot guarded heavily, she finished with ten assists.
Coach Brondello discussed those final plays, and her decision to keep the ball away from Courtney Vandersloot and Sabrina Ionescu. "It's not all about scoring, in some times with Sabrina, it was more like just keep her off the ball. In the end, don't even come near the ball, you're [Ionescu] a decoy right now, and sloot [ Vandersloot]. "
"I thought B [Betnijah Laney], JJ [Jonquel Jones] and Stewie [Breanna Stewart] really just stayed composed and they made really big shots-- great players making great plays," said Brondello. "Hats off to Washington. They've had a tough year with all [of] their injuries. This is a three seed in my opinion, you know, the way that they competed tonight, when's the last time you've seen someone play that hard?"
Post game, Breanna Stewart said the game definitely "got spicy." Along with a physical matchup, the Liberty had several shooting woes and costly turnovers. Overall, New York shot 17.4 percent from the three-point, and 42 percent from the field. Not always pretty, they found a way to sweep the Washington Mystics. With the original story line focused on Cloud and Ionescu, we can't forget Cloud's unbelievable performance. However, New York proves they can win in multiple ways.
The New York Liberty will face the Connecticut Sun in the WNBA Playoffs Semifinals. The best of five games, the Liberty will have home court advantage for the first two games. New York will play Connecticut on Sept. 24 at 1 p.m. ET, at the Barclays Center.
Stay tuned for more WNBA related articles. Click here
Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter at BallisLife, and a Sports Content Creator on Twitch and TikTok. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.
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]]>? The NBA Play-In Tournament is finally here. For the Eastern Conference, the 8th Seed, Atlanta Hawks (41-41, 17-24 Away) will face the 7th Seed Miami Heat (44-38, 27-14 Home).?The two teams will play tonight at 7:30 PM EDT at the Kaseya Center, located in Miami, Florida. If you’re looking to watch this game, the matchup will air on TNT.
?For the Western Conference, the 8th Seed Minnesota Timberwolves (42-40, 20-21 Away) will face the 7th seed Los Angeles Lakers (43-39, 23-18 Home). These two teams will play tonight at 10:00 PM EDT at Crypto.com Area, located in Los Angeles, California. In addition, the matchup will air on TNT. If you are looking for the best betting odds for the NBA Championship, here is information to know:
NBA Championship Odds:
Atlanta Hawks: +35000
Miami Heat: +25000
Minnesota Timberwolves: +30000
Los Angeles Lakers: +1800
Play-In Tournament Odds:
Hawks vs. Heat
Hawks: +170
Heat: -200
Spread: Heat -5, Hawks +5
Over/Under: 228
Timberwolves vs. Lakers?
Timberwolves: +295
Lakers: -360
Spread: Lakers -8.5, Timberwolves +8.5
Over/Under: 232.5
Team Recaps
Atlanta Hawks
?The Atlanta Hawks have 1 NBA Championship in 49 total appearances and won their only championship in 1958. The Hawks lost to the Miami Heat in last year’s First Round, and they are looking for revenge. Atlanta ranks 3rd in Points Per Game (118.4), 18th in Assists Per Game (25), 10th in Rebounds per Game (44.4), 22nd in Three-Point Shooting Percentage, and 26th in Opponent Points Per Game (118.1). After a 7-3 start to the Season, Atlanta was 17-20 by New Years Day. By the time February came along, the Hawks fired Head Coach Nate McMillan, who took them to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021.
In late February, former Head Coach of the Utah Jazz, Quin Snyder, signed a 5-year deal to become the next Head Coach of the Atlanta Hawks. Since Snyder’s debut against the Washington Wizard, the Hawks finished 10-11, and lost their last two games of the regular season. Although Atlanta lost to the Heat last season, the addition of guard Dejounte Murray should take some pressure of All-Star Guard, Trae Young. Although the Atlanta Hawks have two extremely talented guards, this team has been mediocre all season.
Strengths
?The Atlanta Hawks are a high scoring team, and they rank 3rd in the league in points per game. They are a very efficient team at the line, ranking 3rd in the league in Free-Throw Percentage (81.8), and 9th in Field Goal Percentage (48.1). The Hawks also rank 1st in the league in Field Goals Made (44.6).
It’s important to note Trae Young ranks 10th in the League in Points-Per Game with 26.2. In addition, Young is averaging over 10 Assists per game, which is 2nd in the league and a career high. Although Trae struggled shooting percentage wise, he is more efficient from the field and three-point range on the road.? Guard Dejounte Murray was acquired to help Guard Trae Young in the backcourt. He’s averaged 20.5 Points-Per-Game, 6.1 Assists, 5.3 Rebounds, and is shooting 46.4 percent from the field. Like Trae Young, Murray shoots better from the three-point on the road (36.2 percent).
Weakness
?The Atlanta Hawks can score, and sometimes numbers can be deceiving. Although Atlanta ranks 9th in Field Goal Percentage, they rank 21st in Three-Point Shooting (35.2). Given the league caters to the three-point shot, this is a huge disadvantage for this team. Furthermore, Trae Young is shooting 33.5 percent beyond the arc this season, compared to 38.2 percent last year. Apart from that, they are not a team that frequently gets to the free-throw line.
It’s no secret the Atlanta Hawks also have depth issues. If the Hawks want some decent three-point shooting, they will have to rely on guard Bogdan Bogdanovic, who is shooting 40 percent beyond the arc. One of the Hawks’ biggest weaknesses is their lack of defense. Ironically, this is a top scoring team that ranks 26th in Opponents points per game (118.1). Even Worse, they allow opponents to shoot 35.6 percent from the three-point line. Although Young has been the star of this team, Atlanta is open to a trade. According to CBS Sports, “Hawks front office has ‘green light’ to consider moving All-Start guard (Trae Young).”
Key Stats
?Trae Young is averaging 19.8 points and 9.8 assists against the Miami Heat this season. He’s been ice cold from the three-point, shooting 20 percent and 35.6 from the field against Miami.
?Dejounte Murray averages 18.5 points per game and 5 assists per game against the Heat. Much like Young, the Heat held Murray to 29.6 Three-point shooting, and 43.9 percent from the field.
?Center Clint Capela is averaging 13.3 Points and 9.7 Rebounds against the Heat this year.
Miami Heat
?The Miami Heat have total of 3 NBA Trophies in 24 appearances. Although the Heat finished as the #1 Seed in the East last season, they lost to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals.? Although Miami is 1st in the Southeast Division, they’ve regressed. They finished 44-38 and sit in the Play-In Tournament.? Stat- wise, the Heat rank last in the league in Points Per Game (109.5), 25th in Assists Per Game (23.8), 26th in Rebounds Per Game (40.6), and 26th in Three Point Percentage (34.8).
?Although Miami struggles in most of those categories, they are 2nd in the league in Opponent Points-Per Game (109.8), and Opponent Field Goal Attempts (83.2). The Heat started their season 12-15 and won 4 out of their 5 last regular season games. Although Miami has not performed to their expectations, Head Coach Erik Spoelstra has experience in the postseason, and Jimmy Butler (Playoff Jimmy) is known for his tough playoff performances. Given Kyle Lowry has been out, can Miami advance far given they do not have a true playmaker?
Strengths
?The Heat are one of the best defensive teams in the league. They do not allow many points per game, and they rank 3rd in the league in Field Goal Attempts (21.1). They also rank 8th in Steals Per-Game (7.0). In addition, they rank 6th in the league in Opponent Rebounds Per Game (41.8), and 2nd in the league in opponent field goal attempts (83.2). Regarding Rebounds, Miami ranks 1st in the league in Opponent Offensive Rebounds Per Game (8.9). Although they do not get to the free-throw line much, they make their shots when it matters. Miami is 2nd in the league in Free-Throw percentage (83.1). In addition, Miami handles the ball well, and does not commit as high of turnovers compared to the rest of the NBA.
Weakness
?Although Miami is a very good defensive team, they allow opponents to shoot 36.7 percent from the Three-Point, and 48.2 percent from the Field. They do not get to the free-throw line frequently and rank dead last in the league in points scored. In addition, the Heat do not shoot the ball well beyond the arc (34.4) and rank towards the bottom in Assists. Although Miami has stars in Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler, they lack a true point guard and playmaker. Tyler Herro is perfect as a 2 guard, and Gabe Vincent has been starting in place of Veteran Point guard Kyle Lowry.
Key Stats
?The Miami Heat won the regular season series 3-1 against the Atlanta Hawks.
?Jimmy Butler is averaging 25 points and 6.3 assists against the Hawks this season. He shot 100 percent from the Three-Point, and 63.2 percent from the Field in those games.
?Bam Adebayo averages 24.5 Points Per Game, 1.8 Steals, and 9.5 Rebounds against Atlanta. He’s also shooting 92.3 percent from the Free-Throw line.
?Guard Tyler Herro struggled in his 4 games against Atlanta. He’s averaging 14.8 points per game, 5.5 assists, and shooting 21 percent from the Three.??
Minnesota Timberwolves
?The Minnesota Timberwolves have a total of 11 playoff appearances and never won an NBA Championship. Furthermore, Minnesota lost to the #2 Seed Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA First Round last season. The Timberwolves rank 13th in Points Per Game (115.8), 8th in Assists Per Game (26.2), 23rd in Rebounds Per Game (44.4), 13th in Three-Point Shooting Percentage, and 18th in Opponent Points Per Game (115.8). The Wolves made some moves, acquiring Center Rudy Gobert in exchange for Malik Beasley, Patrick Beverly, Leandro Bolmaro, Walker Kessler, Jarred Vanderbilt, 2023 first-round pick, 2025 first-round pick, 2026 pick swap, 2027 first-round pick, and a 2029 first-round pick. You could make the argument Minnesota gave up too many assets for Gobert.
Minnesota hovered around the .500 mark all season. The Timberwolves shipped off D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, and Jarred Vanderbilt to the Lakers in a three-way trade with the Utah Jazz. Minnesota received Veteran Point Guard Mike Conley, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, 2024 2nd-round pick swap, 2025 2nd-round pick, and a 2026 2nd round pick. Minnesota has a record of 29-23 against teams in the Western Conference and will be without Rudy Gobert.? Also, Karl-Anthony Towns is on the injury report. In addition, the Timberwolves will be without forward Jaden McDaniels.
Strengths
?The Timberwolves are a middle-of the road team in many statistical categories. Although they hovered around the .500 mark, Minnesota finished the season 7-3 in their last 10 games. In those 10 games, they averaged 117 points per game, over 7 steals, nearly 44 rebounds, and 29 assists. The Wolves rank 4th in Blocks per game, however, with Gobert and Towns possibly out, this will affect the team. Anthony Edwards, Kyle Anderson, and Mike Conley will have to pick up the slack for this team, who does not have many strengths right now. If the Wolves lineup were healthy, there would be plenty of depth, especially at the Center position.
Weakness
?Minnesota is a depleted team after a disastrous last game of the Season. Rudy Gobert was sent home from the team, after throwing punches at teammate Kyle Anderson. In addition, Jaden McDaniels will be out for the rest of the season after punching a wall, resulting in a broken hand. Both McDaniels and Gobert are defensive players, and without them, this team could struggle.? ?Even with two big men, the Wolves rank 23rd in the league in Rebounds (41.9), and their point differential is 0.0. Even worse, Minnesota ranks 24th in opponent three-point percentage (36.9), and this team turns the ball over many times (14.9).
Key Stats
?The Minnesota Timberwolves won the regular season series 2-1 against the Los Angeles Lakers.
?Rudy Gobert is averaging 19.3 Points and 15.3 Rebounds against the Lakers this season. With him at, the Wolves will be at a defensive disadvantage.
?Anthony Edwards averages 19.7 Points Per Game, 2 Steals, and is shooting 43.5 percent from the Three-Point against the Lakers.
?Veteran Point Guard Mike Conley is averaging 17 Points Per Game and 8 Assists against LA this season. In addition, Conley is shooting 44.8 percent from the Three-Point in his last 10 games, and 48 percent from the Field.
Los Angeles Lakers
?The Los Angeles Lakers have 17 NBA Championships and 63 NBA Playoff Appearances. The Lakers are three years removed from an NBA Championship and missed the 2021-2022 playoffs entirely. It’s Darvin Ham’s first season, in which the Lakers did not get off to a great start.? Los Angeles started the season 2-9 and lost 5 in a row in the month of November. The Lakers rank 6th in Points Per Game (117.2), 15th in Assists (25.3), 6th in Rebounds (45.7), 25th in Three-Point Shooting Percentage, and 20th in Opponent Points Per Game (116.6).
In desperation, the Lakers traded for D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Malik Beasley. Although stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis endured injuries, Los Angeles finished 8-2 in their last 10 games. Over their last 10 games, this Lakers team is gelling nicely, shooting nearly 50 percent from the field. If Anthony Davis, LeBron James, and D’Angelo Russell suit up and are healthy, this team could make a serious run if they win tonight. Although they sit in the Play-In Tournament, this Lakers team is 18-9 since the NBA Trade Deadline.
Strengths
?The Lakers have a great amount of depth, particularly at the forward position. The addition of Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt gives Anthony Davis and LeBron James a great amount of support. Rui Hachimura’s playing good basketball as of late, and Vanderbilt is a guy who is a defensive player the Lakers needed. If Russell suits up, he has Dennis Schroder and Austin Reaves. As far as their shooting guards go, Malik Beasley is a nice 2 guard, in addition to Lonnie Walker IV, who’s proven he can put up stats in certain situations.
If the Lakers cannot make their three-point shots, they will get to the line. They currently rank 1st in the league in Free-Throw Attempts and are top 6th in Rebounding (45.7). In particular, the Lakers are 2nd in the league in Defensive Rebounds per game (35.7). LA is in the top 10 in field goal percentage, especially if Davis and LeBron are both in the Lineup. Also, it’s important to note, although the Lakers are not the best team on the defensive end, they are very good against opponent perimeter three-pointers (34.4 percent).
Weakness
?The Lakers have been hit with injuries all season, particularly to LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and D’Angelo Russell. One of their biggest weaknesses is the ability to shoot the three-ball, where they rank 25th at 34.6 percent. Although the Lakers get to the free-throw line quite frequently, they rank towards the bottom in field goal percentage (77.5). In addition, LA ranks 20th in opponents points per game (116.6) and does not force many turnovers (12.1).
Key Stats
?LeBron James averages 23 points, 8.5 Rebounds, and 5.5 Assists against Minnesota this season. The Wolves held LeBron to 22 percent three-point and 39.5 percent field goal shooting.
?Anthony Davis averages 38 points per game, 2 blocks, 1 steal, and 11 Rebounds per game against the Wolves. In addition, Davis shot 56 percent from the field during those 2 games.
?Guard Malik Beasley is averaging 14.4 Points and is shooting 38 percent from the three against Minnesota this year.
Predictions
Heat ML
Heat -5
Over
Lakers ML
Minnesota +8.5
Over
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Sara Jane is a full-time content creator, focusing on both college basketball, the NBA, NFL, and Writer of www.ebooksnet.com. Don’t forget to follow her on Twitter: @GGirlSports
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