2024 WNBA PLAYOFFS Discussion Thread (WNBA Finals: New York Liberty vs Minnesota Lynx; NYL WIN 3-2)

[MrDollarBills]

Chicago needs to be docked a draft pick for giving Connecticut Mabrey

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FFS

I'm glad they did her a solid. It's pretty awesome to see it working out. In every league there are Playoff push trades that make so much sense on paper that don't always work out. But so far, this one is exactly how they drew it up.

I still think it was a pretty good trade for Chicago, given the circumstances. She wanted out and there was no leverage. She also makes a lot of money by W standards. This wasn't going to be a blockbuster.

Banham and Jefferson aren't part of the long-term plan, so it was essentially it was Mabrey for a late-first in a deep draft. Going by that mock, it could be Mabrey for Pao-Pao and a bunch of cap space. And losing Mabrey really helped Chicago get out of the Playoff race they didn't plan on and get back into the lottery.

A win-win, I think.

Yeah lol I'm kidding. It was a great trade for both sides. They did Mabrey right, and Chicago probably comes away with a high ceiling core from the draft + their two bigs.

[MrDollarBills]

Connecticut has no choice, they have to put her on Phee. The way Phee is just beating people's asses in the paint makes my heart sink.

I'm not a hater, but Minnesota has me shaken. My championship hopes are just fading right now.

Sorry yall. I'm an emotional man.

New York still has a big talent advantage. Jonquel would be a huge problem for them on the interior, since they don't play a real center.

The thing that makes the Lynx scary is execution. They play their brand of basketball better than anyone. Everyone swings the ball aggressively to shooters, and everyone can shoot. Phee is their main source of scoring pressure, but she exists in that ecosystem that keeps everyone weaponized.

New York is prone to not always playing their best. They clearly have the capacity to beat Minnesota, but it makes sense to be worried because you don't beat Minnesota without playing your best basketball.

Prior to last night, the Lynx essentially eliminated Brittney Griner every time they played the Mercury this year.

Obviously, the Liberty are an entirely different challenge, but whenever it seems like the Lynx are undersized or out-manned, it never seems to play out that way on the court.

The one hope that I have is that the Liberty are a fairly big team with Leo and Stewie on the wing and Betnijah and Sabrina in the backcourt. Plus we've got size on the bench. I hope that can hurt Minnesota over the course of a series


That is, if we can even beat the Aces.

[hermes]

Connecticut has no choice, they have to put her on Phee. The way Phee is just beating people's asses in the paint makes my heart sink.

I'm not a hater, but Minnesota has me shaken. My championship hopes are just fading right now.

Sorry yall. I'm an emotional man.

New York still has a big talent advantage. Jonquel would be a huge problem for them on the interior, since they don't play a real center.

The thing that makes the Lynx scary is execution. They play their brand of basketball better than anyone. Everyone swings the ball aggressively to shooters, and everyone can shoot. Phee is their main source of scoring pressure, but she exists in that ecosystem that keeps everyone weaponized.

New York is prone to not always playing their best. They clearly have the capacity to beat Minnesota, but it makes sense to be worried because you don't beat Minnesota without playing your best basketball.

Prior to last night, the Lynx essentially eliminated Brittney Griner every time they played the Mercury this year.

Obviously, the Liberty are an entirely different challenge, but whenever it seems like the Lynx are undersized or out-manned, it never seems to play out that way on the court.

about the only time i remember a team's height being a problem for the lynx was dallas. that whole team is filled with giants

[MrDollarBills]

Coach Spoon got fired. Wow.

[cupcakesnake]

Coach Spoon got fired. Wow.

Yeah waiting to hear if there was some sort of behind the scenes conflict with her and the front office. It doesn't make sense based on how Chicago played on the floor this year, and how much the young players endorsed her.

[cdubbz]

WNBA is a soap opera like most pro leagues, but the main difference is WNBA is still in it's early years and continues to grow.

- Was there ever conversations about racism in the WNBA before this season? I know there has been plenty of drama and misbehaving ie: Hamby, EDD, Griner getting hated on etc, but I wasn't paying close attention.

Just tiring how it's become a bigger topic then the actual talent and compeition in the league.

[Doctor MJ]

- Was there ever conversations about racism in the WNBA before this season? I know there has been plenty of drama and misbehaving ie: Hamby, EDD, Griner getting hated on etc, but I wasn't paying close attention.

Just tiring how it's become a bigger topic then the actual talent and compeition in the league.

To your question: Yes there was.

1. There was the outside prejudice toward "man-ish" women, which always fell disproportionately on Blacks and Lesbians.

2. Surely as a kind of boomerang effect, there was a feeling among straight White players that these were two strikes against them in fitting in with their teams. Kelsey Plum talked about this, and about trying really hard not to be an individualist out there as a rookie.

It's worth noting that Plum was essentially the closest thing to Clark before Clark setting all sorts of college scoring records and being a #1 pick, but when she arrived on her (awful) team, she was treated like a rookie who had to fit in with the existing core rather than as the new franchise player. Now, she also looked bad as a rookie and has told the story in terms of her needing to improve to function in the WNBA which again speaks well to her humility...but Plum was the #1 overall pick based on her volume scoring, and they didn't try to play her like that, which meant they were purposefully not playing to their #1 overall picks strengths due to their believe that their future involved these other players.

Of course, by the time peak Aces rolled around in 2023, all those other players were gone, so that theory was a bust.

On the plus side: The Aces don't get 3 #1 picks in a row (Plum/Wilson/Young) is they don't suck so badly through those years. It all worked out, but I think calling that "the plan" is giving them too much credit.

Last note: I'd be remiss not to mention that the leading scorer on that San Antonio team was Kayla McBride who is now the Robin to Phee's Batman. She's great and I'm not suggesting that she should have been benched or anything, but I also think McBride works best as an off-ball player where a teammate is the focus of the opponent defense. While Plum wasn't going to lead the team to the promised land as a rookie, I think the best way to build around the talent they had at the time was probably to let Plum be the primary ball handler and scorer, with looking to feast on the space Plum would come to provide.

[Green Chile]

WNBA is a soap opera like most pro leagues, but the main difference is WNBA is still in it's early years and continues to grow.

- Was there ever conversations about racism in the WNBA before this season? I know there has been plenty of drama and misbehaving ie: Hamby, EDD, Griner getting hated on etc, but I wasn't paying close attention.

Just tiring how it's become a bigger topic then the actual talent and compeition in the league.

I think the "early years" part is key.

Every league has a "fan to troll" ratio.
The WNBA just hit a vortex where the trolls became a big number in relation to the number of actual fans. A relatively small, previously ignored league just getting bombarded with new attention in the age of social media and hot take culture.

It'll get better as the league builds, I think (the trolls eventually move on).

On the history of the league, I don't know. I'm a new fan.

One thing that struck me was when Cam Brink had that interview early in the season talking about the privilege she had as feminine presenting white player.

I'm an old straight white dude, and honestly, every thing she said sounded like greek to me at the time. The difference in the reactions to her comments were stark. People that didn't follow the league thought it was terrible and that she had just stepped in it.

But the reaction from other players was so overwhelmingly positive. The players have clearly faced a lot of things over the years that I was unaware of.

I might be a stupid optimist, but I think they conversations will keep gravitating towards the game itself and all the BS will subside to the level it is in other leagues.

It's awesome league. The more people watch, the more they will want to talk about the actual basketball and all these wonderful players.

It might take some time. Until then, this forum is beacon of hope.

[Doctor MJ]

WNBA is a soap opera like most pro leagues, but the main difference is WNBA is still in it's early years and continues to grow.

- Was there ever conversations about racism in the WNBA before this season? I know there has been plenty of drama and misbehaving ie: Hamby, EDD, Griner getting hated on etc, but I wasn't paying close attention.

Just tiring how it's become a bigger topic then the actual talent and compeition in the league.

I think the "early years" part is key.

Every league has a "fan to troll" ratio.
The WNBA just hit a vortex where the trolls became a big number in relation to the number of actual fans. A relatively small, previously ignored league just getting bombarded with new attention in the age of social media and hot take culture.

It'll get better as the league builds, I think (the trolls eventually move on).

On the history of the league, I don't know. I'm a new fan.

One thing that struck me was when Cam Brink had that interview early in the season talking about the privilege she had as feminine presenting white player.

I'm an old straight white dude, and honestly, every thing she said sounded like greek to me at the time. The difference in the reactions to her comments were stark. People that didn't follow the league thought it was terrible and that she had just stepped in it.

But the reaction from other players was so overwhelmingly positive. The players have clearly faced a lot of things over the years that I was unaware of.

I might be a stupid optimist, but I think they conversations will keep gravitating towards the game itself and all the BS will subside to the level it is in other leagues.

It's awesome league. The more people watch, the more they will want to talk about the actual basketball and all these wonderful players.

It might take some time. Until then, this forum is beacon of hope.

So I love a lot of what you said especially you seeing this particular forum as a beacon of positivity.

But I'll say this as bad news:

I don't actually think the troll ratio is that high in the WNBA right now - I think the NBA media is basically taken over by trolls at this point (let's be real, that's what SAS & Perk are doing more than they actual journalists).

So I think it's going to be up to the lovers of the W to try to keep that positivity going everywhere we can. And for those of us here, that means right here.

We gotta stay positive so we don't get sucked into the negativity that tends to soak into everything nowadays.

[MrDollarBills]

WNBA is a soap opera like most pro leagues, but the main difference is WNBA is still in it's early years and continues to grow.

- Was there ever conversations about racism in the WNBA before this season? I know there has been plenty of drama and misbehaving ie: Hamby, EDD, Griner getting hated on etc, but I wasn't paying close attention.

Just tiring how it's become a bigger topic then the actual talent and compeition in the league.

I think the "early years" part is key.

Every league has a "fan to troll" ratio.
The WNBA just hit a vortex where the trolls became a big number in relation to the number of actual fans. A relatively small, previously ignored league just getting bombarded with new attention in the age of social media and hot take culture.

It'll get better as the league builds, I think (the trolls eventually move on).

On the history of the league, I don't know. I'm a new fan.

One thing that struck me was when Cam Brink had that interview early in the season talking about the privilege she had as feminine presenting white player.

I'm an old straight white dude, and honestly, every thing she said sounded like greek to me at the time. The difference in the reactions to her comments were stark. People that didn't follow the league thought it was terrible and that she had just stepped in it.

But the reaction from other players was so overwhelmingly positive. The players have clearly faced a lot of things over the years that I was unaware of.

I might be a stupid optimist, but I think they conversations will keep gravitating towards the game itself and all the BS will subside to the level it is in other leagues.

It's awesome league. The more people watch, the more they will want to talk about the actual basketball and all these wonderful players.

It might take some time. Until then, this forum is beacon of hope.

Sir, I would have a beer with you any day of the week. Very well said. I need to keep that in mind myself.

[Green Chile]

WNBA is a soap opera like most pro leagues, but the main difference is WNBA is still in it's early years and continues to grow.

- Was there ever conversations about racism in the WNBA before this season? I know there has been plenty of drama and misbehaving ie: Hamby, EDD, Griner getting hated on etc, but I wasn't paying close attention.

Just tiring how it's become a bigger topic then the actual talent and compeition in the league.

I think the "early years" part is key.

Every league has a "fan to troll" ratio.
The WNBA just hit a vortex where the trolls became a big number in relation to the number of actual fans. A relatively small, previously ignored league just getting bombarded with new attention in the age of social media and hot take culture.

It'll get better as the league builds, I think (the trolls eventually move on).

On the history of the league, I don't know. I'm a new fan.

One thing that struck me was when Cam Brink had that interview early in the season talking about the privilege she had as feminine presenting white player.

I'm an old straight white dude, and honestly, every thing she said sounded like greek to me at the time. The difference in the reactions to her comments were stark. People that didn't follow the league thought it was terrible and that she had just stepped in it.

But the reaction from other players was so overwhelmingly positive. The players have clearly faced a lot of things over the years that I was unaware of.

I might be a stupid optimist, but I think they conversations will keep gravitating towards the game itself and all the BS will subside to the level it is in other leagues.

It's awesome league. The more people watch, the more they will want to talk about the actual basketball and all these wonderful players.

It might take some time. Until then, this forum is beacon of hope.

So I love a lot of what you said especially you seeing this particular forum as a beacon of positivity.

But I'll say this as bad news:

I don't actually think the troll ratio is that high in the WNBA right now - I think the NBA media is basically taken over by trolls at this point (let's be real, that's what SAS & Perk are doing more than they actual journalists).

So I think it's going to be up to the lovers of the W to try to keep that positivity going everywhere we can. And for those of us here, that means right here.

We gotta stay positive so we don't get sucked into the negativity that tends to soak into everything nowadays.

Yeah, unfortunately, you're probably right. Over the last 4 years or so, I've generally stayed away from social media and news that seems like it's just trying to get a reaction.
Ventured some back on to Twitter when some of this stuff started heating up. Oof, it's rough out there.

Aside from a place like this, I've found podcasts to be great. There aren't a ton, but the one's that are out there are generally really good.

[Green Chile]

I noticed the Aces only got one vote in this poll to win it all (I voted Lynx too).

MDB, you just better hope A'ja doesn't see this.

[Wingy]

I noticed the Aces only got one vote in this poll to win it all (I voted Lynx too).

MDB, you just better hope A'ja doesn't see this.

I’m the one, and I’m still surprised. Not like it’s going out on some big limb either.

I’d rather the Liberty or Lynx win, will be rooting for them, but my senses say same story as the last. Best player, championship seasoned, and Gray’s getting her legs back.

[MrDollarBills]

GameDay.

[Green Chile]

I noticed the Aces only got one vote in this poll to win it all (I voted Lynx too).

MDB, you just better hope A'ja doesn't see this.

I’m the one, and I’m still surprised. Not like it’s going out on some big limb either.

I’d rather the Liberty or Lynx win, will be rooting for them, but my senses say same story as the last. Best player, championship seasoned, and Gray’s getting her legs back.

I suspect it's more so that people are just really impressed with the Lynx, and not so much really down on the Aces. Heck, it's a little shocking the Liberty only got 3 votes.

Aces can certainly do it. It feels like they are going to need Jackie to get back into pre-Olympic break form.

I think all these teams could it.
I'm starting to wonder if we are all just really overlooking the Sun. Again, I think it's more Lynx awe, but the Sun can absolutely beat them (or anybody).

Man this is going to be so fun. I can't remember a better Final Four in any league in a long time (I'm sure there has been one, but I can't think of it right now).

[cdubbz]

Going to the Giants game (MLB) today so won't be catching the Aces/Liberty game at least. Maybe going to catch Lynx/Sun. Both games I'm excited to watch - what great matchups between stars.

The WNBA playoff format stinks, BUT on the plus side we're getting an amazing matchup in week 2 of playoffs already and the finals will be amazing too.

[MrDollarBills]

I'm so nervous

[Green Chile]

I'm so nervous

Great game so far, and your girl BLH ain't effing around. Just ripping it out of A'ja's hands.

[MrDollarBills]

I'm so nervous

Great game so far, and your girl BLH ain't effing around. Just ripping it out of A'ja's hands.

Yes I saw Mrs. Lainey-Hamilton is not messing around

I'm hoping that our bench depth can wear Las Vegas down.

[Green Chile]

Stewie is so damn good.

Not sure how it happened after everything she's done but somehow she seems underrated at this point