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The No. 2-seed Las Vegas Aces ended the regular season on a 16-game winning streak, and they’ll take that momentum with them into Game 1 of their first-round series against the No. 7-seed Seattle Storm (10 p.m. ET, ESPN).
As the hottest team in the WNBA led by MVP candidate A’ja Wilson, the Aces will be heavy favorites in this series. However, those are just assumptions and the games will decide the final result.
Here’s what each team needs to do to take care of business in Game 1:
What do the Aces need to do to win?
Everything with Las Vegas begins and ends with A’ja.
She has to establish the defensive intensity and attack the basket on offense. During the season, Wilson averaged 23.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2.3 blocks, and 1.6 steals. As unfair as it may seem, Wilson will have to keep this production up to keep Las Vegas in the postseason.
The Aces’ backcourt will also be crucial to Las Vegas’ success. Jackie Young has been excellent, and so has Chelsea Gray, but they’ll have their hands full facing the Storm’s guards.
Another key for Las Vegas will be to grab rebounds and reduce turnovers. Seattle averaged 12.9 fastbreak points per game, which was the most in the league. If they can keep the Storm in halfcourt offensive situations, they’ll be able to set up their defense and allow A’ja to do her thing.
What do the Storm need to do to win?
The Aces have A’ja and the Storm have Nneka Ogwumike. For the Storm to steal Game 1 on the road, Nneka will have to be the best version of herself.
This is something she can absolutely do as an All-WNBA level player, scoring 18.3 points and seven rebounds per game. If Ogwumike has a monster game, it will help neutralize Wilson’s impact and give Seattle a chance at winning on the road.
Two other players Seattle will be depending are Gabby Williams and Skylar Diggins. Williams is one of the best defenders in the league, and Diggins will bring the offensive production to combat the scoring from the Aces’ guards.
Matchups often come down to who will force the other team to play their way. Seattle wants to be aggressive on defense and get out and run. If they can do that, they’ll put themselves in position for an upset and a chance to return home to close this first round out.
