Playoff series are a chess match. Each game is a move. One team comes out on top, and the next game is the counter to that initial action.
The Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries lead after Game 1 of both WNBA semifinal series. That means the New York Liberty and Las Vegas Aces are on a mission to even the series and avoid going down 0-2.
At this point, no one wants to get eliminated, but which team, down 0-1, will be feeling the most pressure to win Game 2? Between Las Vegas and New York,
who can’t afford to leave the road winless?
Why Las Vegas feels pressure
Fans of other competitive teams have been praying for the Aces’ downfall for most of the 2020s. So far, those efforts have been in vain.
Last year, many thought their dynasty was over, but then they entered the playoffs as the No. 2 seed and still won it all, making it three titles in four years for Las Vegas.
Until they are eliminated, they can’t be counted out.
However, Golden State presents a worthy opponent. The Valkyries are the higher seed, and in Game 1, they played like it. They dominated Las Vegas and walked away with the win, despite coming off a grueling end to their opening round series against the Dallas Wings.
Now the Aces, for the first time this year, face serious adversity as they try to avoid an end to their historic run.
The Golden State crowd will be roaring, as usual, and all it takes is a scoring run in the opening quarter for doubt to creep in for the Aces. Suddenly, things can get uncomfortable real quick for the defending champs.
Las Vegas also got some bad news on the injury front. Jewell Loyd has been downgraded to doubtful, while Stephanie Talbot and Dana Evans are question. That gives them potentially one (or more) options.
No one wants to be down in the playoffs, even the champs. If they lose on Wednesday, that might (finally) be the beginning of the end.
Why New York feels pressure
The Liberty, as the No. 8 seed, shouldn’t feel much pressure. And yet, if they do, that’s fair.
Their core isn’t young.
This is Breanna Stewart’s 10th season. Jonquel Jones is also a decade into her career. Sabrina Ionescu is seven years in. How many more times will this trio play this deep into the playoffs? They aren’t playing with house money; they are on borrowed time trying to win another title.
If they flame out here and get dominated against the Dream, it lessens that opening round series against the Minnesota Lynx. And it brings back the memories of a disappointing regular season that made New York look more like a fringe playoff team than a title contender.
The Dream are dealing with a major injury that could help the Liberty. Atlanta will play without Allisha Gray, who has already been ruled out for Game 2.
No one wants injuries, but a shorthanded Atlanta gives New York an advantage. If they can’t pull off a win, though, their season could be ending very soon.
Who do you think has the most pressure to win Game 2? Is it the defending champion Aces or the Liberty team that wants to continue their Cinderella run?
Share your assessment and analysis in the comments.
