2015 WNBA Western Conference Semi-Finals
1. Minnesota Lynx (22-12) vs 4. Los Angeles Sparks (14-20)
Schedule:
Game 1: Sparks @ Lynx, September 18, 9 PM ET, NBA TV
Game 2: Lynx @ Sparks, September 20, 3 PM ET, ESPN
Game 3*: Lynx @ Sparks, September 22, TBD, ESPN 2
The Los Angeles Sparks looked like an ordinary sans two-time MVP Candace Parker but since the superstar returned, the Sparks went on an 11-6 record to punch the last ticket to the Western Conference playoffs.
Don't let the regular season record deceive you; the Sparks can beat a contender on any given night, and with a complete roster than has weathered adversity, this playoffs pairing looms as the closest and most competitive of all four.
The Sparks are going up against the Minnesota Lynx, who are targeting their fourth finals appearance in five seasons. Like the Sparks, the Lynx had to fight without some key pieces for certains stretches of the season but behind another phenomenal season from Maya Moore(23.9 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 3.8 APG), the leadership of Lindsay Whalen (13 PPG, 5.1 APG), and the addition of a legitimate rim protector in Sylvia Fowles (19 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 1.9 BPG), the Lynx are back and are the favorites to win the 2015 WNBA title.
Season series: Lynx won, 3-1
Lynx def. Sparks, 67-52
Lynx def. Sparks, 82-76
Sparks def. Lynx, 83-61
Lynx def. Sparks, 72-64
Parker (19.4 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 6.3 APG) remains the focal point of the Sparks in this series. She is a match-up nightmare for the Lynx with her versatility. Look at her to go at the post several times against smaller defenders, or capitalize on driving opportunities off high ball screens. Stopping Parker and limiting her touches is the biggest and most daunting task for the Lynx in order to succeed in this first step towards redeeming the WNBA title.
The vast improvement of Jantel Lavender (14.5 PPG, 8.3 RPG) and Nneka Ogwumike (15.5 PPG, 7 RPG) this year only makes the challenge even more pressing for the Lynx. The frontcourt duo complements Parker perfectly with their penchant for diving to the basket and moving well without the ball. Ogwumike and Parker for certain points will also stay on Moore on defense to give the 2014 MVP trouble.
This where the presence of Fowles changes the situation as she gives the Lynx a much-needed rim protector which they lacked in the deeper stages of the post-season last year. Fowles has impressive rebounding splits of 9.3/24.9/16.9; she should help clog the interior for the Lynx along with Rebekkah Brunson (7 PPG, 8.1 RPG).
But another compelling storyline is the return of Seimone Augustus. With her back in the starting lineup, the Sparks have to adjust quickly on the defensive end. Augustus is obviously multi-tooled and a bigger offensive threat than Anna Cruz, and when she is on the floor together with Moore and Whalen, that gives the Lynx a myriad of options and that could force the Sparks to pick to eventually pick their poison.
People know Minnesota is now a Maya Moore team, but Augustus' impact in this series might, in the end, spell the difference. When the three all-stars are together on the floor, the Sparks have to be mindful of those hand-offs, side pick and rolls, or high-post action.
Other than that, both squads boost a handful of support; the Sparks have Kristi Toliver, Alana Beard, Michelle Snow, and Ana Dabovic while the Lynx have Asjha Jones, Devereaux Peters, and Anna Cruz.
In this series, both sides need everything they can get from their supporting crew. Marianna Tolo is out so if the Sparks want to keep their frontliners fresh, Snow needs to perform well. Same goes for the Lynx, whose defenders Cruz and Peters must cut off penetrations to avoid having the defense collapse.
X-Factors
Lynx:
Rebekkah Brunson
Brunson needs to be a workhorse in this series against her younger competitors, and as much as possible limit the Sparks bigs' entry around the rim.
Sparks:
Ana Dabovic, Kristi Toliver
With Los Angeles often going to Parker to set the plays, Dabovic and even Toliver should be ready to play more off ball. Their main task is to watch out for the kick out passes and be sharp from the outside to help create even more space. Dabovic knows how to drive and finish as well, and that could make even more trouble for Minnesota.
Prognosis:
Both the Lynx and Sparks are talented offensive teams, but getting stops may spell the difference in this series. The Lynx have a +5 net rating in the regular season, but the Sparks are only -1.3. With Augustus back, and Fowles patrolling inside the shaded area, things only look different for the Sparks. How the Sparks will be able to attack the Lynx's areas of weaknesses remains to be seen. For sure it will be an explosive series, but in the end, the championship experience and propensity to deliver in crucial meetings may be the turning point in this affair.
Lynx win, 2-1.
1. Minnesota Lynx (22-12) vs 4. Los Angeles Sparks (14-20)
Schedule:
Game 1: Sparks @ Lynx, September 18, 9 PM ET, NBA TV
Game 2: Lynx @ Sparks, September 20, 3 PM ET, ESPN
Game 3*: Lynx @ Sparks, September 22, TBD, ESPN 2
The Los Angeles Sparks looked like an ordinary sans two-time MVP Candace Parker but since the superstar returned, the Sparks went on an 11-6 record to punch the last ticket to the Western Conference playoffs.
The Sparks take on @minnesotalynx 9/20 at noon in the Conf. Semi's at @CSULB! Tix: http://t.co/1gkdAfsuQ8 #WeAreLA pic.twitter.com/oamBmfP4oe
— Los Angeles Sparks (@LA_Sparks) September 15, 2015
Don't let the regular season record deceive you; the Sparks can beat a contender on any given night, and with a complete roster than has weathered adversity, this playoffs pairing looms as the closest and most competitive of all four.
The Sparks are going up against the Minnesota Lynx, who are targeting their fourth finals appearance in five seasons. Like the Sparks, the Lynx had to fight without some key pieces for certains stretches of the season but behind another phenomenal season from Maya Moore(23.9 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 3.8 APG), the leadership of Lindsay Whalen (13 PPG, 5.1 APG), and the addition of a legitimate rim protector in Sylvia Fowles (19 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 1.9 BPG), the Lynx are back and are the favorites to win the 2015 WNBA title.
Season series: Lynx won, 3-1
Lynx def. Sparks, 67-52
Lynx def. Sparks, 82-76
Sparks def. Lynx, 83-61
Lynx def. Sparks, 72-64
Parker (19.4 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 6.3 APG) remains the focal point of the Sparks in this series. She is a match-up nightmare for the Lynx with her versatility. Look at her to go at the post several times against smaller defenders, or capitalize on driving opportunities off high ball screens. Stopping Parker and limiting her touches is the biggest and most daunting task for the Lynx in order to succeed in this first step towards redeeming the WNBA title.
The vast improvement of Jantel Lavender (14.5 PPG, 8.3 RPG) and Nneka Ogwumike (15.5 PPG, 7 RPG) this year only makes the challenge even more pressing for the Lynx. The frontcourt duo complements Parker perfectly with their penchant for diving to the basket and moving well without the ball. Ogwumike and Parker for certain points will also stay on Moore on defense to give the 2014 MVP trouble.
This where the presence of Fowles changes the situation as she gives the Lynx a much-needed rim protector which they lacked in the deeper stages of the post-season last year. Fowles has impressive rebounding splits of 9.3/24.9/16.9; she should help clog the interior for the Lynx along with Rebekkah Brunson (7 PPG, 8.1 RPG).
She's back!
Money 'Mone always kills it on the sidelines, but we can all agree her best look is in a #Lynx jersey. pic.twitter.com/sE8B8TtV8C
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) September 15, 2015
But another compelling storyline is the return of Seimone Augustus. With her back in the starting lineup, the Sparks have to adjust quickly on the defensive end. Augustus is obviously multi-tooled and a bigger offensive threat than Anna Cruz, and when she is on the floor together with Moore and Whalen, that gives the Lynx a myriad of options and that could force the Sparks to pick to eventually pick their poison.
People know Minnesota is now a Maya Moore team, but Augustus' impact in this series might, in the end, spell the difference. When the three all-stars are together on the floor, the Sparks have to be mindful of those hand-offs, side pick and rolls, or high-post action.
Other than that, both squads boost a handful of support; the Sparks have Kristi Toliver, Alana Beard, Michelle Snow, and Ana Dabovic while the Lynx have Asjha Jones, Devereaux Peters, and Anna Cruz.
In this series, both sides need everything they can get from their supporting crew. Marianna Tolo is out so if the Sparks want to keep their frontliners fresh, Snow needs to perform well. Same goes for the Lynx, whose defenders Cruz and Peters must cut off penetrations to avoid having the defense collapse.
X-Factors
Lynx:
Rebekkah Brunson
Brunson needs to be a workhorse in this series against her younger competitors, and as much as possible limit the Sparks bigs' entry around the rim.
Sparks:
Ana Dabovic, Kristi Toliver
With Los Angeles often going to Parker to set the plays, Dabovic and even Toliver should be ready to play more off ball. Their main task is to watch out for the kick out passes and be sharp from the outside to help create even more space. Dabovic knows how to drive and finish as well, and that could make even more trouble for Minnesota.
Prognosis:
Both the Lynx and Sparks are talented offensive teams, but getting stops may spell the difference in this series. The Lynx have a +5 net rating in the regular season, but the Sparks are only -1.3. With Augustus back, and Fowles patrolling inside the shaded area, things only look different for the Sparks. How the Sparks will be able to attack the Lynx's areas of weaknesses remains to be seen. For sure it will be an explosive series, but in the end, the championship experience and propensity to deliver in crucial meetings may be the turning point in this affair.
Lynx win, 2-1.
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