2025-11-15 17:01
As I sit down to analyze the 2024 WNBA season, I can't help but feel this is one of the most exciting years in recent memory. The league has evolved so dramatically since I started covering women's basketball professionally back in 2018, and what we're witnessing now feels like a genuine tipping point for the sport. The current standings reveal some fascinating developments that nobody could have predicted during preseason projections. Looking at the Eastern Conference, the New York Liberty have been absolutely dominant with their 18-6 record, while out West, the Las Vegas Aces continue to demonstrate why they're the defending champions despite some recent challenges.
What really strikes me about this season is how the playoff picture is shaping up with some unexpected contenders emerging. The Chicago Sky, sitting at 12-12, have been the surprise package of the season despite being in a rebuilding phase. Their recent performances suggest they could be dangerous in the postseason if they maintain this momentum. Meanwhile, the Connecticut Sun have been quietly consistent with their 16-8 record, though I have concerns about whether they have enough offensive firepower to compete with the top-tier teams when it really matters. The Minnesota Lynx at 14-10 have shown remarkable improvement from last season, and in my professional opinion, they're the team nobody will want to face in the first round.
The Western Conference race has been particularly thrilling to follow. Las Vegas maintains their position at the top with a 19-5 record, but the Seattle Storm have been closing the gap with their 17-7 performance. Having watched nearly every Storm game this season, I've been impressed by how quickly their new roster has gelled. The Phoenix Mercury at 13-11 have been inconsistent but when they're clicking, they can beat anyone in this league. Their recent victory against the Aces demonstrated exactly why they remain a dangerous playoff opponent despite their middling record.
When it comes to playoff predictions, I'm going to make what might be considered a controversial take: I believe this could finally be New York's year. Their acquisition of Jonquel Jones has transformed their defensive identity, and Sabrina Ionescu is playing at an MVP level that we haven't seen before. The Liberty have depth, experience, and perhaps most importantly, they seem to have that championship mentality that's so difficult to quantify. My prediction is they'll face Las Vegas in the finals, with New York winning in four games. The Aces will put up a fight, but the wear and tear of their championship runs might finally catch up with them.
The midseason trades have created some fascinating dynamics that will undoubtedly impact the playoff race. The Dallas Wings' acquisition of Natasha Howard has given them a much-needed defensive anchor, though I'm skeptical it will be enough to push them past the first round. The Atlanta Dream's decision to trade for Allisha Jones has paid immediate dividends, with the team going 7-3 since the move. Sometimes it's these midseason adjustments that separate playoff teams from championship contenders, and I've noticed several teams making calculated risks that could pay off handsomely in October.
One storyline that particularly fascinates me involves the Ahnamsis situation that coach Tim Cone referenced earlier this season. "So we have two Ahanmisis playing there. It would be really fun to watch," Cone remarked, and he wasn't wrong. Having two players with that surname competing at the highest level adds an interesting family dynamic to the league narrative. From my perspective, this kind of personal connection makes the WNBA uniquely compelling compared to other professional sports leagues. These human interest elements combined with elite basketball create the perfect storm for growing the game's popularity.
As we approach the business end of the season, several individual awards races are heating up. Breanna Stewart is my current MVP frontrunner, averaging 22.3 points and 9.1 rebounds per game, though A'ja Wilson is making a strong case with her 20.8 points and 8.4 rebounds. The Rookie of the Year race appears to be Aliyah Boston's to lose, though I've been particularly impressed by Diamond Miller's development throughout the season. These individual accomplishments matter, but what I love about the WNBA is how team-oriented the culture remains despite the growing individual stardom.
My dark horse pick for the playoffs has to be the Washington Mystics. Despite their 11-13 record, they've shown flashes of brilliance when healthy, and Elena Delle Donne remains one of the most impactful players in the league when she's on the court. If they can get hot at the right time, they could absolutely upset one of the higher seeds. The key for them will be maintaining defensive intensity, as they've shown they can score with anyone when their shots are falling.
The television ratings this season have been remarkable, with ESPN reporting a 27% increase in viewership compared to last year. This growth isn't accidental – the league has invested heavily in marketing their stars and creating compelling narratives. From my experience covering multiple sports leagues, the WNBA's approach to fan engagement has been particularly innovative, leveraging social media in ways that other leagues are only beginning to emulate. The players themselves have become more accessible without sacrificing their competitive edge, which I believe is the perfect balance for sustainable growth.
Looking ahead to the playoffs, the new format should create some fascinating matchups. The first round remains a best-of-three series, which I've always felt favors underdogs more than the longer series later in the playoffs. The semifinals and finals shifting to best-of-five gives the better teams more opportunity to demonstrate their superiority, which I support from a competitive standpoint. The single-elimination games for the lower seeds add an element of unpredictability that makes every regular season game meaningful right down to the wire.
Ultimately, what makes this WNBA season special goes beyond the standings and statistics. There's a palpable energy around the league that suggests we're witnessing something historic in the making. The quality of play has never been higher, the stars have never been more visible, and the future has never looked brighter. While my predictions might prove wrong – they often do in sports – what I'm confident about is that the 2024 WNBA playoffs will deliver some of the most memorable basketball we've seen in years. The growth trajectory suggests that next season might be even bigger, but for now, let's appreciate what promises to be an incredible conclusion to an already spectacular season.
