Two teams remain as the WNBA semifinals ended on Thursday. The Aces and Sun meet today, and one team will hoist the championship trophy for the first time in franchise history. There were controversial calls, a ton of heartbreak for fans, and five players that propelled their teams into the 2022 WNBA Finals. Witness the magic that these athletes conjured in their quest for pro basketball legend status.
CHELSEA GRAY
If you did not witness the Point Gawd’s dominance in the semifinals, it is in your best interest to watch it immediately. Jaw-dropping, mind-blowing brilliance defined Gray’s play. She was on another level, a different plane, possibly a whole other dimension in the series against Seattle. When the Aces needed a score, she got it from just about anywhere on the court. Gray put on a passing clinic for any point guard in the making. She showed out for Aces fans near and far.
While shooting a scorching 59.4% from the field, Gray averaged 25.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 8.5 assists, and 1.3 steals in four games against Seattle. She is the first player in WNBA playoff history to score 30+ points and dish out 10+ assists in a game. Gray elevated “Raise the Stakes” to the Point Gawd stratosphere. It is a no-brainer that she is first in the semifinals power rankings.
CHELSEA GRAY!!! 🔥@cgray209 // #RaiseTheStakes pic.twitter.com/IdMCYEZUdn
— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) September 7, 2022
A’JA WILSON
The 2022 MVP, A’ja Wilson, played a solid series against Seattle. Although her first game was an anomaly, she held court in the next three games. When Wilson touches the ball consistently, the Aces are in a prime position to win. Minus the first game, Wilson put up double-doubles in points and rebounds and hosted a block party against the Storm.
Overall, she averaged 24.5 points, 12.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 2.5 blocks in the semifinals. She shot an impressive 55% from the field and 90.1% from the free-throw line. Although her three-point shooting was absent in the semifinals, Wilson can hit those when needed. Her mid-range jumper is smooth, and her moves in the post are SportsCenter-worthy. Dipping in at the two spot in the power rankings is apropos.
KELSEY PLUM
Kelsey Plum is the Energizer Bunny in an Aces uniform. She keeps going and going, with hops galore. She is excellent at shooting from beyond the arc or getting past defenders for an acrobatic layup. The series against Seattle saw her play better defense and limit her turnovers.
KP’s play was consistent throughout four games against the Storm. She averaged 17.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.0 steals. Best of all were her 1.8 turnovers a game. Much improved and needed to help advance the Aces to the finals. KP sits in third place in this week’s power rankings.
PLUM DAWG!!!@Kelseyplum10 // #RaiseTheStakes pic.twitter.com/dBLqfs39PV
— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) September 4, 2022
DEWANNA BONNER
Except for the second game against Chicago, DeWanna Bonner was a steady presence for the Sun. Her effort and skillset made a difference in shocking the reigning champions. Bonner was not dominant or shout-out-loud, but she did all the little things to help Connecticut win. It was enjoyable to observe her step into a leadership role and let her game speak volumes against the Sky.
The numbers do not always tell the entire story. However, Bonner averaged 13.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 2.2 steals a game. She was arguably the MVP of the Chicago series and places fourth in the power rankings this week.
JONQUEL JONES
The 2021 MVP experienced quite the journey this season. Her minutes played decreased, but Jonquel Jones makes the best of her time on the court. Imagine her production if she played consistently for 30 minutes or more. JJ is a fearsome basketball force. She plays inside or out, brings the ball up the court if needed, and can shoot from any spot on the hardwood.
Throughout the series against Chicago, JJ influenced the game enough to help secure a WNBA Finals trip for the Sun. Her play secured her a top-five power ranking this week. She averaged 13.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.4 blocks a game. Do not dare to disrespect her game or any player on the Sun in general.
😤😤😤😤@jus242 | #CTSun pic.twitter.com/kkknn8o8kX
— Connecticut Sun (@ConnecticutSun) September 7, 2022
The semifinals were replete with drama, trauma, and intense athletic prowess. The Finals will beat that by 110% or more. You know you have to watch every minute of the action. May the referees call a consistent game, good or bad. Allow the players to determine the outcome. Do not be the fan that misses out. It is must-see TV coming to you live right now!
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