There are just a few games left in the WNBA regular season, which means it is time for playoff basketball. The WNBA postseason kicks off this Sunday, Sept. 14, with all four Game 1 matchups. If the teams facing off have not caught your attention yet, maybe these players will. Let's check out some player vs player battles you won't want to miss in round 1.
Breanna Stewart vs. Alyssa Thomas
These are two pillars for their respective squads. New York star Breanna Stewart has been playing great all season, but she knows what it takes to win a championship - and I am sure she wants to take her team back there again this season. Alyssa Thomas will be the one the Liberty need to stop to begin their two-peat campaign. These two recently faced-off in late August, where both Stewart and Thomas recorded 14 points. And, the last time these two played against each other in the playoffs was in 2023 when Thomas was still a member of the Connecticut Sun. The Sun lost to the Liberty during the semi-finals that year - when Stewart put up 27 points in Game 4. So, maybe Thomas will be looking for a little playoff revenge.
A'ja Wilson vs. Dominique Malonga
This matchup is particularly interesting because we have a seasoned three-time MVP, who knows her way around the WNBA playoffs, and a rookie who has shocked us all season. During their last meeting, Malonga put up a season-high 22 points off the bench against the Aces last month when Wilson recorded 29. If this game is anything like the previous one — which turned into a battle of the bigs — it will be these two who you will be wanting to watch.
Rhyne Howard vs. Kelsey Mitchell
Both of these players are the most all-around competitors on their teams. We all know Indiana has faced some brutal injuries this season, but despite this, Kelsey Mitchell has remained consistent all year, and I expect her to do the same during their playoff run. Mitchell is averaging 20.2 points per game. Rhyne Howard, on the other hand, is averaging 17.5 points per game. I could see this game coming down to whose guards have more success scoring. Howard has a little more help with other dynamic Atlanta guards like Allisha Gray and Jordin Canada. While Mitchell might not have the same, we have seen her put this Indiana team on her back before.
Napheesa Collier vs. Veronica Burton
They ended the regular season facing each other and will begin the postseason against each other. The Lynx won all four regular-season matchups against the Valkyries. In their game on Thursday, Minnesota was able to contain star Veronica Burton to only 8 points, while Phee recorded 19. If the Valks want to pull off this upset, the opposite will have to happen — Burton needs to show out, and they need to contain Collier. They have come close, but this matchup could determine the series.