Hoops Scoop

Playoff Predictions

By David Zingler

The Lynx head into the WNBA playoffs hoping to become the first Minnesota pro sports franchise to repeat as champions since the Minneapolis Lakers won three straight titles from 1952-54. It won’t be easy. As Minnesota sports fans know all too well, playoffs in professional sports are laden with minefields loaded with potential upsets. So, before we start planning another victory parade down Nicollet Avenue, let’s take a look at how the postseason could shake out.

Western Conference Semifinals

(1) Lynx vs. (4) Seattle
The Lynx won 3 of 4 against the Storm this year, which limps into the playoffs with a sub .500 record. The hometown squad cruised through the regular season with the league’s best record, so there’s no reason to expect an upset here. Seattle should be a speed bump on the road to a repeat.
Prediction: Lynx in 2

(2) Los Angeles vs. (3) San Antonio
While the Sparks come in with the better record and higher seed, the Silver Stars won the season series 3-1. Expect three hard fought contests in what should be the most competitive first round match-up.
Prediction: Los Angeles in 3

Eastern Conference Semifinals

(1) Connecticut vs. (4) New York
The top seeded Sun shouldn’t have too much trouble with the Liberty, who they dominated this season, going 4-1 against the sub .500 team. Connecticut looks poised for a long playoff run.
Prediction: Sun in 2

(2) Indiana vs. (3) Atlanta
Thanks to another second half surge, the Dream finds itself in the playoffs once again. Although the steady Fever won 3 of 5 regular season meetings, don’t expect the two-time defending conference champs to go down easily.
Prediction: Atlanta in 3

Conference Finals

(1) Lynx vs. (2) Los Angeles
In a match-up many saw coming for months, the two titans of the Western Conference will square off with a Finals birth hanging in the balance. The Sparks have the edge in the front court, led by Candace Parker and rookie sensation Nneka Ogumwike, but the Lynx have a better perimeter game and more depth. In the end, look for Minnesota to make a return trip to the Finals.
Prediction: Lynx in 3

(1) Connecticut vs. (3) Atlanta
The upstart Sun will be challenged by the seasoned Dream, but they should be up to the task. Connecticut has been on top of the conference all summer and will validate their supremacy this fall.
Prediction: Connecticut in 2

Finals

(1) Lynx vs. (1) Connecticut
With apologizes to Atlanta, this is the dream match-up most fans are hoping for. The University of Connecticut will be well represented with Husky legends Renee Montgomery, Tina Charles and Maya Moore grappling for the professional prize. Lindsay Whalen, who was traded for Montgomery in 2010, would face off against the team she led to two Finals appearances, while Taj McWilliams-Franklin would gun for a third WNBA title against her former squad. Yes, there will be no shortage of storylines if this series materializes.

In a series stacked with stars, Seimone Augustus will shine brightest, leading her team to a second straight WNBA title and taking home another Finals MVP. By the time the champagne has been mopped up and the confetti hits the dust bin, the talk of a three-peat will have begun!
Prediction: Lynx in 4