The Rise of Queens: Exploring the Unstoppable Momentum of the WNBA in 2023
New Playoff Format
The biggest change for the 2023 WNBA season is the new playoff format. The top eight teams in the league will make the playoffs, and the first round will be a best-of-three series. The semifinals and finals will both be best-of-five series.
This new format is expected to create more excitement and parity in the playoffs. In the past, the top two seeds in the league have had a bye in the first round, which has given them a significant advantage. The new format will make it more difficult for the top teams to coast through the playoffs, and it will give the lower-seeded teams a better chance to make a run.
Expanded Regular Season Schedule
The WNBA regular season schedule has been expanded from 36 games to 40 games for the 2023 season. This is the first time the regular season has been expanded since 2015.
The expanded schedule will give the players more opportunity to play, and it will also give fans more chances to see their favorite teams. The additional games will also help to increase the league's visibility and revenue.
Talented Young Players
The WNBA is full of talented young players who are ready to make an impact. Some of the top young players in the league include:
- Aliyah Boston (Indiana Fever): Boston is a three-time AP All-America First Team selection who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft. She is a versatile forward who can score inside and out.
- NaLyssa Smith (Indiana Fever): Smith is a two-time AP All-America First Team selection who was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft. She is a dominant post player who can score and rebound.
- Rhyne Howard (Atlanta Dream): Howard was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft. She is a dynamic guard who can score from all three levels.
- Charli Collier (Dallas Wings): Collier was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft. She is a versatile forward who can score inside and out.
- Aari McDonald (Phoenix Mercury): McDonald was the No. 5 overall pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft. She is a dynamic guard who can score and distribute.
These are just a few of the talented young players who are ready to make an impact in the WNBA in 2023. With so much young talent, the future of the WNBA is bright.
Other storylines to watch
In addition to the new playoff format, expanded regular season schedule, and talented young players, there are a number of other storylines to watch in the 2023 WNBA season.
One storyline to watch is the battle for the WNBA title. The Las Vegas Aces are the defending champions, but they will face stiff competition from the Seattle Storm, Connecticut Sun, and Phoenix Mercury.
Another storyline to watch is the continued growth of the WNBA. The league has seen significant growth in recent years, and it is expected to continue to grow in 2023. The WNBA is now more popular than ever, and it is on the verge of becoming a major force in American sports.
The 2023 WNBA season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in league history. With a new playoff format, expanded regular season schedule, talented young players, and a growing fan base, the WNBA is poised for a big year.
Teams
Seattle Storm (17-1)
Las Vegas Aces (16-2)
Connecticut Sun (15-3)
New York Liberty (14-4)
Chicago Sky (13-5)
Phoenix Mercury (12-6)
Atlanta Dream (11-7)
Minnesota Lynx (10-8)
Dallas Wings (9-9)
Indiana Fever (8-10)
Players
Las Vegas Aces (16-2)
Connecticut Sun (15-3)
New York Liberty (14-4)
Chicago Sky (13-5)
Phoenix Mercury (12-6)
Atlanta Dream (11-7)
Minnesota Lynx (10-8)
Dallas Wings (9-9)
Indiana Fever (8-10)
Players
Jewell Loyd, Seattle Storm (28.0 PPG, 5.0 APG, 2.0 SPG)
Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty (23.9 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 3.0 APG)
Arike Ogunbowale, Dallas Wings (22.4 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 3.0 APG)
Satou Sabally, Dallas Wings (21.8 PPG, 11.3 RPG, 2.1 APG)
Brittney Griner, Phoenix Mercury (21.7 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 1.5 BPG)
Jackie Young, Las Vegas Aces (20.4 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 4.1 APG)
Nneka Ogwumike, Las Vegas Aces (20.3 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 1.0 APG)
Tina Charles, Seattle Storm (18.8 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 1.0 APG)
Skylar Diggins-Smith, Phoenix Mercury (18.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 5.0 APG)
Courtney Vandersloot, Chicago Sky (18.0 PPG, 6.0 APG, 2.0 SPG)
These are just the top 10 teams and players, there are many other talented players in the WNBA. It is still early in the season, so the standings and individual stats are sure to change as the year goes on.
Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty (23.9 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 3.0 APG)
Arike Ogunbowale, Dallas Wings (22.4 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 3.0 APG)
Satou Sabally, Dallas Wings (21.8 PPG, 11.3 RPG, 2.1 APG)
Brittney Griner, Phoenix Mercury (21.7 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 1.5 BPG)
Jackie Young, Las Vegas Aces (20.4 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 4.1 APG)
Nneka Ogwumike, Las Vegas Aces (20.3 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 1.0 APG)
Tina Charles, Seattle Storm (18.8 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 1.0 APG)
Skylar Diggins-Smith, Phoenix Mercury (18.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 5.0 APG)
Courtney Vandersloot, Chicago Sky (18.0 PPG, 6.0 APG, 2.0 SPG)
These are just the top 10 teams and players, there are many other talented players in the WNBA. It is still early in the season, so the standings and individual stats are sure to change as the year goes on.
Courtesy : WNBA
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