A guide to the 2007 first round WNBA playoff matches.
The 2007 WNBA title is up for grabs with eight teams poised to play their hearts out in the playoffs.
The Western Conference features four talented teams, led by the Phoenix Mercury, who finished with a 23-11 record. The Mercury are led by Diana Taurasi, who was runner up to LA Sparks Lisa Leslie for the 2006 WNBA MVP award. Taurasi averaged 19.2 ppg, 4.2 rbpg and 4.3 apg in the 2007 season, which was third best after being the leading scorer in 2006, and hopes her play can lead the Mercury to its first WNBA title.
The Eastern Conference is equally as talented and is led by the 24-10 Detroit Shock. Led by Deana Nolan's 16.3 ppg, the Shock are looking to win its second consecutive WNBA title after defeating the Sacramento Monarchs 3-2 last year. The Shock also won the title in 2003, defeating the LA Sparks 2-1.
Here's a look at the Western Conference playoff matchups:
(1) Phoenix Mercury vs (4) Seattle Storm
This should be an exciting series to watch as both teams feature top-notch talent, including Taurasi, Cappie Pondexter, Penny Taylor, Lauren Jackson, Betty Lennox and Sue Bird. The Phoenix Mercury scored more points a game this season than any other WNBA team, but they also gave up the more points than any other team, which cause some to question their defense. Moreover, despite their superior record, the Storm actually won the season series against the Mercury by winning two of three games.
The Storm are a much better team than its 17-17 record suggests. They faced significant injuries to Sue Bird, Janelle Burse and Lauren Jackson midseason that set that back a bit. The Mercury will have its hands full against the Storm.
Prediction: Phoenix wants it more, wins 2-1.
(2) Sacramento Monarchs vs (3) San Antonio Silver Stars
The Monarchs (20-14) want another shot at the title after making it to the finals, but falling short in each of the past two seasons. Led by Nicole Powell (12.8 ppg), Rebecca Brunson (11.5 ppg) and Kara Lawson (11.0 ppg), the Monarchs should have the talent to make it happen. However, they'll have to get past the Silver Stars first.
San Antonio finished one game behind Sacramento in the standings, winning 19 games. Led by Becky Hammon's 18.8 ppg and Sophia Young's 16.8 ppg, they split the season series with the Monarchs, each winning two games a piece and each time the away team finding victory.
Prediction: Monarchs roster too deep, wins 2-1.
Here's a look at the Eastern Conference playoff matchups:
(1) Detroit Shock vs (4) New York Liberty
The Liberty's balanced scoring and the fact that they split the season series might not be enough to get them past the defending champions. The one point victory the Liberty enjoyed over the Shock August 12th might have been misleading, as the Shock rested several of its key players in preparation for the playoffs. Detroit still had the best record in the WNBA.
A big question is whether or not star forward Cheryl Ford can return from injury. She played in only 15 games (missing the second half of the season) and is expected to miss the first round. Still, expect Detroit to step things up for the playoffs.
Prediction: Detroit wins 2-1.
(2) Indiana Fever vs (3) Connecticut Sun
Led by Katie Douglas' 17.0 ppg, Connecticut is poised to do well this post season and hopefully make a run at the WNBA title, despite only winning 18 games. They swept the season series against the Fever and hope to do the same in the playoffs. However, bear in mind that two of those victories were played without Fever's best player, Tamika Catchings (16.6 ppg, 9.0 rbpg). The biggest question will be whether or not Catchings can play. Even if she's able to go, she won't likely be playing at 100%.
Prediction: Sun wins, 2-0.
Check out how Phil Partington did in his WNBA predictions at the beginning of the season.
