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With the 2024 Olympics over, the 2024 WNBA season is set to resume on Aug. 15, and the playoff aspirants will have their work cut out for them. The Phoenix Mercury and Indiana Fever will look to bag playoff spots in the second half of the season.
Both teams played quality ball in their July slate of games and will need to keep that consistency going if they intend to stay on track. On that note, here are three teams that could make the WNBA playoffs and stage some upset wins over the next few weeks.
Three teams that could make a major surge when WNBA season restarts ft. Phoenix Mercury
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#3 Seattle Storm
The Seattle Storm's relentless defense has been crucial in winning them games. After missing out on the playoffs last year, they have made a strong case for a postseason berth with a healthy 17-8 record and a three-game winning streak heading into the Olympics break.
The team is at full strength with no injury concerns. Their 94.0 defensive rating is second-best in the league this season, and their hopes hinge on Jewell Lloyd averaging 20.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists.
Nneka Ogwumike is the second-leading scorer with 17.4 points and 7.7 rebounds. Skylar Diggins-Smith (13.1 points and 6.5 assists) and Ezi Magbegor (13.0 points and 8.7 rebounds) have been the perfect complementary pieces making the difference.
#2 Indiana Fever
Placed seventh overall, the Indiana Fever have haad some fresh energy infused in the form of Caitlin Clark. The rookie has been sensational for them this WNBA season despite things not going their way early on. Following a 1-8 start, they are now 11-15, with the team winning three of their last five games.
What the Fever lack in depth, they make up for it with chemistry, making them legitimate playoff contenders. Add fresh legs courtesy of the break and better synergy between players, Indiana could be poised for a playoff run.
Caitlin Clark, en route winning the WNBA ROTY, leads the pack with 17.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists per outing. Meanwhile, Kelsey Mitchell is averaging 16.9 points, while Aliyah Boston is propping up 14.2 points and 8.7 rebounds per game.
#1 Phoenix Mercury
The Mercury had a rocky run in their last few games, dropping five of their last 10 contests.
While it may cost them a top-five spot in the overall standings, they are still in postseason contention, as they hover just over the .500 mark with a 13-12 record. They are ninth in defensive (105.4) and fifth (101.5) on offensive rating.
For Phoenix, it has been a Kahleah Copper show so far, with 23.2 points and 4.6 rebounds, while Britney Griner has had a two-way impact with 18.6 points, and 6.4 rebounds.
Diana Taurasi is third on their scoring front with 16.1 points and 4.7 rebounds. Like the Fever, the Mercury aren't up there with the top-five on defense but have the experience and firepower to finish as a midfield seed.
