Atlanta Dream Season Recap/Playoff Preview
The 2022 WNBA season ended in disappointment for the Atlanta Dream. The team finished 14-22 on the season, missing the playoffs by one game. The team fought for all 36 games, maintaining a place in the postseason hunt until the final day of the regular season. Atlanta lost their last 4 games and 8 out of their last 10, including a tough 87-83 defeat at the hands of the New York Liberty. Still, as disappointing as the season may have ended, there are a few positives to take from it to build on in 2023.
First, rookie Rhyne Howard more than lived up to being selected no. 1 overall in this past WNBA Draft. Howard was an instant impact, leading the team in scoring. She has established herself as one of the W’s better guards and will only get better as she and backcourt mate Aari McDonald gain better chemistry. Howard is so creative in getting to her spots and scoring in isolation. The efficiency will improve as she gets more experience, and that will improve the Dream’s overall success. Injuries happen. Unfortunately for the Dream, they’re a big reason why the season was difficult to manage. Guards AD Durr and Tiffany Hayes as well as forward Nia Coffey all ended up with season- ending lower leg injuries. Hopefully, 2023 is kinder to the Dream’s overall team health. With their ability to stay close in the playoff hunt despite injuries to their veteran guards, this gives hope to the possibility that Atlanta can be much improved net year.
2022 WNBA Playoff Preview
Here is a breakdown of each of the four first-round matchups, slated to begin August 17th.
#1 Las Vegas Aces v. #8 Phoenix Mercury
The Aces have looked like the best team for most of the season. In head coach Becky Hammon’s first year, Vegas ties with Chicago for a league-leading 26 regular season wins. Led by former MVP A’ja Wilson and All-Star Game MVP Kelsey Plum, the Aces are deep and looking to finally capture that elusive championship. On the other side, the Phoenix Mercury are most affected by the loss of Brittney Griner.
In addition, legendary guard Diana Taurasi will mis the remainder of the season with injury. Skylar Diggans-Smith also stepped away from the team for personal reasons. This series certainly seems to heavily favor Vegas. But with the first round being the shorter series, an upset is still possible. #2 Chicago
Sky v. #7 New York Liberty
Last year’s champs added another great season in 2022. With 26 wins, they lost the tiebreaker for the top seed to the Aces. But with the great Candace Parker, and a backcourt of Courtney Vandersloot and Kahleah Copper, they look poised for a strong run to a title repeat. However, it could be argued that the Liberty have the single best player in the series. Guard Sabrina Ionescu became the first WNBA player to have a season with 500 points, 200 rebounds and 200 assists in one season. She already has multiple triple-doubles so early in her career. She wand her Liberty teammates will have to play their best stretch of basketball to have a chance at beating the Sky.
3 Connecticut Sun v. #6 Dallas Wings
In some ways, the Connecticut Sun have been under the radar this year. Their seeding has them placed between the past two champions in Chicago and Seattle—and this proves that they belong among the W’s elite. Last year’s MVP Jonquel Jones and Bria Hartley lead the Sun with their All Star level play. Bria Hartley’s injury is a significant loss, but Alyssa and Jasmine Thomas as well as Courtney Williams are more than qualified to step up. As for Dallas, their hopes begin with the league’s best one-on-one player, Arike Ogunbowale.
4 Seattle Storm v. #5 Washington Mystics
In Sue Bird’s final season, the Seattle Storm are in contention for a fifth title. Former MVP Breanna Stewart led the W in scoring this year. And with the addition of Tina Charles, they bolstered their frontline. As for Washington, Tina Charles’ departure has not kept the Mystics from being a playoff-caliber team. Elena Delle Donne is back and with Aerial Atkins and Natasha Cloud, they will be formidable against the Storm. The Mystics have their own rookie in Shakira Austin who has provided frontcourt energy and toughness inside. This will likely be the most competitive series to watch.