“We’re friends, business partners, and former teammates… but now we’re enemies.”
When Breanna Stewart says this, it’s not just pre-game hype. It’s the reality of a high-stakes battle against Napheesa Collier, her close friend and former UConn teammate. Together, they conquered NCAA titles and stood side by side for the USA Women&#8217;s National Team. But now, they stand on opposite ends of the court, with more than just a game on the line.
For Stewart, returning to New York meant more than joining a new team—it meant coming home. It’s about giving the Liberty their first WNBA championship and delivering the city’s first pro basketball title in 50 years. “We’re ready to make history,” she says, her eyes set on breaking the decades-long drought.
Across from her is a Minnesota Lynx team anchored by Collier, who carries the torch of a franchise known for its championship pedigree. With the shadow of past legends like Maya Moore looming, Collier now seeks to solidify her own place in that history.
For Stewart and the Liberty, it’s about breaking through and ending New York’s long title drought. For Collier and the Lynx, it’s about continuing a tradition of excellence. Friends off the court but fierce competitors on it, both are driven by the weight of their legacies. With everything on the line, these Finals will define the next chapter of their careers.
Now, as the Finals approach, we sat down with Breanna Stewart to discuss the emotions behind this monumental matchup, what it means to represent New York, and how her friendship with Collier has evolved into a fierce on-court rivalry.
&nbsp;
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-194497" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/10/GettyImages-2158709641-1.jpg" alt="Breanna Stewart #30 of the New York Liberty standing with Napheesa Collier #24 of the Minnesota Lynx" width="594" height="396" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/10/GettyImages-2158709641-1.jpg 594w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/10/GettyImages-2158709641-1-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 594px) 100vw, 594px" />
Drew Acampora: Stewie, you’re from New York, and it’s in your DNA. What does it mean to be on the verge of bringing a championship back to your home state?
Breanna Stewart: It means a lot to be on the verge of bringing a championship back to New York—the first one in franchise history. Having that pressure and knowing that we’re doing it for Brooklyn, for New York, and for New York City makes it even more special. Growing up here and being rooted in the city has shaped who I am. Even though I’m from Syracuse, I’ve always felt connected to this place. To have the chance to do it in front of my friends and family—especially in a historic arena like Barclays—is surreal.
DA: On top of that, New York hasn’t had a basketball championship on either the men’s or women’s side in 50 years. What emotions come up when you think about breaking that streak?
BS: There’s a lot of emotion that comes with it—heart, desire, and grit. There’s something about working through the struggle and pushing through the challenges that’s part of the New York way. It’s been 50 years since a men’s or women’s team brought a championship back here, so to end that drought would mean everything. We’re ready to make history.
DA: As a fellow New Yorker, I get it. Switching gears a bit, you’re a mom now—a super mom. How has motherhood changed your approach to life, both on and off the court?
BS: Being a mom has completely changed my approach, both on and off the court. It’s given me so much more perspective. My kids, Ruby and Theo, are looking up to me, and I’m constantly trying to be a role model for them daily. I hope they&#8217;ll look back on what I do on the court and what I’m striving for here in New York and be proud of what I do. I want to show them that anything is possible.
DA: You’re up against a close friend, business partner, and former teammate in Napheesa Collier in this Finals. What’s it like competing against someone you’ve shared so much history with?
BS: We have a tremendous amount of respect for each other. We’ve done a lot together—both on and off the court—but when we step out there in the Finals, we’re putting that all aside. We’re friends, business partners, former teammates&#8230;but now we’re enemies. And when that ball tips, it’s all about winning.
DA: Understood. What would winning this championship mean to you personally as a mom, knowing Ruby and Theo will be watching?
BS: It would be incredible to win a championship in front of my kids because they’ve never been a part of a moment like this before. They’ve never seen me lift a trophy. I want them to experience it all—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. It would be something for them to remember forever, something they can look back on and say, ‘My mom did that.’
DA: Stewie, you’ve been synonymous with winning in your tenures in UConn and Seattle when you were earlier in your career. Now, as a veteran and leader, how do you see your legacy growing here in New York?
BS: I hope my legacy in New York will continue to grow as a winner and as a legend. I want to be remembered as someone who gave back to the place that shaped them and as a player who came home and did it the right way. I want to leave an impact here that extends beyond the court.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-194498" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/10/GettyImages-2169749082.jpg" alt="Breanna Stewart #30 of the New York Liberty" width="594" height="396" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/10/GettyImages-2169749082.jpg 594w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/10/GettyImages-2169749082-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 594px) 100vw, 594px" />
For Breanna Stewart, these Finals are more than just another step in her decorated career—it’s about showing her daughters what it means to set a goal and give everything to achieve it. “It would be incredible to win a championship in front of my kids,” she shared, emphasizing how much it means for Ruby and Theo to witness her success firsthand. 
“They’ve never seen me lift a trophy.” Stewart’s desire to inspire her family mirrors the emotional stakes for this championship series—she’s not just playing for herself but to build a legacy that her children can look up to.
However, these finals are about more than personal milestones; they define what winning the New York Way means. As Stewart said, “There’s a lot of emotion that comes with it—heart, desire, and grit.” That attitude reflects everything she wants to bring to a Liberty team that is still looking for its first title. If the Liberty can finish what they started, Stewart’s vision of being remembered “as someone who gave back to the place that shaped them” will become a reality—not just for the fans, but for her family.
Simultaneously, led by Collier, the Lynx are fighting to prove that championship DNA doesn’t fade—it evolves. And the respect that Stewart and Collier have for one another is only matched by their competitive fire. Stewart said, “We’ve done a lot together—both on and off the court—but when we step out there in the Finals, we’re putting that all aside.” 
For Stewart, a championship here would tie together every part of her journey—from Syracuse to Seattle and now to New York—becoming the story she’ll one day share with her daughters. It’s not just about one championship—it’s about creating a legacy they’ll remember forever.

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Breanna Stewart: Chasing History, Redefining Legacy, and Leading New York’s Championship Run

The recent games in the Semi-Finals of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs presented by Google have brought unexpected looks from the top players. Instead of sticking to their signature styles and pieces, multiple players have teamed up with their stylists to surprise fans with new aesthetics and moods. 

The intensity of recent games is reflected in more energetic styling, but these outfits aren't necessarily more 'business formal' or 'streetwear casual.' Discover how these players are taking their final games to truly lean into their self-expression and remind fans about their personality, on and off the court. 

Queen Egbo teams up with stylist Tosha Hartzog to create this 'edgy baddie' in the Aces' team colors of red and black. Bringing in elements of fun with her artistic 'Fake Birkin' bag by Saturday House, a Black-owned brand, Egbo also wears a matching red jacket. Wearing a pair of chunky, black leather boots, the overall look reads more fierce than some of Egbo's past laidback, streetwear style. 

Queen Egbo

Sydney Colson stands out with a baggy outfit and an unexpected pretzel-shaped purse. Working with stylist Amadi Brooks, the duo began to remix the outfit with Timberland Boots and a denim jacket. Brooks explains her 'street' or 'streetwear' vibe for Colson's looks, which was translated in the Kate Spade street pretzel: "If you know Syd, you know her for humor... She loves plays on words and we felt like it became 'camp.' 

Sydney Colson

Moving away from Napheesa Collier's more traditional looks, stylist Kimberly Steward introduces a 'street rocker chic' energy. There are interesting zipper details on her denim skort and jacket, which are paired with a vintage Queen souvenir t-shirt. While Collier still looks elegant and elevated, Steward explains that this outfit is an example of 'Phee's personal style and my aesthetic coming together for a look.'

Napheesa Collier

Breanna Stewart leans into her greatest style strengths for this pregame look: a basic white T-shirt and eye-catching pants. Wearing jeans with a unique black fringe, she pairs the look with tough accessories like black sunglasses, a big watch, and shiny leather shoes. Instead of leaning more toward a business-inspired look or a streetwear-inspired look, Stewart hits the happy medium with this classic combination. 

Breanna Stewart

While Brionna Jones dresses typically in a more elevated way, she takes her most recent game to lean into the 'athleisure' trend. She styles a forest green bodysuit with an oversized bag in the same color. Paired with a long jacket and a beige hat, Jones plays up her chic, lounge look with a pair of glasses and simple gold jewelry. 

Brionna Jones

Kelsey Plum contrasts her rocker or edgy looks, introducing an academic-inspired look to the tunnel. While Plum isn't a player who would wear a dress, she presents her twist with an oversized yellow button-up shirt. Coordinating her colors, she also wears a cardigan and a simple pair of black shoes with minimal accessories. 

Kelsey Plum

WNBA reporter Kirsten Chen writes a lifestyle & fashion column on WNBA.com throughout the season and can be reached on Twitter through @hotgothwriter. The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the WNBA or its clubs.

The recent games in the Semi-Finals of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs presented by Google have brought unexpected looks from the top players. Instead of sticking to their signature styles and pieces, multiple players have teamed up with their stylists to surprise fans with new aesthetics and moods. 



The intensity of recent games is reflected in more energetic styling, but these outfits aren&#8217;t necessarily more &#8216;business formal&#8217; or &#8216;streetwear casual.&#8217; Discover how these players are taking their final games to truly lean into their self-expression and remind fans about their personality, on and off the court. 





WNBA reporter Kirsten Chen writes a lifestyle &amp; fashion column on WNBA.com throughout the season and can be reached on Twitter through @hotgothwriter. The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the WNBA or its clubs.

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The W in Designer '24: The Top Looks of Game 4

As the 2024 WNBA Playoffs presented by Google continue, "The W in Designer" returns for another series of style differentiators between the Minnesota Lynx and the Connecticut Sun. Studying overall patterns, trends, and staple pieces across both teams, I see a clear difference in these players' go-to looks. 

Preparing for the upcoming pregame outfits, discover key style differences between the two teams.

Minnesota Lynx players wear blinged-out jewelry, but their choices tend to be smaller. From Diamond Miller's intricate personalized pendant to Kayla McBride's staple diamond or gold link chains, these subtle jewelry pieces offer another way for these players to flex. These smaller pieces of jewelry match the team's overall approach to accessorizing—there are fewer outfit details than the other teams. 

The Connecticut Sun players go big with their bling—from DiJonai's custom cursive nameplate necklace to Tysha Harris' collection of oversized cross pendants. Other stand-outs include DeWanna Bonner's oversized "AT" cursive pendant and Alyssa Thomas' Olympic Rings pendant, which mark significant moments in these players' lives. These eye-catching jewelry pieces add an elevated personal branding touch and are typically paired with watches.

Big Bling vs. Subtle Shine

Stylish players on the Minnesota Lynx bring their best interpretations of classic looks-- blazers, lace, and tailored denim sets. Players like Napheesa Collier constantly bring structured, elegant pairings into the tunnel, while others like Dorka Juhász look prim and polished in more energetic colors or materials. Setting a timeless tone for their team's style, these players raise the bar on go-to looks and pieces. 

Style standouts on the Connecticut Sun rule the tunnel outfits with their funky, fresh apparel combinations. From Olivia Nelson-Ododa's sock-boot-tight combination to DiJonai Carrington's monochrome outfits and coats, these players are unafraid to introduce new trends into their pregame moments. These players turn up the style for their team, striving towards the unconventional.

Funky Fresh vs. Easy Elegance

While sweats are an athlete’s staple, certain players on the Connecticut Sun are leading a charge against this look. Players like DeWanna Bonner and Brionna Jones have rarely worn sweats during this season, opting for more feminine and sharp combinations. Bringing a serious tone to their outfits, the rest of their teammates also follow their style philosophies to create an intimidating pregame vibe.

Streetwear Champs vs. Never in Sweats

As the 2024 WNBA Playoffs presented by Google continue, &#8220;The W in Designer&#8221; returns for another series of style differentiators between the Minnesota Lynx and the Connecticut Sun. Studying overall patterns, trends, and staple pieces across both teams, I see a clear difference in these players&#8217; go-to looks. 



Preparing for the upcoming pregame outfits, discover key style differences between the two teams.





WNBA reporter Kirsten Chen writes a lifestyle &amp; fashion column on WNBA.com throughout the season and can be reached on Twitter through @hotgothwriter. The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the WNBA or its clubs.

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The W in Designer '24: Three Semi-Finals Style Differentiators

As we reflect on the First Round of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs presented by Google, “The W in Designer” breaks down three key style differentiators between the New York Liberty and the Atlanta Dream. The overall reputation of both teams goes beyond comparing their players’ outfits, as both teams have recently enhanced their style through cool co-signs across high fashion and music.&nbsp;

Check out the contrasts fans can see from both team’s holistic styles. 

Expanding the Liberty's ultra-cool status, the team unveiled a multi-year partnership with Off-White™ as its first Official Style and Culture Curator. Style-wise, this historic announcement gives the Liberty players an advantage in their tunnel looks for the playoffs-- players are united in an exclusive Seafoam green varsity jacket. This announcement is bigger than the realm of sports, as it offers a seamless introduction to the Liberty for fashion-obsessed communities. 

While other teams have seen celebrities seated courtside at their games, the Atlanta Dream hosted Latto and Mariah the Scientist in all-white, designer outfits. Spotting these top female musicians amplifies the team to their respective fan bases, and both talents truly dressed on theme for their appearances. Aligning with the city's legacy in the rap scene, Mariah the Scientist took things to the next level by participating in the game's t-shirt toss.

External Hype

The Liberty players are naturally drawn to the city's typical style of dressing: wearing lots of black; sharp, strong outfits; and integrating their favorite designer pieces. The team's Seafoam green clashes against this style, making it tricky for players to wear the color. Throughout the season, the most Seafoam green that a New York Liberty player has worn includes smaller, handheld accessories, like on Kennedy Burke, or the team's exclusive Telfar purse, like on Kayla Thornton. 

With the Dream's color palette with 5 tones that include Dream Red, Dark Grey and more, it becomes more accessible for players to rep their team colors through their daily wardrobes. Jordin Canada has worn the most combinations of the team's colors into streetwear-savvy looks throughout the season, but even players like Naz Hillmon and Rhyne Howard frequently wear red.

Repping Team Colors

With players like Sabrina Ionescu, the Liberty's style reputation features a dominating color palette of neutrals and safe, but chic silhouettes. Jackets spotted on the team are often designer, but rarely go beyond bold, black leather jackets or patterned pieces. Even younger players like Nyara Sabally wear trending pieces in mostly muted colors with denim. 

Matching the city's vibrant energy, the players on the Atlanta Dream standout for their inclination to wear the wildest colors-- like Tina Charles selecting a highlighter yellow cardigan. This team is also unafraid to pair unexpected colors in streetwear-savvy looks, like Maya Caldwell's combination of an orange top with olive green pants.

City Slick vs. City Standout

As we reflect on the First Round of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs presented by Google, “The W in Designer” breaks down three key style differentiators between the New York Liberty and the Atlanta Dream. The overall reputation of both teams goes beyond comparing their players’ outfits, as both teams have recently enhanced their style through cool co-signs across high fashion and music.&nbsp;



Check out the contrasts fans can see from both team’s holistic styles. 





WNBA reporter Kirsten Chen writes a lifestyle &amp; fashion column on WNBA.com throughout the season and can be reached on Twitter through @hotgothwriter. The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the WNBA or its clubs.

w-in-desginer-24-playoff-style-differentiators

The W in Designer '24: Three First Round Playoff Style Differentiators

2024-wnba-playoffs-presented-by-google-explained

2024 WNBA Playoffs Presented by Google Explained

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Game Recap: Sun vs. Lynx (9/29/24)

The First Round of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs presented by Google may have stress-induced some gray hairs, but the star power was fantastic. We saw early exits from Dream, Fever, and Mercury as the teams that defeated them inch one step closer to glory. The Liberty and Sun look focused on their goal for their franchises’ first championship. A’ja Wilson and the Aces continue their hunt for a three-peat. The Lynx looks to add to their team’s title trophy case for the first time since 2017. Wow, we are in for a treat. Let’s break down the Semi-Finals matchups and some key players who will make a monumental impact in this best-of-five series. 
<h2 style="text-align: center">(1) New York Liberty vs. (4) Las Vegas Aces</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-193990" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/09/GettyImages-2167345633-1.jpg" alt="Jackie Young #0 of the Las Vegas Aces and Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty" width="594" height="396" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/09/GettyImages-2167345633-1.jpg 594w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/09/GettyImages-2167345633-1-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 594px) 100vw, 594px" />
Game 1: Aces at Liberty: Sunday, Sept. 29, 3:00 pm ET, ABC
Game 2: Aces at Liberty: Tuesday, Oct. 1, Time TBD, network TBD
Game 3: Liberty at Aces: Friday, Oct. 4, 9:30 pm ET, ESPN2 
Game 4: Liberty at Aces: Sunday, Oct. 6, TBD (if necessary)
Game 5: Aces at Liberty: Tuesday, Oct. 8, Time TBD, ESPN2 (if necessary) 
Matchup Stats: <a href="https://stats.wnba.com/team/1611661313/players-traditional/?Season=2024&amp;SeasonType=Regular%20Season&amp;sort=PTS&amp;dir=1&amp;OpponentTeamID=1611661319">Liberty vs. Aces</a> | <a href="https://stats.wnba.com/team/1611661319/players-traditional/?Season=2024&amp;SeasonType=Regular%20Season&amp;sort=PTS&amp;dir=1&amp;OpponentTeamID=1611661313">Aces vs. Liberty</a>
It would be an understatement to say the Liberty has a sour taste from losing to the Aces (on their home floor!) in the Finals (by a single point!) last season. If last season taught us anything, there was a big difference in this match-up from the regular season to the playoffs. In 2023, each team had lopsided victories; New York defeated the Aces by 38 last August. That didn’t matter much come post-season. Las Vegas becomes shape-shifters when the lights are bright, and they’re doing it again. 
The Liberty swept the Aces in the regular season, but the first game was without Chelsea Gray, and the last game was a narrow victory without A’ja Wilson. Still, New York has had a different fierceness in its eye this season, especially in these playoffs so far. Both teams are 11-4 in their last 15 games post-Olympic break. The margin of error will be slim, and the superstars Breanna Stewart and Wilson need to be at their all-time best. After winning the regular-season MVP last year, Stewart didn’t have an outstanding playoff performance (she shot 35% from the field across ten games). I bet she’s been itching to run it back. 
<h3>Key Players: </h3>
Sabrina Ionescu, Guard, New York 
Ionescu has dramatically improved her game since the last time these two teams met in the postseason. She’s attacking the basket more and not just settling for long-range 3-pointers. Then, when the post-defense helps, she’s added a pretty floater to her arsenal. We saw all this in her roaring 36-point performance in Game 2 of the first round, tying a franchise playoff record. “Spike Lee gave me a high five as I went to inbound the ball out of bounds, and I felt like New York was just injected into me,” Ionescu <a href="https://x.com/MylesEhrlich/status/1838766606639382920">said</a> after the game. (Hey, Spike, sit courtside for the rest of the season, yeah?) She pumped up the crowd in the win, got her team involved, and fed off Barclay’s energy. And she’ll need to do it again for at least three more games to earn another trip to the Finals. 
She’s a key player in this particular series because of her defense. In the Finals last season, the Aces purposefully put her in sets defensively to exploit her lack of on-ball guarding ability. Ionescu has stepped up her game on the offensive end, and now she’ll need to show that her defense has also elevated. 
Jackie Young, Guard, Las Vegas 
Now, for the player who will most likely be guarding Ionescu, Young will be key in limiting the drives by the Liberty guard. Her pressure on the perimeter for the Aces is an igniting factor for Becky Hammon’s entire defensive scheme. It also helps when you have the reigning Defensive Player in the Year as your help, just in case you get beat. Young is due for a breakout game. She’s struggled in spurts in the back half of the regular season. On offense, they will need her to knock down shots, be a playmaker if the ball gets stuck, and put pressure on the Liberty defense by attacking the rim. On defense, she has one job: stop Sabrina. 
<h2 style="text-align: center">(2) Minnesota Lynx vs. (3) Connecticut Sun</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-193991" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/09/GettyImages-2171951716.jpg" alt="Brionna Jones #42 of the Connecticut Sun" width="594" height="396" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/09/GettyImages-2171951716.jpg 594w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/09/GettyImages-2171951716-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 594px) 100vw, 594px" />
Game 1: Sun at Lynx: Sunday, Sept. 29, 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
Game 2: Sun at Lynx: Tuesday, Oct. 1, Time TBD 
Game 3: Lynx at Sun: Friday, Oct. 4, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN 2 
Game 4: Lynx at Sun: Sunday, Oct. 6, TBD (if necessary)
Game 5: Sun at Lynx: Tuesday, Oct. 8, Time TBD, ESPN 2 (if necessary) 
Matchup Stats: <a href="https://stats.wnba.com/team/1611661324/players-traditional/?Season=2024&amp;SeasonType=Regular%20Season&amp;sort=PTS&amp;dir=1&amp;OpponentTeamID=1611661323">Lynx vs. Sun</a> | <a href="https://stats.wnba.com/team/1611661323/players-traditional/?Season=2024&amp;SeasonType=Regular%20Season&amp;sort=PTS&amp;dir=1&amp;OpponentTeamID=1611661324">Sun vs. Lynx</a>
Thinking back to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0xu47OO7Nc">the regular-season penultimate game</a> with these two teams gives me chills. The last four possessions were high-level players making high-level plays. With 24 seconds remaining, Alyssa Thomas made a free-throw line push shot. Then, a clutch turn-around jumper by Napheesa Collier. Then, a back-door cut from DeWanna Bonner. Then, a deep 3-pointer by Bridget Carleton sealed it with five seconds remaining. The Lynx won by two points. What a thrill! But it was Minnesota’s lone victory against the Sun in the regular season. Connecticut took the first two matches by a combined six points, which included an overtime win. The Sun and the Wings (surprisingly) were the only two teams to defeat the Lynx twice. 
In the semi-finals, that’ll be wiped clean. Coming into this second round, Collier and Thomas have been playing out of this world. Collier erupted for 42 points (70% from the field!!!) in Game 2 to defeat the Mercury after she scored 38 the prior game. She<a href="https://x.com/espn/status/1839149769547014650"> tied</a> Maya Moore for the record for the most points in a playoff game. Thomas also knotted a record of her own. According to ESPN, with 26 assists in this series, it tied with Sue Bird in 2020 for the most assists over a two-playoff game span. Bird went on to win Finals MVP that season; I&#8217;m just saying. The best part? Phee and AT will be guarding each other. That’s a battle I can’t wait to see with a Finals spot on the line.
<h3>Key Players:</h3>
Kayla McBride, Guard, Minnesota Lynx
McBuckets quietly had one of her best regular seasons in her 11-year career. She became the first Lynx and the 13th WNBA player to <a href="https://u.acrossthetimeline.com/stat-KaDys">make at least 100 threes in the regular season</a>, finishing with 105. Her 40.7% from 3-point range on 6.6 attempts per game was her best to date. Earlier in the season, <a href="https://www.thenexthoops.com/features/pass-her-the-ball-kayla-mcbride-is-turning-lynx-games-into-three-point-shooting-clinics/">she matched</a> a WNBA record for most made 3-pointers over a two-game span with 15. She’s averaging the second-most assists of her career (3.2 pg) and a career-best steals average per game (1.3). The latter is a nod to Minnesota’s sweltering defensive intensity all season long; they constantly battled the Sun for the top defensive team in the league. It’s a given this semi-final match-up will be defense first, and McBride has been dialed in on that end of the floor, but the Sun must also play defense on her. The knockdown shooter has gotten great, quick-trigger looks when Collier gets doubled inside. Minnesota’s league-best assist total is because they move the ball swiftly; McBride has been the beneficiary. She can set her feet, stay in rhythm, and knock it down. Combined with her partner-in-crime, Bridget Carleton, they are a whopping 48% from the 3-point line <a href="https://stats.wnba.com/team/1611661324/players-traditional/?Season=2024&amp;SeasonType=Regular%20Season&amp;sort=PTS&amp;dir=1&amp;OpponentTeamID=1611661323&amp;PerMode=Totals">against Connecticut</a> – with Carleton drilling 61.5% solo. 
Brionna Jones, Center, Connecticut 
Last season, the Sun knocked the Lynx out of the playoffs without Bri Jones as the anchor of their interior offense. Jones, who missed most of the 2023 season due to an Achille’s injury, will be key in the Sun getting past Minnesota again this postseason. In Game 1 of the first round against the Fever, the 2024 All-Star tied her career playoff high with four steals while defending Aliyah Boston inside. But she offset it by coughing up the ball five times, which set a new career playoff high. Jones seemed to hurt her right shoulder in the first half of Game 2, only scoring eight points in 13 total minutes. If she’s not 100%, Olivia Nelson-Ododa will have to step up and play substantial minutes in the semi-finals; her 6-foot-5 frame could help disrupt Collier’s looks inside the restricted area. But if Jones is a go, I can see Coach Stephanie White drawing up plays to feed her on the inside purposefully. Minnesota’s Alanna Smith will be tasked to guard Jones; she isn’t a true center and gives up over 30 pounds in the battle. In the Sun&#8217;s win over the Lynx in May, Jones tallied 19 points (60% from the field) while limiting Smith to only 10. Jones will have to dominate like this again for Connecticut to come out on top. 
WNBA reporter Jordan Robinson writes columns on <a href="http://wnba.com/">WNBA.com</a> throughout the season and can be reached on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/heyjordanr?s=11&amp;amp;t=J-cOcDBZrcrt32m2C7gIVg">@HeyJordanR.</a> The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the WNBA or its teams.

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2024 WNBA Playoffs presented by Google: Key Players to Watch in Semi-Finals

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Below are answers to some of the main questions regarding the 2024 WNBA Playoffs presented by Google.
When do the 2024 WNBA Playoffs presented by Google start?
The 2024 WNBA Playoffs presented by Google began on Sunday, September 22, at 1 pm ET.
<hr />
What is the format for the 2024 WNBA Playoffs presented by Google and the 2024 WNBA Finals presented by YouTube TV?
The top eight teams in the league qualify for the postseason, regardless of conference affiliation. The First Round is a best-of-three series, while the Semi-Finals and Finals are best-of-five.
<hr />
Which teams are in the 2024 WNBA Playoffs presented by Google?
The following teams qualified for the postseason:
<ol>
<li>New York Liberty (32-8)</li>
<li>Minnesota Lynx (30-10)</li>
<li>Connecticut Sun (28-12)</li>
<li>Las Vegas Aces (27-13)</li>
<li>Seattle Storm (25015)</li>
<li>Indiana Fever (20-20)</li>
<li>Phoenix Mercury (19-21)</li>
<li>Atlanta Dream (15-25)</li>
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What are the matchups for the First Round of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs presented by Google?
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<li>●  No. 1 New York Liberty vs. No. 8 Atlanta Dream</li>
<li>●  No. 2 Minnesota Lynx vs. No. 7 Phoenix Mercury</li>
<li>●  No. 3 Connecticut Sun vs. No. 6 Indiana Fever</li>
<li>●  No. 4 Las Vegas Aces vs. No. 5 Seattle Storm</li>
</ul>
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How does home-court advantage work in the 2024 WNBA Playoffs presented by Google?
The higher seeds will host Games 1 and 2, and the lower seed will host Game 3 (if necessary) in the First Round. 
The higher seeds will host Games 1, 2, and 5 (if necessary), while the lower seeds will host Games 3 and 4 (if necessary) in the Semi-Finals and the 2024 WNBA Finals presented by YouTube TV.
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Where can I watch the 2024 WNBA Playoffs?
The first round will air on ESPN, ABC, and ESPN2. Check out the schedule for details!
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