By 
#3 Connecticut Sun vs #6 Dallas Wings
The Connecticut Sun came into this season fully healthy for the first time since their 2019 WNBA Finals run. They added Dewanna Bonner in 2020, but Jonquel Jones didn’t play in the wubble. Alyssa Thomas tore her Achilles before the season last year, which led to Jonquel having more freedom and eventually winning league MVP. Thomas returned ahead of schedule last season in the playoffs, and many feel she may have thrown off the chemistry of the team.
The Sun were the number one seed and had a 14-game winning streak going into the playoffs before losing to the Sky in four games in the semifinals. This season they would have Jonquel, Thomas, Bonner, and the reigning Most Improved Player and now two-time All-Star Brionna Jones all on the court. They brought back Courtney Williams, who was a key contributor, and the main shot creator during their run in 2019.
Jasmine Thomas tore her ACL early in the season, and that made Natisha Hiedeman the starter at the lead guard spot for the first time in her career. They had a 25-11 record in the regular season and led the league in steals and rebounds while ranking third in points and second in field goal percentage.
Jonquel, Bri Jones, and Thomas all made the All-Star game. Bri will undoubtedly win the Sixth Player of the Year award, and Jonquel and Thomas will both make All-WNBA teams. All that being said, fans and some media are still not sold and have given up on the Sun. They have come so close multiple times in the playoffs but have yet to get over the hump. After their flameout in the playoffs last year, the hope for them winning a championship seemed to be gone by many.
The Wings are one of those teams that have the talent to be special but not the proper infrastructure. Pretty much anyone who covers or watches the W feels the Wings need a new head coach. They lack on-court chemistry, ball movement, and effort at times. They have also struggled with injuries, and coach Vickie Johnson has struggled with rotations.
With that being said, they still ended up with the six seed and an 18-18 regular season record. The Wings are led by All-Star Arike Ogunbowale, elite two-way wing Allisha Gray, and scoring guard Marina Mabrey. Kayla Thornton has been the steady, veteran presence the team has needed.
Their big acquisition of the off-season, Teaira McCowan, struggled to find her footing and, quite frankly playing time early in the season. But in the last half of the season, she found her way into the starting lineup and was an absolute nightmare to guard. She forced consistent double teams, which of course, frees up shooters for open shots.
Satou Sabally has struggled to stay healthy all season, and has yet to be a major factor for Dallas. Ogunbowale missed the last couple of weeks with two injuries, and they played relatively well without her. Contrary to what some may believe, the ball may move more without her, but they are not a better basketball team without her. Rookie Veronica Burton stepped up in her absence, while Mabrey, Thornton, and McCowan played the best they had all season. Ogunbowale will miss the playoffs, and that hinders the Wings’ chances of pulling off the upset.
Matchup:
The Wings actually won the season series 2-1. They won the first game 85-77, thanks to 20 points from Mabrey and 17 from Gray. Connecticut dominated the next night, 99-68, where they shot 48% and had five players score in double figures. The last game was won by Dallas, 82-71. In this game, Sabally and McCowan were the key contributors off the bench. They also got 20 points from Ogunbowale. These teams haven’t matched up since July 5th, and a lot has changed. McCowan, and how she’s officiated, could end up being the key to this series.
Tariq: The Wings aren’t always consistent, but they’ve been playing really good basketball of late. They beat both the Aces and Sky back-to-back a few weeks ago, and they always play the Storm close. I would feel much better about picking Dallas if Ogunbowale and Sabally were available and 100% healthy. But this version of the Wings is hot, and you may have to pick the hot hand.
If McCowan is able to get to the free throw line and get Connecticut’s frontcourt in foul trouble, it could change everything. The Sun may have the size to negate her, though, so Mabrey, Gray, and Thornton must play the best basketball of their careers. Remember, if the Wings steal a game, the deciding game is in Dallas. It’s hard to pick against the Sun in this situation, but I will.
Wings in three
Bryce: The Connecticut Sun is a squad full of killers and can take turns taking games over. I think that’s what makes them scary going into these playoffs. Alyssa Thomas has been one of the best players in the league on both ends of the floor this season. This team is loaded, and I think they’ll be too much for the Dallas Wings to handle.
That’s not to say the Wings won’t put up a fight. Marina Mabrey has shown that she can spark it up at any time. Tierra McCowen has also been playing well lately. They have what it takes to steal a game, but I don’t think it’ll happen
Sun in two
By 
