As of now, the Las Vegas Aces, New York Liberty, and Connecticut Sun have punched their tickets for the WNBA Playoffs.
Basketball analysts, fans, and critics have been predicting an Aces versus Liberty finals matchup. However, anything is possible during postseason play because of the level of intensity, matchups, and X-factors emerging.
Last season, the Aces were crowned WNBA champions but a repeat may not be automatic considering the last team to win back-to-back titles was the Los Angeles Sparks (2001, 2002).
The Liberty are seeking their first WNBA title in franchise history and their first finals appearance since 2002. Despite New York and Las Vegas being the favorite there are a few teams that may have something to say.
Here are three teams that may have an X-factor to make a difference this postseason.
WNBA Playoffs 2023: 3 X-factors who could be postseason difference-makers
Washington Mystics X-Factor: Shakira Austin
At this moment, the Washington Mystics are sitting in eighth place with a 15-18 record. Although the team is currently occupying the last playoff slot, they can make a push come postseason time.
Washington has been plagued with injuries most of the season, which has impacted their ability to gel together.
Despite the injury woes, they still have a chance with the veterans on their roster. Elena Delle Donne, Natasha Cloud, Ariel Atkins, and Tianna Hawkins have been down this road before in the year they won the championship (2019).
Not to mention, Brittney Sykes has been having a career high year in points (15.3), rebounds (4.8), and assists (3.8), per game.
The Mystics have the length, size, and speed to match up with any team. If healthy, this roster can be a wild card matchup for any one. Their X-factor is Shakira Austin, who has bounced back from an early season injury.
Clearly EDD, Cloud, and Atkins are the heartbeat of this team but Austin has created her own niche. She creates second-chance points for her teammates by dominating the glass, she runs the floor during the break, and she constantly moves without the ball to open the floor.
Connecticut Sun X-Factor: DiJonai Carrington
The Connecticut Sun could possibly find themselves in the Finals for the third time in the last five seasons. Connecticut is currently in third place overall with a 23-11 record and a potential MVP candidate in Alyssa Thomas.
Connecticut is a balanced team that can upset any team at any moment. As constructed, they can match up with anyone and score in multiple ways.
As the postseason approaches, one X-factor that opponents need to prepare for is DiJonai Carrington off the bench.
Carrington is a strong defender, quick in transition, and a solid ball handler. She is constantly moving without the ball and is always looking for a backdoor cut.
When the 2021 draft pick is in the game, she shifts the team into another gear and wears down the other team. She doesn't need the ball in her hands to be effective and she can impact the game at any moment.
Carrington is currently averaging 8.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists while shooting 40.4 percent from 3-point range.
Connecticut's starting five already wears their opponents down, so when the second unit featuring Carrington enters the game, it's hard for opponents to catch their breaths.
Chicago Sky X-Factor: Danna Evans
The last X-factor is Danna Evans with the Chicago Sky. The Sky are currently in ninth place with a 13-21 record.
Clearly, Chicago needs to make up a lot of ground and hope for the Mystics to lose a few games to have a chance at the postseason. But of course, anything is possible when it comes to the last few weeks before the postseason.
If the Sky make the postseason, they will be able to make some noise. Evans will be one of the X-factors to help this team. She is currently averaging 8.8 points, 3.1 assists, 1.1 rebounds, and 0.7 steals per game.
The Louisville product is tough on defense and has a high motor. She can impact the game in late game situations and is someone who can be trusted in crunch time.
Evans also takes on the challenge of slowing down other teams' best players.
