Playoff Showdown: Key Concerns for Fever vs. Dream and Storm vs. Aces in their Game 3 encounters
The WNBA playoffs have ignited with the first round delivering a much-needed thrill. In the ongoing series between the Seattle Storm and Atlanta Dream, the Dream has exhibited a tenacious defense, but their offense has struggled, mirroring the form they had in 2023 and 2024 when they finished under .500 and had one of the worst indiana fever in the league.
Despite the offensive woes, the Dream's home court has been a stronghold this season. They boasted the fourth-best home record, going 16-6. However, the playoffs have presented a different challenge. The Dream's offense has an 88.1 offensive rating, below 39% shooting, and 31 turnovers through the first two games.
On the other hand, the Storm has found a standout performer in rookie center Dominique Malonga. Malonga has been dominating the minutes she plays, with a positive plus-minus of 47 minutes for the Storm. In Game 2, she finished with 11 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks on 4 of 7 from the field. Her defensive efforts in the fourth quarter were particularly impressive, helping hold MVP favorite A'ja Wilson scoreless over the final seven minutes.
Malonga's performance was crucial, as she scored the go-ahead and-one in the closing minute of Game 2 for the Seattle Storm. Her efforts earned her a plus-11, contributing significantly to the Storm's three-point win.
The Dream's leading scorers, Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard, have been tightly contained by the games. The Fever has done a particularly good job limiting them to 59 points on 18 of 58 (31%) from the field.
In contrast, the Storm's offense has shown improvement this season, with an offensive rating of 108.2, nearly 12 points better per 100 possessions than last season. However, maintaining that level of performance in the playoffs remains to be seen.
The higher seeds, Las Vegas Aces and Atlanta Dream, will have the advantage of playing Game 3 at home due to the playoff format change from 2-1 to 1-1-1. The 2025 WNBA playoffs continue on Thursday with Game 3s in the first round. The Dream and Fever will face off at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN2/fubo, and the Storm and Aces will follow at 9:30 p.m. on the same channels.
As the series between the Storm and Dream continues, the focus will be on whether the Dream can find their offensive rhythm and whether Malonga can continue her impressive playoff home depot.
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