Three key questions as WNBA playoffs take shape. Plus, Rudy Gobert returns to Beef Court

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WNBA Postseason Takes Form

Three questions with Sabreena Service provider

We’re getting into the stretch run within the WNBA. A’ja Wilson’s white t-shirt power has produced big-time performances, however the Aces haven’t been the league’s finest crew this season regardless of having the perfect participant within the league.

However is that this the 12 months the New York Liberty break by way of? For all of New York’s nice historical past, it nonetheless hasn’t received a WNBA Championship. The Liberty are on tempo to guide the WNBA in wins for a second consecutive season, however their 18 postseason berths are essentially the most in WNBA historical past with no title. This may be the Liberty’s season to notch a hoop, however Minnesota (26-9, second in WNBA) and Connecticut (25-10, third) are two key potential challengers, together with Las Vegas.

Let’s chime in The Athletic’s Sabreena Service provider to interrupt down the WNBA’s common season ending because the playoffs take form:

How would you describe the MVP race?

Sabreena: Regardless of my finest makes an attempt to introduce some drama into the MVP race, it’s fairly lower and dry. Simply as A’ja Wilson was final 12 months when she was one way or the other denied the award, she is the perfect participant on the earth, and she or he’s enjoying prefer it. Nobody – not even peak Diana Taurasi – has scored in addition to Wilson has this 12 months. She’s rebounding the ball higher than anybody in league historical past however Angel Reese. And she or he’s maintaining the Aces afloat when her Olympian teammates have collectively slumped from 3-point vary. It’s close to unprecedented for a participant who isn’t on a top-two seed to win MVP, however Wilson’s accomplishments this season are unprecedented. Singular dominance from an all-time nice in her prime.

Dwyane Wade manned the t-shirt cannon on the New York Liberty sport.

🎥 @WNBApic.twitter.com/BdeaaZjfzU

— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) September 6, 2024

The Liberty are on tempo to guide the WNBA in wins once more. What’s the distinction from this crew and final season’s finals runner-up?Sabreena: This season, New York can put the clamps on, with a defensive score that’s practically 5 factors per 100 possessions higher than the 2023 iteration. A part of the advance is healthier well being from Jonquel Jones, a part of it’s stronger level of assault protection from Sabrina Ionescu and a part of it’s a deeper wing group bolstered by Leonie Fiebich. The Liberty can play quite a lot of coverages, and so they have all-defense worthy contributors at three positions. Mix that with Breanna Stewart enjoying at an MVP stage as soon as once more and taking pictures 44 % on 3s because the Olympic break, and New York is cooking. New York must win its final seven video games to tie Las Vegas’ mark for single-season wins.

How dominant have Caitlin Clark and the Fever been down the stretch?Sabreena: Since a 2-9 begin that featured 11 video games in 20 days, the Fever are 17-8 with the league’s finest offense. Caitlin Clark is on tempo to interrupt the WNBA help file whereas Kelsey Mitchell is main the East in scoring. Aliyah Boston is essentially the most overqualified third choice within the league, a strolling nightmare within the quick roll. She’s making good, fast selections with the ball in her palms whereas additionally anchoring what’s now a league-average protection. Indiana isn’t on the extent of the Liberty or the Lynx at this level, however to be within the second tier of contenders is an achievement nonetheless in Clark’s first 12 months.

Aliyah Boston with a MONSTER efficiency right this moment vs. the Dream 👀@IndianaFever | @aa_boston pic.twitter.com/1agcQLZJ1R

— The Athletic WBB (@TheAthleticWBB) September 8, 2024

Friday evening was a matchup between a pair of MVP candidates and their groups.

But Caitlin Clark’s composure had evaporated. She slumped on the court docket after not getting a foul name, writes @RomeoVilleKid.

The lesson? This can be a probability to proceed to develop.https://t.co/8weAr9UevB pic.twitter.com/DS3Kmww9ap

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) September 7, 2024

The Newest From Shams

Murray, Nuggets conform to extension

In case you missed it over the weekend, Jamal Murray and the Nuggets have agreed to a four-year, $209 million contract extension, per league sources, maintaining him with the crew by way of 2029.

With out the extension, the 27-year-old Murray would have turn into a free agent subsequent summer time. The guard has spent his whole NBA profession with the Nuggets, who drafted him with the No. 7 choose in 2016. Final season, Murray averaged 21.2 factors, 6.5 assists and 4.1 rebounds per sport within the common season.

Elsewhere, Markieff Morris has agreed on a deal to return to the Mavericks, league sources inform me. The reigning Western Convention champions prioritized re-signing Morris, 34, who has served as a powerful chief in Mavs locker room and is getting into his 14th NBA season.

Beef Court docket

Rudy Gobert takes stand in opposition to Shaq’s barbs

Shaquille O’Neal has at all times put additional give attention to the play of facilities, particularly in his retirement. The Corridor of Famer is without doubt one of the finest facilities to ever play and has referred to as out many huge males. Anthony Davis, Dwight Howard and even JaVale McGee are amongst those that have been hit with criticism from the legendary huge man. This time, it’s Gobert’s flip.

Shaq was doing a Q&A along with his son Myles, who requested the legendary huge man who was the WOAT (Worst of All Time), to which his father answered rapidly:

“Rudy Gobert … When you signal a contract for ($250 million), present me 250. There’s a purpose why I stroll humorous, why I can’t flip my neck, as a result of I performed for my ($120 million). So, you’ve bought guys like him who (expletive) the system over. They’re making all this cash, and so they can’t (expletive) play. So, I don’t respect guys like that. Each time I make these feedback, individuals suppose I’m hating, however these are details.”

The large man additionally referred to as Ben Simmons a “bum” on this context, however we’re centered on Gobert as a result of the latter tweeted:

It’s unhappy to see somebody that has achieved as a lot as you probably did @SHAQ each in sport and enterprise nonetheless be triggered by one other man’s funds and accomplishments. I get the leisure half however in contrast to folks, you don’t want that stuff to remain related. https://t.co/KPHs2VmfIb

— Rudy Gobert (@rudygobert27) September 5, 2024

The one place to settle that is in Beef Court docket.

The Case for Shaq: This might simply say, “Properly, he’s Shaq!!!” and be carried out. The Huge Diesel received 4 titles, three Finals MVPs, a regular-season MVP, made 15 All-Star groups, received two scoring titles and stays an unmatched determine in hoops historical past. When he was one of many highest-paid basketball gamers on the earth, you couldn’t play him off the court docket.

There have been some who criticized Shaq when he missed video games with accidents, however he revealed in his documentary “Shaq” simply what number of accidents he truly performed by way of, so he walked the speak on this case.

However Shaq’s strongest proof is that he performed a few of his finest basketball within the postseason. There was no approach the four-time champ wouldn’t have been on the ground in a vital state of affairs, except he had fouled out.

In the meantime there are a number of examples within the NBA playoffs – and even within the Olympics when enjoying for France – the place Gobert’s groups have been higher with out him in video games.

Rudy Gobert and the Timberwolves discovered themselves on the heart of the NBA’s offseason circus.

To win over the NBA populace, Minnesota goes to must be even higher than it was final season.@JonKrawczynski has extra ⤵️https://t.co/lPcY4dngFj pic.twitter.com/qhRVdIbWqB

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) September 6, 2024

Case for Gobert: By most accounts, he’s a pleasant man who has additionally racked up his fair proportion of accomplishments. Final season, he received his record-tying fourth Defensive Participant of the Yr award. Gobert has made some huge cash. He signed a five-year, $205 million contract extension in Dec. 2020 and has revamped $300 million in his profession.

The three-time All-Star just isn’t near the “bum” class that Shaq lumped him in with Simmons. Nobody has accused Gobert of not desirous to play, however many have questioned why he hasn’t developed extra of an offensive sport (like Simmons). However to be honest, Gobert and Simmons usually are not in the identical class, even when Gobert has some postseason lapses.

The decision: I don’t consider Shaq is “triggered” by Gobert’s cash or accomplishments. He was a far superior participant and has made (and continues to make) some huge cash. Shaq is amongst my three favourite gamers of all time, however mentioning Gobert with Simmons hurts his case. Gobert will get teased by gamers, media and followers, however is he the WOAT? Nah, we will’t go that far.

As Ingram’s World Turns

What’s subsequent for Pelicans ahead?

Can huge trades occur in September? Positive, however that doesn’t appear seemingly for Brandon Ingram. Final week, the Pelicans star skipped voluntary exercises in California after being anticipated to attend, elevating questions on his future once more.

Ingram is barely 27 and a former All-Star, nevertheless it’s clear the Pelicans are rolling with Zion Williamson as their franchise participant. Signing Ingram to a contract extension ought to be a no brainer. The truth that it hasn’t occurred provides the 2019-20 Most Improved Participant loads of purpose to consider he’s on the best way out and to not need to voluntarily do something with the Pelicans.

New Orleans stays one of many largest “if solely” groups within the NBA. Ingram and Williamson have each missed lengthy stretches attributable to accidents. Inserting Dejounte Murray alongside CJ McCollum within the backcourt is an intriguing transfer. However as at all times gave the impression to be the case in New Orleans, there’s one thing happening with one among its prime gamers … a routine courting again to the times of Chris Paul. The earlier Ingram’s state of affairs is resolved, the earlier we get to see if the Pelicans can lastly stay as much as their potential.