The WNBA Finals are set to kick off on Friday with Las Vegas Aces’ coach, Becky Hammon, and Phoenix Mercury’s coach, Nate Tibbets, leading their respective teams. Despite being on opposing sides, both coaches share a common background of growing up in South Dakota.
Hammon expressed pride in the basketball talent that has emerged from their small state, highlighting notable figures such as Mike Miller and Eric Piatkowski. The two coaches, who first crossed paths when Hammon played against a team coached by Tibbets’ father in high school, only truly connected later on in their careers as NBA assistant coaches.
During the unique circumstances of the COVID year played in a bubble in Florida, the South Dakota natives bonded over pickleball games while staying at the same hotel. Tibbets praised the supportive nature of people from South Dakota, emphasizing the camaraderie among its residents.
Heading into the WNBA Finals, the Aces have the opportunity to secure their third title in four years, a feat achieved only by the Houston Comets in the league’s early years. A’ja Wilson, the league’s first four-time MVP, and Chelsea Gray are key players to watch, reminiscent of the iconic trio from the Comets era.
The Finals also mark a rematch for Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner, who previously faced the Aces as members of the Connecticut Sun. Wilson acknowledged the challenge of competing against Thomas, highlighting the competitive spirit that drives her to elevate her game.
In a first for the WNBA, the championship round will adopt a best-of-seven format this year. Players are mostly unfazed by the extended playoff format, with the convenience of short flights between Phoenix and Las Vegas being a welcomed relief for the teams.
Off-court drama has been a prevalent theme leading up to the championship series, with Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier publicly criticizing the league’s leadership and lack of accountability. This tension comes at a crucial juncture as the league and players work towards reaching a new collective bargaining agreement by the end of October.
