Last Friday, the WNBA kicked off their 25th season which featured four teams taking the floor. The New York Liberty downed the Indiana Fever 90 – 87, while the Connecticut Sun defeated the Atlanta Dream 78-67.
The second half of the season opener included the Phoenix Mercury declawing the Minnesota Lynx 77 – 75, and the Dallas Wings cruised by the Los Angeles Sparks 94-71.
As the 25th season of the WNBA continues to unfold there are plenty of key games to watch out for. A lot of teams around the league are embracing new faces.
WNBA 25th
After opening weekend, fans will be able to check out over nine games this week on social media platforms or major cable channels.
Last week we reviewed the first half of WNBA teams and their musical celebrity counterparts. With the 25th season in full gear and teams playing back in their arenas it’s safe to say it’s going to be an exciting season.
Let’s take a look at the second half of WNBA teams and their musical counterparts.
New York Liberty: SWV
The first team on the list for this week’s musical counterpart list is the New York Liberty. At the end of the 2020 season, the Liberty found themselves in familiar territory.
New York ended last season with a 2-20 record nevertheless, the team is off to a great start this season as they are currently 3-0. New York has had solid drafts over the last three years.
Liberty fans are hoping that this is the season that they will be able to get over the hump. Over the past few years the franchise has changed ownership/coaching, let go of franchise players, and drafted for the future.
The city of New York is a tough place to play in and the fans have high expectations. This season may be different as the team appears to have a different culture and dynamic.
Clearly, it’s too early to draw any conclusion but this team resembles soul, grit, and resilience. The Liberty’s musical counterpart is none other than SWV.
SWV is a legendary R&B trio from New York who connected with crowds and fans across the world. Their music had the ability to provide energy for the soul and spirit.
In addition to their endless harmony, they changed the face of R&B. The Liberty is still going through a rebuild but their energy and spirit are in the right place.
Song to describe the New York Liberty’s 2021 season: Rain
Dallas Wings: Aaliyah
Next in line is the Dallas Wings who finished the 2020 season in 9th place with an 8-14 record. Over the last three seasons, the team has been efficient in the draft.
As of now, the Wings are 1-0 and look to improve from last season. During the offseason, the team switched coaches and added firepower in the draft.
Clearly, Arike Ogunbowale is the face of the franchise and the leader of the team. The Wings are continuing to rebuild but are making progress every year. Satou Sabally, Charlier Collier, Awak Kuier, and Ogunbowale are the core and future of the team.
Dallas has the ability to defeat teams on the fast break and pick-and-roll. The team is still developing on the defensive side of the ball but there is potential.
The young Dallas team is fast, physical, and shifty. Yes, their seasons continue to end on a negative note but there is still a lot to be hopeful for. The Wings musical counterpart is Aaliyah who continues to be remembered for her swag, vocals, and bright spirit.
Similar to Aaliyah the Wings have so much talent which is accompanied by a high ceiling. Aaliyah was an icon because she dressed outside of the norm and was not afraid to be herself, which translated into a dynamic musical catalog.
On the flip side, Dallas is committed to playing their style of basketball and they don’t back down from anyone.
Song to describe the Dallas Wings 2021 season: Try Again
Chicago Sky: Wale
At the halfway mark of the list is the Chicago Sky who could possibly win it all with their current roster. In the last two seasons, the Sky exited the playoffs in early fashion.
Although Chicago struggles to progress deep in the playoffs their core nucleus provides them with a chance every season. Also, the team lost Diamond DeShields in the Wubble due to injury.
During the offseason, the franchise signed Candace Parker to the team. CP3’s championship experience is huge for this franchise as they look to get over the hump.
Even though Chicago receives a bad reputation for their payoff performance their roster has a lot of talent. Chicago can beat you in transition, in half-court, or on the defensive end.
Chicago’s musical counterpart is Wale who is oftentimes is slighted or forgotten about due to other MCs. In comparison to Wale, the Sky are multifaceted and can beat you in multiple ways.
Every year, Chicago is in the thick of the championship contention just like Wale is in the talks of best rappers. However, both Chicago and Wale are counted out and slept on. When locked in, the Sky can beat anyone and cause match-up nightmares.
Song to describe the Chicago Sky’s 2021 season: More About Nothing – The MC
Atlanta Dream: Rapsody
At number four the Atlanta Dream is probably the most exciting team to watch this season. Atlanta closed the 2020 season with a 7-15 record.
Atlanta fans got a sneak peek at what the future holds with Chennedy Carter who averaged 17 points per game last season.
The Dream also had a strong 2021 one draft and one of their noticeable selections was Aari McDonald. McDonald was selected number three overall which is not surprising after her NCAA tournament performance.
Another noticeable addition to the team is Odyssey Sims who signed in free agency. This season the franchise looks to take another step. In the midst of the summer the team was sold and one of the co-owners is a former player in Renee Montgomery | Co-Owner.
Currently, the young team is still rebuilding but their youth, energy, and explosiveness display the team’s future upside. The Dream’s musical counterpart is Rapsody who is a lyrical surgeon and genius. Coupled with Rapsody’s lyricism and genius, she is a boss.
Similar to Rapsody the Dream is very strategic and play at their own pace. Both Atlanta and Rapsody have a historical significance and foundation but have found a way to continue to remain relevant.
Song to describe the Atlanta Dream’s 2021 season: Afeni
Las Vegas Aces: Boyz II Men
Second, to last on the list is the Las Vegas Aces who came up short in the 2020 WNBA finals. The team finished with an 18-4 record. Despite losing in the finals A’ja Wilson took home MVP honors.
Las Vegas said goodbye to Kayla McBride in the offseason and Angel McCoughtry suffered a season-ending knee injury during a 2021 preseason game.
The Aces’ roster still features a lot of talent but the championship hangover may come back to hunt them. Even with the team losing McCoughtry they will have Liz Cambage back in the lineup along with Dearica Hamby. Coupled with Cambage and Hamby the team signed Chelsea Gray in the offseason.
All and All this season may be a bust for Las Vegas as they navigate the finals loss and a somewhat new roster. The Las Vegas Aces musical counterpart for 2021 is Boyz II Men because of their longevity but the Aces may be signing “The End of the Road.”
Every team has its championship window and this could be the start to the door closing. Granted the team still has an opportunity to get back to the finals but it may not be this year.
The Aces have a lot of roster depth and can play inside and outside. Like Boyz II Men anyone can shine but in a basketball sense, the team can play positionless basketball and can beat you at all five positions. The range for the Aces is unlimited but this season will be interesting.
Song to describe the Las Vegas Aces 2021 season: End of the Road
Indiana Fever: Logic
Last but not least the Indiana Fever finished the 2020 season with a 6-16 record. The Fever lost Erica Wheeler in the offseason to the Sparks.
In this year’s draft, the team got younger and added backcourt talent. Needless to say, the team is still in a major rebuild.
The Fever will use the 2021 season to build chemistry and develop young talent. Indiana is a historic franchise that has captured a title and multiple conference championships.
With that being said the Fever’s musical counterpart is Logic. Both Logic and Indiana have a solid foundation and background to fall on. But the Fever are currently under pressure to figure out their next steps and what needs to be done.
2016 was the last season the team made the playoffs. What will this season hold for Indiana?
Song to describe the Indiana Fever 2021 season: Under Pressure
The WNBA season is here in full effect. As the 2021 season continues to unfold, follow me on Twitter @ZackeryRogers13 for more WNBA content.
