Top 3 Moments from the 2021 WNBA Playoffs

Sept. 26, 2024, 5:30 p.m. Sports

The 2021 WNBA Playoffs brought thrilling moments, intense competition, and unforgettable milestones. Here, we highlight the top 3 moments from this year's postseason that captured the hearts of fans and showcased the incredible talent within the league.

1. Chicago Sky's Cinderella Run to the Championship:
One of the most captivating storylines of the 2021 WNBA Playoffs was the Chicago Sky's unexpected journey to the Finals. As the sixth seed in the playoffs, the Sky faced tough competition in the early rounds but managed to overcome the odds and make a historic run to the championship. Led by the dynamic duo of Courtney Vandersloot and Kahleah Copper, the Sky displayed resilience, teamwork, and a never-say-die attitude that endeared them to fans across the league.

In the semi-finals, the Sky faced off against the top-seeded Connecticut Sun, a team that had dominated throughout the regular season. Despite being the underdogs, Chicago rose to the occasion, stunning the Sun with a hard-fought series victory to advance to their first-ever WNBA Finals appearance. The Sky's triumph over adversity and their ability to come together as a cohesive unit in the face of formidable opponents made their playoff run a truly memorable and inspirational moment in WNBA history.

2. Arike Ogunbowale's Buzzer-Beater Heroics:
Dallas Wings' star guard Arike Ogunbowale delivered multiple stunning performances during the 2021 WNBA Playoffs, solidifying her reputation as one of the league's most clutch players. Ogunbowale's defining moment came in the first round of the playoffs when she hit a game-winning buzzer-beater against the New York Liberty to send the Wings to the next round. The shot, which came in the final seconds of a tightly contested game, showcased Ogunbowale's composure under pressure and her ability to rise to the occasion when her team needed her most.

Ogunbowale continued to shine throughout the playoffs, leading the Wings with her scoring prowess and fearless mentality. Her knack for hitting big shots in crucial moments electrified fans and captured the attention of basketball enthusiasts around the world. Ogunbowale's heroics not only propelled the Wings to a successful playoff run but also solidified her status as a rising star in the WNBA.

3. Phoenix Mercury's Historic Comeback Against the Las Vegas Aces:
In a dramatic and thrilling Game 5 showdown, the Phoenix Mercury staged a remarkable comeback against the Las Vegas Aces to secure a spot in the semi-finals. Trailing by double digits in the final quarter, the Mercury rallied behind the stellar play of Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner to overcome the deficit and seal a stunning victory on the road. The win not only showcased Phoenix's resilience and never-give-up mentality but also highlighted the championship pedigree of the team's veteran leaders.

The Mercury's comeback against the Aces will be remembered as one of the most unforgettable moments of the 2021 WNBA Playoffs, illustrating the unpredictable and exhilarating nature of postseason basketball. Phoenix's ability to dig deep, stay composed under pressure, and execute when it mattered most exemplified the qualities that make playoff basketball so compelling and exciting for fans and players alike.

In conclusion, the 2021 WNBA Playoffs provided a plethora of memorable moments, showcasing the talent, determination, and heart of the league's players. From underdog stories to buzzer-beater heroics and historic comebacks, this year's postseason was a spectacle of thrilling basketball action that will be remembered for years to come. As the WNBA continues to grow in popularity and visibility, the 2021 playoffs served as a testament to the league's competitiveness and the enduring legacy of its players.