Aussies to watch in the WNBA playoffs

The WNBA playoffs have begun, featuring a strong Australian presence across multiple teams. Top-seeded Minnesota Lynx, led by Australian Olympian Alanna Smith, enter the postseason with a dominant 34-10 record. Smith, a Defensive Player of the Year contender, is seeking redemption after last year’s finals loss to New York Liberty, where she played through injury and a controversial foul call in the decisive game.

Minnesota will face the Golden State Valkyries, a new franchise that reached the playoffs in its inaugural season under Coach of the Year Natalie Nakase. Though the Valkyries no longer have Australians on their active roster, Steph Talbot and Chloe Bibby were part of their regular-season campaign. Key to Golden State’s success is Veronica Burton, who won a championship in Australia’s WNBL last season and was named the WNBA’s Most Improved Player this year.

Defending champions New York Liberty, coached by Australian Opals coach Sandy Brondello, qualified with a 27-17 record despite injuries. The team strengthened its roster with the addition of Belgian star Emma Meesseman and Australian Olympian Steph Talbot, who contributes off the bench.

Another Australian making an impact is Sami Whitcomb, who joined the Phoenix Mercury after a highly successful WNBL season where she earned MVP and championship honors. She has carried that momentum into the WNBA playoffs, shooting 54.5% from three-point range in her last four games.