WNBA playoff surprises: Why Dream, Mercury, more could crash the championship party

The WNBA playoffs are set to be full of surprises, with several teams poised to make deeper runs than expected. While the Las Vegas Aces, Chicago Sky, and Connecticut Sun are considered the favorites, the Atlanta Dream, Phoenix Mercury, and other teams could challenge for the championship. The Dream, led by the dynamic duo of Rhyne Howard and Nia Coffey, have exceeded expectations and could pose a threat to the top teams. The Mercury, despite their star-studded roster, have faced adversity but remain a dangerous opponent with the talent of Diana Taurasi and Skylar Diggins-Smith. Other teams, such as the Washington Mystics and Dallas Wings, have shown the potential to pull off upsets and make unexpected playoff runs. The depth and parity in the WNBA this season suggest that the championship race could be more open than it has been in recent years, making the upcoming playoffs a must-watch event for basketball fans.