WNBA Playoff Teams Face Key Offensive, Defensive Challenges

As the 2025 WNBA playoffs approach, several top teams face critical challenges that could determine their postseason success. The Los Angeles Sparks boast one of the league's most potent offenses led by Kelsey Plum and Dearica Hamby but struggle defensively, allowing the most points per game, which threatens their playoff viability. Conversely, the Golden State Valkyries have established a formidable defense, ranking among the league's best, yet their inconsistent offense hampers their ability to capitalize on defensive strengths. The Las Vegas Aces, despite a strong core led by A'ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, and Jackie Young, face concerns over player fatigue due to heavy minutes played by key contributors. The Atlanta Dream rely on elite defense anchored by Brittney Griner but must overcome offensive inconsistency to make a deep playoff run. Lastly, the Phoenix Mercury display offensive versatility and balanced scoring but risk their playoff success by relying too heavily on offensive bursts to compensate for defensive lapses, a strategy that may falter against playoff-caliber competition.