NBA 2K25 - The W: 2024

[the_kevstaaa]

Due to the NBA 2K23 servers shutting down, I'm starting from scratch with NBA 2K25. I don't want to do another MyEra because it would feel redundant (and the rosters for it have issues with notable guys like Serge Ibaka and John Wall missing from just the past few years) so I'm opting for the WNBA. I really got into the league last year and figure this is a fresh, fun thing to try. If it doesn't work out, oh well. There's always 2K26.

Major Storylines For The Season

Three-Peat?
No team in major sports has pulled off a three-peat since the Lakers did it from 2000-2002, more than 20 years ago. The Las Vegas Aces are the latest franchise to attempt it but they're loaded with the league's best player in A'ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, and more. They're poised to make another big run.

The Hyped Rookie Class
The big name in this rookie class is obviously Caitlin Clark, who took the sports world by storm as she shattered records in front of millions of viewers while at Iowa. All eyes will be on her but she's not alone as this group of rookies also features Angel Reese, Cameron Brink, Kamilla Cardoso, and more. There's also popular second round picks like Nika Mühl and Kate Martin, further showcasing the depth of this class.

The Paige Bueckers Sweepstakes
As exciting as the 2024 rookie class is, another huge name is on the horizon for 2025. UCONN's Paige Bueckers is as notable a prospect as Caitlin Clark and is projected to go #1 next season. The bottom of the standings will be intriguing to see who has the best shot at potentially turning their franchise around with this star.

Chasing A First Championship
The Connecticut Sun and New York Liberty are long-running franchises and title threats in 2024. They're also the teams with the most Finals appearances and no championships to show for it. The Liberty came so close last season and Connecticut wasn't far behind. They're both seeking that elusive first title and to be the ones to dethrone the Aces.

Longer Playoff Series
A major change was announced just ahead of the start of the 2024 WNBA season. For the first time ever, the Playoffs are expanding. Instead of a Best-of-3 first round and Best-of-5 the rest of the way, the first two rounds will now be Best-of-5 and the WNBA Finals will be a Best-of-7 series.

Potential Expansion
Although the league is staying at 12 teams this season, more eyes than ever are expected to be on the league. There's a lot of talk about the league expanding to 14 teams in the very near future with places like San Francisco, Cleveland, and Toronto being mentioned. Keep an eye out for any news about the league expanding in the near future.

[crashnebula]

I know very little about the WNBA but I'm happy to give this a try and maybe get familiar with it as you go.

[the_kevstaaa]

5/16/24

Around the League
• The top teams opened the season in style. The defending champion Aces beat Phoenix 104-75, Liberty beat the Mystics 91-76, and Minnesota beat Seattle 86-59.
• The lone surprise on opening night was the Indiana Fever beating the Connecticut Sun 77-61. Caitlin Clark balled out in her hyped debut, going for 25 points and 5 assists.
• A’ja Wilson exploded for a ridiculous 48 points on opening night.
• Minnesota’s Jessica Shepard (8.1ppg) has torn achilles; out for season.

(1-0) New York Liberty @ (1-0) Indiana Fever
[1-0 on the road; Won 1 straight] [0-0 at home; Won 1 straight]

Liberty
Sabrina Ionescu (21.0ppg, 8.0rpg, 12.0apg, 2.0spg, 60FG%, 37 3PT%)
Betnijah Laney-Hamilton (12.0ppg, 5.0rpg, 4.0apg, 1.0spg, 41FG%, 25 3PT%)
Leonie Fiebich (11.0ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.0spg, 50FG%, 60 3PT%)
Breanna Stewart (19.0ppg, 14.0rpg, 3.0apg, 2.0spg, 50FG%, 16 3PT% 80FT%)
Jonquel Jones (18.0ppg, 8.0rpg, 58FG%, 66 3PT%, 66FT%)
6th Woman: Courtney Vandersloot (5.0ppg, 3.0apg, 50FG%, 50 3PT%)

Fever
Caitlin Clark (25.0ppg, 4.0rpg, 5.0apg, 1.0bpg, 50FG%, 62 3PT%, 100FT%)
Kelsey Mitchell (10.0ppg, 4.0apg, 1.0spg, 27FG%, 28 3PT%, 100FT%)
Lexie Hull (6.0ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.0bpg, 100FG%, 100 3PT%, 33FT%)
Nalyssa Smith (6.0ppg, 9.0rpg, 20FG%, 50 3PT%, 50FT%)
Aliyah Boston (7.0ppg, 18.0rpg, 2.0spg, 1.0bpg, 50FG%, 50 3PT%)
6th Woman: Katie Lou Samuelson (8.0ppg, 1.0spg, 1.0bpg, 50FG%, 66 3PT%, 100FT%)

[johnstone1987]

As a Fan of WNBA (Seattle Storm) I'm stoked for this. Is it just the 12 Teams you're doing or are you able to add Expansions to expand the league?

[the_kevstaaa]

Quote: Originally Posted by johnstone1987

As a Fan of WNBA (Seattle Storm) I'm stoked for this. Is it just the 12 Teams you're doing or are you able to add Expansions to expand the league?

I'd like to do the expansion. The option is there but they don't let you download someone else's designs in the mode. I'll have to see if someone else has made everything for the teams, bookmark that user, and then see if I can input it that way.

[the_kevstaaa]

The Liberty looked as good as ever in this 94-90 win but the Fever look legitimate, fighting to the very end in this tight game. Indiana’s three-headed monster of sensational rookie Caitlin Clark (24 points, 11 assists), reigning Rookie of the Year Aaliyah Boston (16 points, 13 rebounds), and Kelsey Mitchell (19 points, 8 assists) gave New York fits all night. That said, the Liberty have their own big three who delivered, with Sabrina Ionescu (21 points, 7 assists), Breanna Stewart (21 points, 9 rebounds), and Jonquel Jones (17 points, 12 rebounds), all delivering. However, it was rookie Leonie Fiebich (7 points) who hit the biggest three. Mitchell missed a tying three with 3.1 left as well.

[kibaxx7]

Nice to see Caitlin here. Will follow!!!

[crashnebula]

Since I have no actual allegiance to any WNBA teams, I'm backing the Liberty to win it all.