Las Vegas has got one of the wilder roster builds in the WNBA, relying heavy on their starters because their bench just isn’t cutting it. That’s why NaLyssa Smith, their starting power forward, is absolutely critical, especially when you consider the Aces sport a 10 percent higher offensive rebound rate when she’s on the court compared to when she’s chilling on the bench. That kind of difference can absolutely swing wins and losses when every single possession gets magnified in the playoffs.
NaLyssa Smith’s Board Dominance Could Be the Aces’ Secret Weapon
NaLyssa Smith has quietly become one of the best offensive rebounders in the entire league this year. Sure, her 2.2 offensive boards per game looks good on paper, but that number honestly doesn’t even do her justice. The Aces are a completely different team on the glass with her out there, snatching those crucial extra possessions. When you’re talking about a team that depends so much on its starting five, Smith’s ability to create second-chance opportunities isn’t just a bonus, it’s a necessity. This could absolutely be the difference maker in those nail-biting playoff games, giving the Aces the edge they need to keep their season alive.
Kiah Stokes’ Defense Is Top-Tier, But Her Offense Is a Real Problem
You wanna talk about a defensive powerhouse? Kiah Stokes for the Golden State Valkyries might just be the best per-possession defender in the entire WNBA. We’re talking about the lowest defensive field goal percentage in the league at a ridiculous 40.8 percent, and the second-lowest points per possession as the screener defender in pick-and-roll situations at just 0.78. Every single defensive metric out there has Stokes near the top, and she’s been phenomenal establishing an interior presence for the Valkyries. But here’s the huge question mark: can she stay on the court? Golden State’s offense is a full 15.6 points worse when Stokes is out there, one of the biggest differences among all qualifying players. If her offensive struggles mean less playing time, it could absolutely gut the Valkyries’ defense and rebounding when they hit certain matchups. But if she can find a way to stay on the floor, watch out, because it makes them one of the scariest teams to face.
Nia Coffey Is the Lynx’s Unsung Hero in the Paint
The Minnesota Lynx have a starting five that’s straight-up historic, a complete unit that just clicks. Since Napheesa Collier got back on the court, that starting lineup has posted an insane +26.8 net rating in just under 200 minutes! So where does that leave Nia Coffey, now in a reduced bench role? She’s the Lynx’s unsung hero. Her vertical athleticism and ability to mix and match in different frontcourt combinations are gonna be absolutely crucial when Minnesota battles those super physical teams in the league. The Lynx have always struggled with defensive rebounding because they’re a smaller squad, so Coffey’s rebounding and shot-blocking prowess are non-negotiable against taller opponents. The numbers, even in a small sample, back it up: the Lynx’s opponent offensive rebound percentage drops by nearly five percentage points when Coffey replaces Collier.
These players aren’t the household names you see plastered on billboards, but their impact is undeniable. As the playoffs get rolling, every single possession is going to be huge. Can NaLyssa Smith keep dominating the glass for the Aces? Will Kiah Stokes find a way to stay on the floor and keep the Valkyries’ defense locked down? Can Nia Coffey come off the bench and protect the paint for the Lynx against those taller teams? That’s what we’ll be watching as these teams fight for every inch. This is where legends are made, folks!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Swish Appeal.
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