AUSTRALIANS are becoming more and more prominent on the world basketball stage, and a perfect example of that is star Opal Alanna Smith, who is set to gear up for the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) finals in the coming days.

Smith has been playing for the Minnesota Lynx for the 2024 season, and the team has booked a spot in the deciding matchup against the New York Liberty, and are now one step closer to the ultimate prize of a championship.

Smith has enjoyed a solid season for Minnesota, posting averages of 10.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.4 steals in 26 minutes per game as a starter. Her talent is extremely valued by the Lynx, and the former eighth pick in the WNBA Draft delivers as one of the most consistent players on the team.

However, she has not been her usual productive self in the postseason, reaching double-digits just twice in seven outings. Smith has been averaging less in almost every category since the finals began, but still has a key role to play in the upcoming series.

Aussies will be very familiar with what she can produce on the big stage, given Smith played a key role in getting the Opals to a bronze medal finish at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games just a few months ago, so she can certainly perform under bright lights.

In a twist of fate, Smith will be taking on the Liberty in the WNBA Finals, who are coached by Sandy Brondello, who led the Opals to a podium finish at the Olympics. Brondello will be very familiar with what Smith is capable of, and should put defensive structures in place to limit her influence.

The Aussie forward has been a bit more selfless in recent games, attempting a combined nine attempts from the field in her last three outings, but when she becomes more aggressive and attacks the rim, Smith can certainly post a big score, and is usually good for 15-20 points.

The WNBA Finals begin tomorrow morning at 10am AEDT, beginning the best of five series to determine the 2024 Champion.