{"id":40764,"date":"2024-10-10T18:07:29","date_gmt":"2024-10-10T08:07:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/basketball\/?p=40764"},"modified":"2024-10-10T18:07:31","modified_gmt":"2024-10-10T08:07:31","slug":"smith-set-to-star-in-wnba-finals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/basketball\/smith-set-to-star-in-wnba-finals\/","title":{"rendered":"Smith set to star in WNBA Finals"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a twist of fate, Smith will be taking on the Liberty in the WNBA Finals, who are coached by Sandy Brondello<\/em><\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The WNBA Finals begin tomorrow morning at 10am AEDT, beginning the best of five series to determine the 2024 Champion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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