Mountain Cats vs. Sun Preview: Mountain Cats in Dire Straits as Collier Needs Help, Sun Play with Ease

On October 2nd, the WNBA playoff semi-final Game 2 will see the Mountain Cats host the Sun once again.

The regular season saw the Mountain Cats achieve a record of 30 wins and 10 losses, ranking them second in the league with an average score of 82 points per game and conceding 75.6 points per game, boasting a home record of 16 wins and 4 losses.

The Sun finished the regular season with a record of 28 wins and 12 losses, placing them third in the league, averaging 80.1 points per game and conceding 73.6 points per game, with an away record of 14 wins and 6 losses.

Both teams had excellent performances during the regular season, particularly the Mountain Cats who secured the second place in the regular season early due to their outstanding performance in the closing stages, winning the battle for playoff seeding.

However, in the semi-final Game 1, the Mountain Cats lost to the Sun 70-73. Only three players from the Mountain Cats scored in double digits in that game, with Collier contributing 19 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists, Carlton scoring 17 points, and McBride adding 12 points. The Sun secured a strong away victory by performing well in the first and last quarters, with four players scoring in double digits. Mabury contributed 20 points, Thomas added 17 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists, and 3 steals, Carrington scored 13 points and grabbed 9 rebounds, while Bonner contributed 10 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists. The Sun outperformed the Mountain Cats in both rebounding and three-point shooting.

After entering the playoffs, Mabury has become the most reliable scorer for the Sun, averaging 21.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 4 assists over three games. Thomas averages 16 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 11.7 assists, Bonner averages 15.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Carrington averages 12.3 points, 6 rebounds, and 2.7 assists.

The most reliable player for the Mountain Cats in the playoffs remains Collier, who was named the best defensive player of the regular season this year. In three playoff games, she averages 33 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4 assists. McBride averages 15.7 points and 3.7 assists, Carlton averages 13.7 points, Williams averages 9.3 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists, while Smith averages 8.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 2 steals.

In terms of injuries, both teams have a few players unable to play. On the Sun’s side, Tiffany Mitchell is out due to injury, while on the Mountain Cats, Zandalasini cannot play, and Harris from the Sun will also be absent.

The semi-finals are a best-of-five series. Originally, the Mountain Cats had home court advantage, but after losing Game 1, they no longer do. If they lose at home in Game 2, it will be very difficult to turn the series around. Therefore, the result of this game will be crucial for the Mountain Cats if they want to make a move. For the Sun, holding a 1-0 lead provides more room for maneuver.

>>”>More predictions for this game can be found here>>>