Western Conference finals game one pre-funk

General playoff news:

Key storylines, including that for the first time in league history, there are four female coaches heading the finals teams.

West news:

An old WNBA rivalry is rekindled in Minnesota vs. Phoenix.

The Mercury is in a tough finals match up with the Lynx.

Minnesota meets their match in Phoenix.

Spotlight on Mercury All-Star Diana Taurasi.

The Lynx talk playoff intensity.

East news:

Now, the Sky have to break the Fever.

Tamika Catchings is pitted against Elena Delle Donne.

A statistical look at Tamika Catchings.

Coach Lin Dunn’s only focus is the Fever.

Can Elena Delle Donne will the Sky to the Finals?

Non-playoff news:

Candace Parker is going to star in an independent film called “Leader of the Pack.”

Donna Brazile will receive the 2014 WNBA Inspiration Award.

Storm exit interviews: Waltiea Rolle made use of her short stay.

College news:

Samantha Drake will forgo her senior season at Kentucky. She suffered a torn ACL and meniscus last year.

Former Purdue center Camille Redmon has landed at Boise State.

Sam Pierce is a new assistant coach at Akron.

Wichita State freshman Anna Khmelevskaya has returned to Russia.