After Sobbing Playoff Exit, WNBA Champion Accuses League of ?Unfair Politics? After Frustrating Snub From A?ja Wilson-Led Club

The WNBA playoffs have clearly reached a fever pitch, with teams set to play in this weekend’s eagerly awaited semifinals. The playoffs this season have been nothing short of thrilling, giving spectators the chance to witness a number of intensely fought games. One of the standout teams of this year’s playoffs is the reigning favorite Las Vegas Aces. They will head into the semifinals, robbing the Washington Mystics of their semifinal hopes.

Meanwhile, after a sobbing playoff exit, a WNBA Champion accuses the league of ‘unfair politics’ following a frustrating snub from the A’ja Wilson-led club.

A WNBA Champion charges ‘unfair politics’ within the league

The 2023 season saw the WNBA champion, Natasha Cloud put up some stunning performances. Cloud won the top rank in assists per game (APG) for the 2022 season. Cloud was fifth in APG this season with 6.2, but she has constantly ranked in the top five since 2019 with the exception of the 2020 Wubble season when she took a hiatus. But Cloud’s influence goes beyond offense.

Cloud is a force to be reckoned with in terms of defense. She is one of the best guard defenders in the league, and this season, it was expected that she would be named to the All-Defensive Second-Team. Cloud’s defensive win shares ranking of 15th among players who averaged at least 30 minutes per game speaks to her capacity for making significant stops. Cloud is also present in eight of the top ten Mystics defensive rating (DRTG) teams.

Notably, among combinations that had played together for more than 100 minutes, Washington’s starters led the league in DRTG. Unfortunately, however, Cloud’s dreams of making the All-Defensive Team selections and clinching the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award came crashing down yesterday.

For the second year in a row, the Las Vegas Aces’ A’ja Wilson has successfully defended her position as the best defensive player in the WNBA.

Alyssa Thomas, Brittney Sykes, Jordin Canada and Breanna Stewart are also included on the First Team of All-Defensive players, joining A’ja Wilson in its elite ranks. The All-Defensive Second Team has Betnijah Laney, Napheesa Collier, Ezi Magbegor, Nneka Ogwumike and Elizabeth Williams in a strong lineup. Unfortunately, Natasha Cloud didn’t make the cut. And the disappointment by the snub was apparent as she took to Twitter to rage about the same.

She wrote, “Politics. One hell of a thing,”?charging WNBA of unfair politics.

“Cause y?all really F*****g playing with me,” she wrote in a subsequent tweet.

“I?m a villain all 2024,” wrote Cloud later. With this snub fueling her, Cloud is definitely a player to watch out for next season.

Meanwhile, this snub cuts deep as it was just days following a heartbreaking playoff exit.

Natasha Cloud was left heartbroken after the playoff exit

Natasha Cloud gave it her all in a thrilling overtime match, but it was a bittersweet struggle that ended in defeat for the Mystics and their loyal guard. The odds were not in the Mystics’ favor as they took on the New York Liberty, who had the second-best record in the WNBA this year. With 33 points, six rebounds and nine assists, Natasha Cloud led the charge for the Mystics.

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Though the Mystics were successful in extending the thrilling game into overtime, the Liberty’s arsenal of talent ultimately triumphed, earning them a 90-85 victory. Natasha Cloud was deeply hurt by this defeat and the ensuing elimination from the playoffs. Cloud spoke to the media after the game, her emotions still clearly fresh. As she spoke about her strong bond with the franchise and the grief of this most recent loss, tears began to well up in her eyes.

?I’ve been in DC for eight years. This is the only team that looked to me coming out of college. It’s the only coaching staff that believed in me. Went through a lot of growing pains throughout my career. To be where I am today, I’m really proud,? Natasha told the media.

Cloud, who frequently plays the enemy on the court, acknowledged the difficulties it occasionally presents. She smiled sheepishly in the midst of her tears, ?I can be the villain. That can sometimes reflect badly on myself and the organization.” However, she remains grateful, “So to have the support of the Mystics organization through and through has been a blessing for eight years.?

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Natasha Cloud’s current contract will expire in the upcoming offseason. But given the close relationship she has with the Mystics, it’s possible that she may sign a new one. The Mystics may be preparing for an even more competitive fight in the upcoming season. Even though this season came to a heartbreaking end, Cloud’s commitment and the Mystics’ unflinching support suggest that the team will surely see even stronger runs in the future.