Large MLB payrolls don't always equal large win totals, but there's a strong correlation this season.
State of play: Eight of the top 10 teams by luxury tax payroll are in playoff position entering Tuesday, per data provided by MLB. Here are the current playoff teams, and where their payroll ranks:
There are hot streaks, and then there's the 10-game heater Chelsea Gray just completed to lead the Las Vegas Aces to their first WNBA title and earn Finals MVP honors.
By the numbers: Gray averaged 21.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and 7.0 assists in 10 playoff games — up from her regular-season averages of 13.7 points, 3.2 rebounds and 6.1 assists.
The city of Las Vegas has its first major professional sports championship.
Driving the news: The Aces beat the Sun, 78-71, in Game 4 of the WNBA Finals on Sunday. It's the first championship for the franchise, which started as the Utah Starzz in 1997.
