WNBA Playoffs Begin with Victories for Lynx, Dream, Liberty, and Aces
The 2025 WNBA Playoffs commenced with the Minnesota Lynx, Atlanta Dream, New York Liberty, and Las Vegas Aces each securing Game 1 wins in their respective series.
The 2025 WNBA Playoffs commenced on Sunday, September 14, with the Minnesota Lynx, Atlanta Dream, New York Liberty, and Las Vegas Aces each securing victories in their respective Game 1 matchups.
The Minnesota Lynx, holding the No. 1 seed, dominated the Golden State Valkyries with a 101-72 win. The Lynx, aiming for their fifth championship and first since 2017, have home-court advantage throughout the playoffs.
In Atlanta, the No. 3 seed Dream defeated the Indiana Fever 80-68. The Dream's successful offseason acquisitions, including veteran stars Brionna Jones and Brittney Griner, have bolstered their postseason prospects.
The New York Liberty, seeded fifth, edged out the Phoenix Mercury 76-69 in an overtime thriller. Despite injuries and inconsistencies during the regular season, the reigning champions are striving to defend their title.
The Las Vegas Aces, the No. 2 seed, showcased a strong defensive performance against the Seattle Storm, securing a 102-77 victory. Led by A'ja Wilson, who is contending for her fourth MVP award, the Aces are pursuing their third championship in four years.
The first round follows a best-of-three format, with Game 2s scheduled to begin on Tuesday, September 16. The semifinals will be best-of-five series, and the Finals have been expanded to a best-of-seven format this year.