WNBA Playoffs 2025 First-Round Recap: Sunday Delivers Thrilling Action

The WNBA playoffs 2025 got off to a thrilling start on Sunday, with all four first-round openers delivering on their promise of intense, high-stakes basketball. The day was filled with dominant performances, surprising upsets, and storylines that will shape the rest of the postseason. For teams and fans alike, the first step on the road to a championship has officially been taken.

Sunday’s Results and Analysis

Here’s a breakdown of the results from the first day of the WNBA playoffs 2025 and a look at the key takeaways from each game:

No. 1 Minnesota Lynx vs. No. 8 Golden State Valkyries

• Result: The Minnesota Lynx defeated the Golden State Valkyries 90-78.
• Analysis: Golden State made history as the first expansion team to reach the playoffs in its inaugural season, but their Cinderella run hit a roadblock against the dominant Lynx. MVP front-runner Napheesa Collier, who recently became the second player in WNBA history to achieve a 50/40/90 season, led the charge for Minnesota. The Valkyries showed flashes of potential but struggled to contain the Lynx’s veteran talent, setting up a must-win Game 2 for the newcomers.

No. 3 Atlanta Dream vs. No. 6 Indiana Fever

• Result: The Atlanta Dream defeated the Indiana Fever 85-80.
• Analysis: This matchup was highly anticipated, as both teams entered with major storylines. The Fever, playing without superstar Caitlin Clark since July 15 due to injury, put up a strong fight, but the improved Atlanta offense proved too much to handle. The battle of the backcourt between Atlanta’s Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard and Indiana’s Kelsey Mitchell delivered on the hype, but the Dream’s deep roster and newfound offensive firepower gave them the edge.

No. 4 Phoenix Mercury vs. No. 5 New York Liberty

• Result: The New York Liberty defeated the Phoenix Mercury 95-88.
• Analysis: This was a high-octane battle of star power, and it lived up to expectations. The New York Liberty, who have underachieved this season due to a string of injuries, appeared to have found their stride. The marquee matchup between Breanna Stewart and Alyssa Thomas was a physical and tactical chess match, with Stewart getting the upper hand. The Liberty’s win on the road is a crucial statement and puts them in a strong position to advance to the next round.

No. 2 Las Vegas Aces vs. No. 7 Seattle Storm

• Result: The Las Vegas Aces defeated the Seattle Storm 102-86.
• Analysis: The Aces’ hot streak continued as they dominated the Storm. A’ja Wilson, the other MVP front-runner, had a spectacular performance, showing exactly why she is at an “otherworldly level.” Despite Seattle’s talented frontcourt with Nneka Ogwumike and Ezi Magbegor, they were unable to slow down Wilson and the high-powered Aces offense. This series also featured the drama of Jewell Loyd facing her former team after her offseason trade, adding an extra layer of intensity to the WNBA playoffs 2025.

What’s Next in the Playoffs

With Sunday’s games in the books, all eyes now turn to the rest of the first-round series. The higher seeds have a chance to close out the best-of-three series and advance, while the lower seeds will be fighting to force a Game 3. The outcomes of these games will set the stage for the rest of the WNBA playoffs 2025, with the winners of each series moving on to the semifinals in their quest for a championship.