Minnesota vs. Golden State
The WNBA playoffs tipped off in Minneapolis with a matchup between the Minnesota Lynx and the Golden State Valkyries. The Lynx made a major statement in the first game with a 101-72 finish. Minnesota played an incredibly well-rounded game. Five players put up double digits, including an 18-point night off the bench for Natisha Heidemen.
Golden State adjusted quickly for game two. They controlled much of the game and entered the final quarter with a 17-point lead. However, Minnesota’s resilience was tough to stop. The Lynx stole the game in a 24-9 fourth quarter run. Cecilia Zandalasini was unable to convert a game-winner for the Valkyries, and the buzzer sounded at 75-74, with the Lynx on top.
Minnesota finished the first round as the only team to make a clean sweep.
The Valkyries still walked away with a spot in the history books as the first WNBA expansion team to make the playoffs in their opening season. They also took home two post season awards: Most Improved Player for junior guard Veronica Burton, and Coach of the Year for head coach Natalie Nakase.
Indiana vs. Atlanta
The upset of the week came from the Indiana Fever, who eliminated the third-ranked Atlanta Dream. Atlanta started strong, with a comfortable 80-68 victory in game one. Alisha Gray, Rhyne Howard and Naz Hamilton combined for 56 points on the night.
The Fever responded in a similar manner, taking game two in a 77-60 win. Atlanta couldn’t find a solution to Indiana’s offense and gave up several scoreless runs throughout the game. The Dream’s low-scoring performance left the team 25 points below their season’s average.
The deciding matchup was a hard-fought battle with multiple lead exchanges. In the final moments, Aliyah Boston handed a 1-point advantage back to the Fever. It was a defensive act that sealed the game for Indiana. With 7.4 seconds on the clock, Lexie Hull made the clutch inbound steal that regained Fever possession. The final score was 87-85.
This semifinal advancement is huge for the Fever, who lost many players to injury, including All-Star Caitlin Clark and other key pieces like Sydney Colson and Sophie Cunningham.
Las Vegas vs. Seattle
The Las Vegas Aces sent the Seattle Storm a message, opening their playoff series with a 102-77 win. Vegas’ flying start capitalized off of the transition game. A’ja Wilson owned the paint on both ends as a force on the defensive boards while working her way to the free throw line. The Aces’ resounding victory reminded everyone why they are the No. 2 seed.
Seattle returned the favor in game two. They came alive, specifically on the defensive end, to close out an 86-83 win. They forced 15 Vegas turnovers which converted to several points on the fast break. In the final stretch, they outscored the Aces 16-4, with another huge push in transition points. Rookie Dominique Malonga had an outstanding performance guarding Wilson. She put up 10 rebounds and held Wilson to her lowest scoring game of the series.
Wilson bounced back tremendously. Her 38-point game helped lead the Aces through an even closer battle than the last. But it came down to Jackie Young’s offensive rebound and hustle play to tip the Aces over by a point. Vegas extends their playoff streak to seven straight semifinal appearances.
Las Vegas will face Indiana in the best of five, beginning on Sunday at 3 p.m.
New York vs. Phoenix
The New York Liberty led 1-0 after an overtime battle against the Phoenix Mercury. Natasha Cloud’s defensive performance was instrumental to the victory. The former Mercury player led the night in steals and grabbed six rebounds to accompany her 23 points.
Game two went to Phoenix in a dominating 86-60 win. The Mercury came out hungry after their loss. Satou Sabally’s 15-point night was pure redemption following her 2-for-17 performance in game one. Phoenix controlled the game on both ends of the floor. They shut out New York for the first eight minutes and 25 seconds of the third quarter and went for a 13-0 run in the first half.
Game three was high stakes for all. Breanna Stewart, who played through a fresh MCL sprain, had a momentous night. But her stellar performance of 30 points, nine rebounds and three assists was not enough for New York to clinch the final game. Her 14 points were the only for the Liberty in the fourth quarter.
On the other hand, the Mercury showed up. It was a legendary night for Phoenix veterans. DeWanna Bonner’s eight boards claimed the league record for most playoff rebounds, surpassing Candace Parker. Alyssa Thomas earned her fifth playoff triple-double on 20 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists. Sabally had another fantastic performance, with a 23-point, 12 rebound finish.
The Mercury will face the Lynx in the semifinals on Sunday at 5 p.m. on ESPN.