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The first games of the First Round of the WNBA playoffs tipped off today as the 8 remaining teams squared up.

By Kris Chaney Court-Side Raised Podcast Host and Beat Reporter, REEL Media Entertainment Sep 14, 2025 10:15 PST

The WNBA Playoffs feature the top eight teams with the best regular-season records. The postseason includes a first round, second round, and a Finals series. This year, the first round is a best-of-three, the second round is a best-of-five, and—for the first time in league history—the Finals will be a best-of-seven series.

All eight teams tipped off the first round today, playing the opening games of their respective series. Here’s a recap of each matchup:

• Minnesota Lynx (101) def. Golden State Valkyries (72)
  The No. 1 seeded Lynx secured a dominant victory over the No. 8 seeded Valkyries in Game 1 of the series. Napheesa Collier led the Lynx with 20 points, six rebounds, and five free throws made. Natisha Hiedeman and Kayla McBride also contributed with 18 and 17 points, respectively. For Golden State, Veronica Burton and Cecilia Zandalasini each scored 14 points. The Lynx lead the series 1-0.
• Atlanta Dream (80) def. Indiana Fever (68)
  The Dream defeated the Fever in Game 1 of their playoff series. Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard were the leading scorers for Atlanta, each with 20 points. Kelsey Mitchell led the Fever with a game-high 27 points. The Dream lead the series 1-0.
• New York Liberty (76) def. Phoenix Mercury (69) in Overtime
  The Liberty defeated the Mercury in a thrilling overtime matchup in Game 1. Breanna Stewart, who left the game late in the fourth quarter with a knee injury, had 18 points and six rebounds before her departure. The initial severity of the injury was unclear. This game represents the only game of the day that went into overtime as well as Phoenix being the only team to lose on their home court. New York now holds a 1-0 series lead.
• Las Vegas Aces (102) def. Seattle Storm (77)
  The No. 2 seeded Las Vegas Aces started their playoff run with a victory over the Seattle Storm in Game 1. A’ja Wilson led the Aces with 29 points. Jackie Young added 18 points and seven assists, while Jewell Loyd contributed 14 points off the bench. The Storm were led by Gabby Williams with 16 points. The Aces extended their franchise-record win streak to 17 games. Las Vegas leads the series 1-0.