The WNBA Playoffs have officially entered the “don’t blink or you’ll miss it” phase, and it’s clear no team is messing around. The semi-finals are underway, and the matchups? Chef’s kiss. The New York Liberty and Connecticut Sun are throwing punches (metaphorically, of course) and taking names after securing their Game 1 victories. And honestly, it’s no surprise given the intense competition and jaw-dropping talent on display.
Las Vegas Aces vs. New York Liberty: Who Needs Vegas When You’ve Got Breanna Stewart?
First up, the Liberty didn’t just win Game 1, they dismantled the Las Vegas Aces, 87-77. You could almost hear the Aces thinking, “Wait, didn’t we win the championship last year? What just happened?” What happened is Breanna Stewart turned the court into her own personal highlight reel. She was everywhere, reminding us why New York’s 32-8 record wasn’t just for show. Sure, Vegas came in with that shiny fourth seed, but clearly, they didn’t get the memo: The Liberty are here to take everything this season.
A’ja Wilson, the Aces’ cornerstone, tried to pull the magic from last year’s title win. But the Aces were as off as a broken slot machine, and Stewart cashed in on every opportunity. Now, it’s just Game 1, but if the Aces don’t step up soon, they might find themselves back in Sin City watching Game 5 from their couches.
Minnesota Lynx vs. Connecticut Sun: A Tug-of-War for Bragging Rights
Meanwhile, the Connecticut Sun squeezed out a win against the Minnesota Lynx in a game so tight, I’m pretty sure the refs were sweating more than the players. The Sun came out with a 73-70 win, but make no mistake, this game could’ve gone either way. If you blinked during this match, you might’ve missed the play that shifted momentum – it was that close.
The Lynx came into the postseason ready to prove a point after last year’s first-round exit disaster. You know how it is; they have a chip on their shoulder the size of a WNBA trophy. But despite their best efforts, they just couldn’t close it out in Game 1.
Connecticut, on the other hand, must be feeling pretty good about themselves. I mean, 28-12 and yet still underrated? The Sun are basically that low-key genius kid who sits quietly in the back of the class and ends up acing every exam. Don’t sleep on them. If the Lynx think they can waltz into Game 2 without a plan, they’re in for a rude awakening.
First-Round Madness Recap: Clean Sweeps Galore
Speaking of wake-up calls, the first round was a total snooze-fest if you’re a fan of drama. No matchups even made it to a third game—seriously, every team that advanced took care of business with swift 2-0 series wins. The Liberty made the Atlanta Dream look like, well, a dream that never came true, closing them out 91-82 in Game 2. Las Vegas had little trouble against Seattle, breezing through 83-76 in their second game. Connecticut sent Indiana packing with a solid 87-81 victory, and Minnesota did the same to Phoenix, 101-88. All in all, it was a quick goodbye to half the field.
What’s Next? Bring on Game 2!
Looking ahead, the semi-finals are a best-of-five series, so there’s plenty more basketball to be played (thankfully). Game 2 between the Liberty and Aces is coming up on October 1st at 7:30 pm ET. And let’s face it, the Aces better come ready to play or they might just end up hitting the blackjack tables a little earlier than planned.
Minnesota and Connecticut square off the same night at 9:30 pm ET. Expect more of the same: tight scores, insane defense, and maybe a few more game-winning plays that leave fans clutching their popcorn in disbelief. If you’re not watching this series, you’re missing out on some of the best basketball in the world, period.