WNBA playoffs open with Lynx blowout as two series head to Game 3

The opening weekend of the 2025 WNBA playoffs produced a mix of expected dominance and sudden reversals, with top-seeded Minnesota rolling in a blowout while two other series were pushed to decisive Game 3s. Minnesota beat the expansion Golden State Valkyries 101-72 on Sunday in Game 1, the Indiana Fever evened their series against the Atlanta Dream with a 77-60 victory on Tuesday, and the Seattle Storm stunned the Las Vegas Aces to knot their series at one apiece.

Minnesota’s victory came behind Napheesa Collier, who scored 20 points on 7-of-11 shooting, added six rebounds and went a perfect 5-for-5 from the free throw line. Natisha Hiedeman contributed 18 off the bench and Kayla McBride had 17 as five Lynx reached double figures. The Lynx led by double digits for much of the second half after overturning an early Golden State lead and remain heavy favorites as the No. 1 seed. Golden State’s Veronica Burton finished with 14 points and seven assists but also was credited with seven of the Valkyries’ 16 turnovers.

The Valkyries, an expansion team that clinched the league’s final playoff spot, now head home for a win-or-go-home Game 2 at SAP Center in San José on Wednesday. Coach...