Stewart's 34 points lifts Liberty over top-seeded Lynx in Game 1 upset

The WNBA playoffs commenced with a surprising twist as the New York Liberty overcame the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx 91-75 in the first game of their best-of-three first-round series. Central to this upset was Breanna Stewart, whose commanding performance underscored her status as one of the league’s premier postseason performers.

Stewart, a two-time WNBA MVP, delivered 34 points and 12 rebounds, alongside six assists, two steals, and two blocks. Her efficiency was notable, having converted 11 of 18 field goal attempts despite intense defense from Napheesa Collier, the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year and Stewart’s former collegiate teammate. Stewart’s playoff average remains one of the highest in league history, and she came within two points of setting a new franchise playoff scoring record for the Liberty.

Minnesota’s bench efforts were led by Nia Brodie, who scored 16 points in limited minutes, while Kayla McBride added 14 points after a slow start from beyond the arc. However, the Lynx were hindered by foul trouble, with Collier and All-Star center Natasha Howard fouling out. Rookie Olivia Miles struggled with her shooting and playmaking in her postseason debut, tallying 11 points on 3-for-12 shooting with just a single assist.

Elsewhere in the playoffs, A’ja Wilson exhibited MVP-caliber dominance for the Las Vegas Aces, contributing 38 points, 16 rebounds, and four blocks in a decisive victory over the Indiana Fever. Wilson’s scoring matched her personal postseason best, complementing the Aces’ status as a three-time championship team within four seasons. Supporting Wilson, teammates Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray, and Jewell Loyd provided reliable scoring and playmaking, with Gray ascending to second place all-time in playoff assists.

Indiana’s Caitlin Clark delivered a double-double with 15 points and 10 assists, but the Fever’s offense struggled overall, particularly from Kelsey Mitchell, who fell short of her prolific 20-point scoring streak. Despite injury setbacks, Aliyah Boston contributed 18 points and eight rebounds for Indiana.

In another first-round encounter, the Atlanta Dream capitalized on Washington Mystics’ turnovers, converting them into critical points in a game defined by defense and hustle. Rhyne Howard’s 26-point, five-steal effort, combined with Angel Reese’s double-double in her playoff debut, propelled Atlanta to a victory characterized by a franchise-record 16 steals. The Mystics were led by Sonia Citron’s 25 points and Kiki Iriafen’s double-double, but frequent turnovers and a late-game scoring drought undermined their chances.

Meanwhile, the Golden State Valkyries established early dominance against the Dallas Wings, pulling away by halftime en route to a comfortable win. Cecilia Zandalasini’s 22 points and Gabby Williams’ 20 points were pivotal in Golden State’s offensive surge, which included an impressive display of three-point shooting. Dallas’ Paige Bueckers was the top scorer for the Wings, but the team faced the challenge of staving off elimination on their home court in the series’ next game.

These opening games have set an intriguing tone for the WNBA playoffs, highlighting the blend of individual brilliance and team dynamics that will shape the postseason journey. The Liberty’s upset over the Lynx underscores the competitive parity and unpredictability in the league, with established stars like Stewart and Wilson continuing to affirm their elite status under playoff pressure.

As the series progress, the balance of power may shift, but the performances witnessed so far emphasize the depth of talent and intensity that define the WNBA’s championship pursuit. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as these narratives unfold in the coming games.