From buzzer-beaters to breakout stars, here’s the must-see analysis from Sunday’s electrifying first-round openers.
The road to the championship is paved with upsets, and the opening Sunday of theWNBA playoffs 2025 was a stark reminder. After a regular season defined by tight races and superstar performances, the postseason stage was set for high drama—and it did not disappoint. The pressure cooker of a win-or-go-home series brings out the best, and sometimes the most unexpected, in every team.
For fans following the league’s incredible growth in 2025, these games are more than just wins and losses; they’re the culmination of narratives built over an entire season. In this essential breakdown, you’ll get a courtside view of Sunday’s action. We’ll analyze the stunning upset, dive into the dominant performances, and look ahead at what these results mean for the rest of the first round.
Game 1 Recap: The Unthinkable Upset – #7 Chicago Sky Stuns #2 Las Vegas Aces (98-95)
No one saw this coming. The two-time defending champion Las Vegas Aces, who dominated much of the regular season, fell at home to a hungry and tenacious Chicago Sky team. From my own viewing experience, the energy in the Michelob Ultra Arena was electric, but it turned to stunned silence in the final minute.
The Turning Point
The game was a back-and-forth affair, but the true shift happened with 1:15 left in the fourth quarter. Aces star A’ja Wilson (who finished with a monstrous 32 points and 14 rebounds) was double-teamed, leading to a crucial turnover. Sky’s rookie guard, Aliyah Edwards, capitalized on the other end with a clutch three-pointer to take the lead—a lead they would never give back.
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Final Score: CHI 98, LV 95
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Key Stat: Chicago shot 52% from beyond the arc, a season-high.
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Impact: The Aces are now on the brink of elimination, needing two straight road wins to survive.
Player of the Game: Marina Mabrey (CHI)
While the rookie hit the big shot, it was Marina Mabrey’s veteran leadership that carried the Sky. She systematically dismantled the Aces’ defense, finishing with 28 points, 7 assists, and zero turnovers.
Game 2 Deep Dive: #3 New York Liberty Make a Statement Against #6 Atlanta Dream (105-80)
If the first game was about shock, the second was about dominance. The New York Liberty, looking to avenge last year’s finals loss, came out firing on all cylinders against the Atlanta Dream.
Their offense was a masterclass in ball movement, consistently breaking down Atlanta’s defense for easy looks at the rim.
Breanna Stewart’s Triple-Double
The reigning MVP, Breanna Stewart, put the team on her back and sent a clear message to the rest of the league. She was simply unstoppable.
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Points: 25
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Rebounds: 12
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Assists: 10
This was the first triple-double in the Liberty’s playoff history and set the tone for a commanding victory. Atlanta’s star Rhyne Howard was held to just 15 points on 5-of-16 shooting, thanks to a smothering defensive scheme led by Betnijah Laney-Hamilton.
💡Engagement Booster:
Quick Poll: Which Sunday performance was more impressive?
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The Sky’s team upset over the Aces
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Breanna Stewart’s historic triple-double
➡️“Share your thoughts in the comments below! Who do you have winning these series?”
For official stats, brackets, and schedules, the most authoritative source remainsWNBA.com. According toESPN’s Women’s Hoops Power Index, the Aces still have a 45% chance of winning the series despite the Game 1 loss, highlighting the importance of data in sports analysis.
Who were the biggest surprises from the opening weekend of the WNBA playoffs 2025?
The biggest surprise by far was the #7 seed Chicago Sky defeating the #2 seed Las Vegas Aces in Game 1. It marked one of the biggest first-round upsets in recent league history.
When are the next games for the WNBA playoffs 2025?
Game 2 for both series highlighted in this article is scheduled for Wednesday, October 29. Check the official WNBA schedule for specific times and broadcast information.
How can I watch the WNBA playoffs 2025?
The games are broadcast across a variety of networks, including ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, and can also be streamed via the WNBA League Pass.
Which teams are favored to reach the WNBA Finals in 2025?
Before the playoffs, the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty were the heavy favorites. However, with the Aces' Game 1 loss, the path to the finals has become much more unpredictable.
The opening Sunday of theWNBA playoffs 2025 delivered everything fans could have hoped for: a historic upset, a display of utter dominance, and a clear sign that the road to the championship is wide open. The Chicago Sky’s victory has thrown the bracket into chaos, while the New York Liberty’s performance solidified their status as a top contender.
You now have a full picture of the weekend’s key moments, standout players, and the strategic chess matches that defined the games. The biggest takeaway? Don’t take anything for granted in this postseason.
What’s your boldest prediction for the rest of the first round? Share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to share this article with other WNBA fans!
Alex Jennings is a senior sports analyst at AJH World with over a decade of experience covering professional basketball. Alex provides expert insights backed by data, focusing on league trends, player development, and the business of sports entertainment.