The WNBA is officially back from its break, and while other playoff teams eased into blowout wins, our Seattle Storm got absolutely rocked, falling 114-77 to the Las Vegas Aces in a final that stings in the Emerald City. It was a tough return to regular-season action, mirroring the blowout fashion that saw the Atlanta Dream, Washington Mystics, and Dallas Wings all win big on Thursday. Not the welcome back we were hoping for after watching some other contenders make their statements.
Blowouts, Injuries, and Tanking Vibes Across the League
Thursday set a script for the WNBA’s return, and it continued Friday, with similar blowouts expected for the Indiana Fever and Golden State Valkyries. The No. 5-seed Fever are heading north to face a Toronto Tempo team that is absolutely decimated by injuries. Marina Mabrey is out for the rest of the season with an adductor injury, joining Brittney Sykes and Aneesah Morrow who were already done for the year with lingering issues. Even with their World Cup participants like Julie Allemand, María Conde, and Nyara Sabally expected to play, it’s clear what Toronto is really aiming for. They’re chasing that lottery win, not game wins. Meanwhile, the No. 2-seed Valkyries should have an easy night themselves in “Ballhalla” against the Portland Fire. The Fire have shown more fight than other expansion teams this year, but that spark might be fading. They just lost a tough 94-91 game to the Phoenix Mercury, and they chose not to rush back World Cup players like Carla Leite (rest) and Megan DiLeo (dislocated finger), plus Bridget Carleton missed the game with an ankle injury. It looks like a lot of teams are taking it easy as the postseason looms.
The Liberty and Lynx: A True Playoff Preview
Amidst all these less-than-intriguing matchups, the WNBA schedule gods threw us a bone: the New York Liberty visiting the Minnesota Lynx in what could totally be a first-round playoff preview. This is the one we’ve been waiting for! Remember back in early June when the Liberty just crushed the Lynx, handing them their second-worst loss of the season with Breanna Stewart putting on a 36-point masterclass? Then in mid-July, Minnesota scratched out a five-point win, thanks to Kayla McBride going off for 14 points in the fourth quarter. This Minneapolis showdown is going to be spicy. Everyone is focused on how Napheesa Collier for the Lynx and Sabrina Ionescu for the Liberty perform, not just for this game, but for the postseason ahead. Collier, after missing a big chunk of the season, instantly and excellently reintegrated with the now Olivia-enlivened Lynx. But let’s be real, she didn’t look quite like herself for Team USA at the FIBA World Cup, outside of that win against Hungary. You have to wonder, are Phee and the Lynx ready for the raw physicality of the playoffs? We’re about to find out.
The WNBA season is in full swing and these teams are all jostling for position. The Storm have to shake off that tough loss to the Aces and figure out how to get back to their winning ways. For the Lynx and Liberty, this game is a massive test, a true glimpse into what the postseason could bring. Every game matters right now, and we’ll be watching to see who steps up.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Swish Appeal.
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