The WNBA playoffs just kicked off with an absolute stunner, as the No. 8 seed New York Liberty wasted zero time making a statement, taking down the No. 1 seed Minnesota Lynx, 91-75, on Sunday. This wasn’t just a win; it was a dominant performance on the road that now has the Liberty up 1-0 in the series, just one victory away from making history. They can close it out at home in Game 2 on Tuesday night.
Stewie Is Breaking Records and Minds
Breanna Stewart, the reigning MVP of the Women’s World Cup and the first player ever to earn that honor multiple times, reminded everyone why she’s one of the greatest to ever lace ’em up. She absolutely carried the Liberty, dropping a monster stat line of 34 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, two steals, and two blocks. She was hitting everything, going 11 of 18 from the field, and that effort put her in the record books for the fourth 30-point, 10-rebound, five-assist game in WNBA playoff history. Seriously, she’s now got three of those 30-10 playoff performances, second only to A’ja Wilson all-time.
Stewart wasn’t shy about her mindset after the game. “I was just really ready. If you don’t get up for these big moments, then you gotta rethink why you’re playing basketball,” she said. “From myself, mentally, just ready to do whatever it took to lead the team and get the win today. My teammates found me and got me good looks at the basket.” Liberty coach Chris DeMarco couldn’t stop raving about her, either. “She’s just everywhere. We talk a lot about putting out fires as coaches and where’s the threat. She’s just constantly putting it out,” DeMarco added. “We can feel when she’s out there, it gives us confidence.” This team is feeling it because of her, and if they pull off the series win, they will be the first No. 8 seed to ever beat a No. 1.
Wilson Shines While Others Roll
Out West, A’ja Wilson had her own historic night, making it crystal clear why she’s likely bringing home her fifth MVP award, which would make her the first player in league history to go back-to-back-to-back. Wilson put up an insane 38 points, 16 rebounds, two assists, two steals, and four blocks on an extremely efficient 15 made field goals. Her Las Vegas Aces cruised past the Indiana Fever, 102-85, in their Game 1.
The playoff action kept rolling with the Atlanta Dream using a strong second half to pull away from the Washington Mystics for a 92-77 victory. Later, the Golden State Valkyries absolutely destroyed the Dallas Wings, winning 104-80 in a game they led by as many as 36 points. Talk about setting a tone.
Every team is getting a day off today before the playoffs jump right back into it with Game 2s on Tuesday. The Lynx and Liberty face off again, and the Aces and Fever will battle it out. Can the Liberty actually do it and become the first No. 8 seed to knock out a No. 1? Or will the Lynx find a way to stop Stewart and force a Game 3? You know we’re gonna be watching!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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