The 2026 WNBA playoffs tipped off Sunday with some absolute fireworks, but it was the No. 1 Minnesota Lynx who got burned! They were stunned, falling 91-75 to the No. 8 New York Liberty in a wild Game 1 rematch of the 2024 WNBA Finals. Yeah, you read that right: the top seed is suddenly one loss away from elimination!
Playoff Chaos Kicks Off with Stunners and Statement Wins
Sunday’s quadruple-header of Game 1s was revelatory, even if not every game was a nail-biter. After the Lynx shocker, the No. 3 Las Vegas Aces began their title defense by absolutely crushing the No. 6 Indiana Fever, winning 102-85. That puts Caitlin Clark and the Fever in the same boat as the Lynx: one game from going home in a best-of-three series. Talk about pressure!
In the evening, the No. 4 Atlanta Dream held off the No. 5 Washington Mystics with a 92-77 victory. A big spark came from veteran DeWanna Bonner, who only joined the Dream last month. And rounding out the night, the No. 2 Golden State Valkyries looked like true contenders, routing the No. 7 Dallas Wings 104-80. Every team now hits the road, with the lower seeds hosting Game 2.
Record-Breaking Season Paved the Way for Playoff Drama
This wild playoff start isn’t just random; it’s a direct result of what has been a groundbreaking 2026 WNBA season, both on and off the court. We saw a contentious labor battle lead to a historic player raise, with the salary cap skyrocketing from $1.5 million in 2025 to a massive $7 million this year. The players absolutely delivered in return!
Regular-season records fell left and right. Caitlin Clark became the first player in WNBA history to drop a 40-point, 10-assist game. Angel Reese broke the single-game rebounding record with an insane 26 boards. And Kelsey Mitchell even passed A’ja Wilson’s single-season points record. The bar was raised all season, and now the playoffs are mirroring that intensity.
Huge Elimination Games Loom on Tuesday Night
So, what’s next? Get ready to hold your breath, because Tuesday night brings two massive Game 2 matchups. At 6:30 p.m. ET, the No. 3 Aces will look to close out the No. 6 Fever. But the real can’t-miss game is at 8:30 p.m. ET, when the No. 1 Lynx fight for their playoff lives against the No. 8 Liberty. Remember, it’s a best-of-three series, so one more loss for the Lynx or Fever and their season is over. This is going to be wild!
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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