The 2026 WNBA playoffs got underway with a stunner on Sunday when the No. 8 seed New York Liberty easily took care of the No. 1 seed Minnesota Lynx, 91-75. The Liberty are now up 1-0 and will have a chance to close out the series at home in Game 2 on Tuesday night. Sunday's action will continue all night long with Game 1 of the other three first-round matchups: No. 3 Las Vegas Aces vs.
No. 6 Indiana Fever, No. 4 Atlanta Dream vs. No. 5 Washington Mystics and No. 2 Golden State Valkyries vs. As the opening day of the playoffs rolls along, here's a look at the winners and losers.
A few weeks ago, Breanna Stewart was named MVP of the Women's World Cup, becoming the first player ever to earn that honor multiple times. Sunday's Game 1 was yet another reminder that Stewart is one of the greatest players, winners and leaders ever -- no matter the stage. As she's done all season long, Stewart put the Liberty on her back and carried them to a huge win on the road that has them one win away from becoming the first No. 8 seed to ever win a series against a No. 1 seed.
Stewart finished with 34 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks on 11 of 18 from the field to record the fourth 30-point, 10-rebound, five-assist game in WNBA playoff history. She also now has three 30-point, 10-rebound playoff performances, which is second only to A'ja Wilson all time. "I was just really ready.
If you don't get up for these big moments, then you gotta rethink why you're playing basketball," Stewart 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 raved about Stewart's versatility and leadership, and the belief she gives the Liberty.
We talk a lot about putting out fires as coaches and where's the threat. She's just constantly putting it out," DeMarco said. "We can feel when she's out there, it gives us confidence." -- Jack Maloney The presumptive Rookie of the Year assisted on the Lynx's first bucket on Sunday, then scored the next two to power a 6-0 start.
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