The 2026 WNBA Playoffs have commenced, featuring a series of unexpected outcomes that have captivated basketball enthusiasts. The postseason began on Sunday, September 27, with eight teams vying for the championship title.
In a historic upset, the eighth-seeded New York Liberty eliminated the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx in a two-game sweep. The Liberty secured a decisive 91-75 victory in Game 1 and followed up with an 87-71 win in Game 2, marking the first time in WNBA history that a No. 8 seed has defeated a No. 1 seed in the playoffs. (nbcsports.com)
Another notable performance came from rookie sensation Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever. In Game 2 against the Las Vegas Aces, Clark delivered a remarkable 27-point, 15-assist performance, leading the Fever to a 99-89 victory and keeping their playoff hopes alive. (nbcsports.com)
The first-round matchups are as follows:
- Minnesota Lynx (1) vs. New York Liberty (8)
- Golden State Valkyries (2) vs. Dallas Wings (7)
- Las Vegas Aces (3) vs. Indiana Fever (6)
- Atlanta Dream (4) vs. Washington Mystics (5)
The semifinals are set to begin on October 4, with the finals scheduled to start on October 17. Fans can catch the games on various networks, including ABC, ESPN, and USA Network. (wnba.com)
For the complete playoff schedule and latest updates, visit the official WNBA website. (wnba.com)