New York shocks Minnesota in Game 1 upset
No. 8 New York has come alive, humbling No. 1 Minnesota 91-75 on Sunday to claim the WNBA playoffs’ sole Game 1 upset.
Liberty forward Breanna Stewart led with 34 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, and two steals, as New York held the Lynx to just 31 second-half points.
“She’s a walking mismatch, so we're able to just look for her,” guard Sabrina Ionescu said of her teammate. “Whatever they take away, we have a counter.” (Watch full highlights)
A’ja Wilson lifts Aces over Fever
No. 3 Las Vegas remains the team to beat, as the reigning WNBA champion firmly defeated No. 6 Indiana 102-85 to tip off its repeat bid in style.
Four-time MVP A’ja Wilson ran the floor, racking up record-setting 38 points and 16 rebounds while shooting 75% from the field.
“She turns into a decision-maker, or a finisher, when they put two on the ball,” said coach Becky Hammon. “She needs to just touch the ball, because she’s going to make the right play.” (Watch full highlights)
Do-or-die: After pushing the Aces to a Game 5 semifinal decider last year, the Fever will need to rekindle that same spirit to survive Tuesday’s home clash.
“Oftentimes, you have to be humbled,” said coach Stephanie White. “We just didn’t have that same sort of urgency in the details.” (See full report)
Up next: Indiana hosts Las Vegas on Tuesday at 6:30 PM ET (Prime).
Atlanta holds off Washington
No. 4 Atlanta showed off on Sunday, as the defense-savvy Dream held off No. 5 Washington 92-77 behind a strong second-half showing.
Down five points at the half, Atlanta turned things around behind guard Rhyne Howard and forward DeWanna Bonner’s last-game scoring spree.
“Making sure that we’re playing our defense for a full 40 minutes is gonna be key, because you want to take their confidence early,” Howard said. (Watch full highlights)
Do-or-die: The young Mystics now have their work cut out for them, likely leaning on second-year duo Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron in Wednesday’s Game 2.
“We’re disappointed about the loss, but I’m excited to take this first step forward with Kiki and Sonia and our whole group,” said coach Sydney Johnson. (See full report)
Up next: Washington hosts Atlanta on Wednesday at 7 PM ET (ESPN).
Golden State shuts down Dallas
No. 2 Golden State can’t miss, setting a new franchise scoring record in Sunday’s 104-80 Game 1 takedown of No. 7 Dallas.
The Valkyries set the tone with a 37-point second quarter, while holding Wings triple-double threat Jessica Shepard scoreless on the night.
“What was great about tonight was watching every single person contribute and seeing everyone get going,” said guard Gabby Williams. (Watch full highlights)
Do-or-die: Dallas will look for a reset ahead of Wednesday’s Game 2, searching for defensive answers after struggling to contain the perimeter.
“A 37-point quarter is insane work, so it was just not sticking to our game plan, not locking in defensively,” said guard Paige Bueckers. (See full report)
Tune in: Dallas hosts Golden State on Wednesday at 9 PM ET (ESPN).
Jess Fishlock makes Reign history
Jess Fishlock still has it, as the 39-year-old notched a brace in No. 8 Seattle’s 2-0 win over No. 14 Boston on Friday — breaking the Reign’s all-time scoring record.
With her 52nd career goal, the Welsh forward took Seattle’s torch from retired icon Megan Rapinoe just months before her own planned retirement.
“I can’t wait to text her, and tell her that unfortunately I broke her record,” Fishlock joked. (Watch full highlights)
Big picture: The win kept the Reign in playoff contention, with just four points separating Nos. 5-9 in the NWSL standings — and only four regular-season matches to go.
No. 6 Angel City made the weekend’s biggest splash, launching up the table after upsetting No. 3 Washington 1-0 on Saturday. (See full recap)
Lauren Coughlin sets LPGA record birdie streak
LPGA vet Lauren Coughlin hit a hot streak, becoming the first golfer to start a round with nine consecutive birdies at the 2026 NW Arkansas Championship.
Coughlin had never shot more than six straight birdies prior to Saturday, as she capped first-round play with a career-best score of 61.
“Everything just seemed to be going exactly how far I wanted it to, right at the hole and I was putting really good putts on it as well,” she said. (Watch full highlights)
Big picture: Staring down Annika Sorenstam’s single-round scoring record of 59, Coughlin struggled to keep up momentum — hitting just one additional birdie to finish the tournament tied for 12th.
Japan’s Yuna Nishimura ran the leaderboard, finishing at 21-under par to lift her first-ever LPGA trophy in Sunday’s wire-to-wire victory. (See full report)
