A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart Dominate WNBA Playoff Openers/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart delivered commanding performances as Las Vegas and New York opened the WNBA playoffs with decisive victories. Wilson recorded 38 points and 16 rebounds against Indiana, while Stewart posted a historic all-around performance against top-seeded Minnesota. The Aces and Liberty enter Tuesday’s games with opportunities to close out their respective series.

Quick Look

• Wilson leads Las Vegas: The Aces star finished with 38 points, 16 rebounds and four blocks in a 102-85 victory over Indiana.


• Stewart powers New York: The Liberty forward recorded 34 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks in a 91-75 road win.


• Historic performance: Stewart became the first WNBA player to produce that statistical combination in a postseason game.


• Combined dominance: Wilson and Stewart totaled 72 points, 28 rebounds and six blocks.


• Championship pedigree: Their respective teams have won five of the past six WNBA championships with their help.


• Next games: Las Vegas visits Indianapolis on Tuesday, while New York hosts Minnesota.

Deep Look

Wilson and Stewart Set the Tone for the WNBA Playoffs

A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart opened the postseason with performances that reinforced their standing among basketball’s elite.

Both stars led their teams to comfortable victories, combining for 72 points, 28 rebounds and six blocked shots. Their postseason success builds on a championship record that includes helping their respective teams capture five of the past six WNBA titles.

New York guard Sabrina Ionescu described the challenge Stewart presents to opponents.

Wilson created similar problems for Indiana as Las Vegas took control of its series opener.

A’ja Wilson Scores 38 as Aces Defeat Fever

Hours after receiving The Associated Press WNBA Player of the Year award for the third consecutive season, Wilson delivered another standout performance.

She scored 38 points, collected 16 rebounds and blocked four shots as the Aces defeated Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever 102-85.

Wilson, who skipped the World Cup to allow her back to recover before the playoffs, scored 22 points in the first half. She finished shooting 15 of 19 from the field.

Las Vegas will look to finish the series Tuesday in Indianapolis.

Breanna Stewart Makes Playoff History Against Minnesota

Stewart led New York to a 91-75 road victory over top-seeded Minnesota with a performance that extended well beyond scoring.

She finished with 34 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks, becoming the first player in WNBA postseason history to record that combination.

It also marked her second playoff game with more than 30 points and more than 10 rebounds.

World Cup Success Carries Into Stewart’s Postseason

Stewart’s playoff opener continued an outstanding month that included international success.

She helped the United States win its fifth consecutive FIBA World Cup championship and earned the tournament’s MVP award.

Against Minnesota, she maintained that form, giving the Liberty a series-opening victory and a chance to advance with a home win Tuesday.

Liberty Focus on Turnovers Ahead of Game 2

Despite New York’s convincing road performance, Stewart emphasized that the series remains unfinished.

She pointed to last year’s playoffs, when the Liberty won in Phoenix before suffering a heavy defeat at home. New York also committed 19 turnovers against Minnesota, leaving a clear area for improvement.

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