The Race for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs Intensifies
The WNBA regular season is coming to an end, and the excitement for the 2025 playoffs is at its peak. Eight teams will face off in the postseason, hoping to lift the championship trophy. The regular season will conclude on September 11, and the playoffs will begin on September 14. Several teams have already secured their place in the final phase, while others are fighting for a spot. The Connecticut Sun, Dallas Wings, Chicago Sky, and Washington Mystics teams have been eliminated from the competition.Teams Qualified for the Playoffs
- Golden State Valkyries
- New York Liberty
- Atlanta Dream
- Phoenix Mercury
- Las Vegas Aces
- Minnesota Lynx
Golden State Valkyries
The Valkyries, the WNBA’s first expansion team since 2008, have made history. Despite low expectations, the team has achieved remarkable success. They are the first team in the history of women’s sports to sell 15,000 season ticket deposits, selling out all 22 home games and leading the league in attendance in their inaugural season. Now they are the first WNBA expansion franchise to reach the playoffs in their first season. Head coach Natalie Nakase is a strong candidate for the WNBA Coach of the Year award, and Veronica Burton could be the leading candidate for the Most Improved Player award. Kayla Thornton led Golden State in scoring and rebounding during the first two months of the season. Despite Thornton’s injury, the Valkyries have maintained a good performance, with Burton standing out and leading the team in points and assists.New York Liberty
The Liberty started the season with nine consecutive wins. The team signed Emma Meesseman, MVP of the 2019 WNBA Finals, in July, but then suffered a losing streak. Breanna Stewart also suffered an injury, which affected the team’s performance. Stewart was out with an injury, and Jonquel Jones and Nyara Sabally have also been out with injuries. Sabrina Ionescu also missed several games.
Atlanta Dream
A winning streak propelled the Dream up the WNBA standings, even reaching second place. The team, led by Jordin Canada, Allisha Gray, and Rhyne Howard, incorporated coach Karl Smesko and signed Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones, creating one of the most talented rosters in the WNBA. Atlanta secured their playoff spot with a win over Dallas on August 29th. Gray is having an exceptional year, surpassing his points per game average from the previous season.Phoenix Mercury
Phoenix Mercury, with Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally, has returned to the playoffs. The team has won eight of its last 11 games. Sabally and Thomas lead the team in points, rebounds, and assists. Thomas has achieved seven triple-doubles this season, breaking her own WNBA record.Las Vegas Aces
The Aces, after a difficult start, have strung together 11 consecutive victories to secure their place in the playoffs. A’ja Wilson has been key in this streak, scoring at least 30 points in several games. Wilson became the first player in WNBA history to have a 30-point, 20-rebound game.Minnesota Lynx
Led by Napheesa Collier, the Lynx have dominated the league and were the first team to secure a playoff spot. The team had a winning streak at the beginning of the season.Despite some recent defeats, the Lynx have maintained a good performance.
