2025 WNBA Playoffs: A Look at the Early Qualifiers

As the WNBA regular season approaches its conclusion on September 11, the playoff picture is beginning to take shape. Among the teams that have already secured their spots in the postseason are the Minnesota Lynx and the Las Vegas Aces. Here’s how they made it:

Las Vegas Aces

The Aces' journey to the playoffs was anything but smooth. After a rocky start to the season, including a three-game losing streak in mid-June and a .500 record at the All-Star break, the team faced a pivotal moment on August 2. A 53-point home loss to the Minnesota Lynx, which set the WNBA record for the largest road win, seemed like a low point. However, this defeat sparked a remarkable turnaround. The Aces went on to win 11 consecutive games, securing their playoff berth and positioning themselves favorably to host first-round games.

Key Stat: A'ja Wilson has been instrumental in the Aces' resurgence, scoring at least 30 points in five of the 11 straight victories. On August 10, Wilson made history by becoming the first player in WNBA history to record a 30-point, 20-rebound game.

Minnesota Lynx

The Lynx have been a dominant force throughout the season, largely thanks to Napheesa Collier, the MVP front-runner for most of the campaign. Minnesota started the season with nine consecutive victories and won 17 of their first 19 games. Their consistent performance led them to become the first team to clinch a playoff spot on August 12.

Key Stat: For the first three months of the regular season, the Lynx did not lose back-to-back games. This streak ended recently with road losses against New York and Atlanta, during which Collier was sidelined with an ankle injury. Despite her absence, the Lynx managed a 5-2 record, showcasing their depth and resilience.

Playoff Schedule and Format

The 2025 WNBA Playoffs are set to begin on September 14, with eight teams advancing to compete for the championship. The bracket is filling up, and fans are eagerly anticipating the matchups that will determine this year’s champion.

Conclusion

Both the Minnesota Lynx and the Las Vegas Aces have demonstrated exceptional skill and determination to secure their playoff spots early. With star players like A'ja Wilson and Napheesa Collier leading the charge, the 2025 WNBA Playoffs promise to be an exciting and competitive event.