The Indiana Fever needed a win a home on Tuesday to keep their season alive. They achieved that goal.

The No. 6-seed Fever defeated the No. 3 seed Atlanta Dream 77-60 for a wire-to-wire Game 2 victory. It was the Fever’s first playoff home game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse since 2016 and sets up a decisive winner-take-all Game 3 in Atlanta on Thursday. 

Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell followed up her 27-point performance in Game 1 with a game-high 19 points on Tuesday, shooting 6-of-13 from the field including 4-of-8 from 3. Aliyah Boston added 15 points and five rebounds, and the Fever bench contributed 15 points. 

The Dream lacked a sense of urgency out of the gate and were held to 60 points, their second-lowest point total of the season. Te-Hina Paopao (11) and Rhyne Howard (10 points) were the only players to reach double digits for the Dream. Atlanta shot 37.9% from the field and 5-of-19 from the 3-point line.

WNBA PLAYOFFS WINNERS, LOSERS: Las Vegas Aces dominate, Alyssa Thomas falters

DREAM VS. FEVER, GAME 1: Dream pull away from Fever in Game 1 of WNBA playoffs 2025

Catch up with USA TODAY Sports’ live updates on Game 2 between the Dream and Fever:

Indiana Fever score today

Indiana Fever fans escorted off after exchange with Allisha Gray

Two Indiana Fever fans were escorted from their courtside seats at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in the fourth quarter after appearing to say something to Dream guard Allisha Gray. The incident happened with 6:10 remaining in the game as the Dream trailed the Fever 71-47. Gray alerted arena security of the fan’s behavior and looked visibly upset after the exchange. After the incident, Gray was comforted by teammate Rhyne Howard on the bench.

End of Q3: Fever 59, Dream 44

Guard Lexie Hull knocked down a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to end the third quarter on a 7-0 run and extend the Fever’s lead to 15-points, their largest of the series. Hull’s open shot was made possible by Shey Peddy’s inbound steal, highlighting the do-or-die mentality of the Fever. Kelsey Mitchell has a game-high 19 points and Aliyah Boston has added eight points and five rebounds.

Rhyne Howard is the leading scorer on the Dream with 10 points. No other Dream player has surpassed double digits. The Dream is shooting 38.8% from the field and is 1-of-13 from the 3-point line.

Tyrese Haliburton in the building

Indiana Pacers superstar Tyrese Haliburton pulled up to Gainbridge Fieldhouse to cheer on the Fever on Wednesday. Haliburton is just returning the favor. Caitlin Clark and several Fever players, including Lexie Hull and Aliyah Boston, attended multiple NBA playoff games in support of the Pacers during the team’s NBA Finals run.

Naz Hillmon picks up fourth foul

Dream forward Naz Hillmon picked up her third personal foul with 6:48 remaining in the third quarter as the Dream trailed the Fever 35-40. Hillmon grabbed a defensive rebound and caught Fever forward Natasha Howard in the face with her elbow while swinging her arm. The foul was reviewed for a possible upgrade, but was ultimately deemed a common foul. Hillmon picked up her fourth foul with 5:37 remaining in the third.

Atlanta’s Brionna Jones has three fouls, while Lexie Hull has four for the Fever.

How many fouls to foul out in the WNBA?

A WNBA player is disqualified from the game after picking up their sixth personal foul.

Halftime: Fever 35, Dream 29

The Fever led by as many as 11 points in the second quarter and, despite several runs from the Dream, take a six-point lead into halftime.

Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (11) is the leader scorer, shooting 3-of-8 from the field and 3-of-5 from the 3-point line. Natasha Howard and Aliyah Boston each added six points.

Meanwhile, Atlanta is struggling to find its offensive rhythm. The Dream are shooting 39.4% from the field and 1-of-9 from beyond the arc in the first half after missing their first eight 3-point attempts. Atlanta has also left points on the board at the free throw line, shooting 2-of-6. Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray, who combined for 40 points in Atlanta’s Game 1 win, have been held in check so far. Howard has six points (2-of-7 FG, 0-of-3 3PT) and Gray has five points (2-of-9 FG, 1-of-3 3PT).

Both teams are dealing with foul trouble. Lexie Hull has three fouls and Howard and Boston each have two fouls for the Fever. Atlanta’s Naz Hillmon and Brionna Jones each have two fouls.

Fever stars dealing with foul trouble

The Fever went on a 10-2 run in the second quarter to take an 11-point lead over the Dream, their largest lead of the game, with 4:06 remaining in the half. The run is even more impressive considering Fever center Aliyah Boston had to sit with 6:34 remaining after picking up her second personal foul. Natasha Howard and Lexi Hull also have two fouls each.

End of Q1: Fever 20, Dream 14

The Fever have a six-point lead heading into the second quarter.

Kelsey Mitchell has a game-high eight points for the Fever. Lexie Hull added four points, but was limited to five minutes in the first quarter after picking up two quick fouls. Shey Peddy and Aerial Powers each added three points off the bench.

All of the Dream’s 14 first-quarter points were scored in the paint. Brionna Jones has a team-high six points and two steals. Jordin Canada added four points and two assists. Rhyne Howard was held scoreless (0-of-2 FG), while Allisha Gray scored two points. The Dream are 0-of-3 from the 3-point line, while the Fever are 3-of-6 from 3.

Game 2 tips off between Fever-Dream

Game 2 is underway at Gainbridge Fieldhouse and the Fever have a 11-8 lead with 4:46 remaining in the first quarter. Jordin Canada and Brionna Jones combined for the Dream’s eight first-quarter points, which all came in the paint. Kelsey Mitchell leads the Fever with five points, while Lexie Hull added four points. Hull is already in foul trouble with two fouls and headed to the bench early.

What time is Atlanta Dream at Indiana Fever?

The Indiana Fever host the Atlanta Dream at 7:30 p.m. ET (4:30 p.m. PT) on Tuesday, Sept. 16 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.

X factor: Brittney Griner coming off the bench

Atlanta coach of the Year candidate Karl Smesko moved veteran center Brittney Griner to the bench for the first time in her career during the regular season, a risky move that has paid off. Atlanta’s bench only averaged 19.2 points per game in the regular season, fourth-worst in the league, but Griner’s addition has added another dimension to the Dream’s bench. Griner had 17 points and four blocks off the bench in the Dream’s regular-season finale win over the Connecticut Sun, but was held to two points in Game 1 vs. the Fever.

Atlanta Dream starting lineup

Head coach: Karl Smesko

00 Naz Hillmon | F 6′ 2′ – Michigan
3 Jordin Canada | G 5′ 6′ – UCLA
10 Rhyne Howard | G 6′ 2′ – Kentucky
15 Allisha Gray | G 6′ 0′ – South Carolina
24 Brionna Jones | F 6′ 3′ – Maryland

Indiana Fever starting lineup

Head coach: Stephanie White

0 Kelsey Mitchell | G 5′ 8′ – Ohio State
1 Odyssey Sims | G 5′ 8′ – Baylor
6 Natasha Howard | F 6′ 3′ – Florida State
7 Aliyah Boston | C 6′ 5′ – South Carolina
10 Lexie Hull | G 6′ 1′ – Stanford

Indiana Fever injury report: Is Caitlin Clark playing tonight?

The Fever will be without Chloe Bibby (left knee), Caitlin Clark (right groin), Sydney Colson (left knee), Sophie Cunningham (right knee), Damiris Dantas (concussion protocol) and Aari McDonald (right foot) for Game 2 vs. the Atlanta Dream on Tuesday.

Indiana Fever stars arrive for Game 2

The Indiana Fever have arrived in style to Gainbridge Fieldhouse, which is hosting a ‘red out’ for Game 2.

Atlanta Dream is in the building

The Dream have arrived to Gainbridge Fieldhouse and are ‘ready to take care of business.’

Atlanta Dream injury report

The Dream have all players available for Game 2.

Indiana Fever ‘Stranger Things’ jerseys

The Indiana Fever will don their ‘Stranger Things’ alternate uniforms for Game 2 of the WNBA Playoffs.

The team first wore the jersey with the ‘Stranger Things’ font on the front in 2021.

Where to watch Atlanta Dream vs. Indiana Fever: TV, stream

Time: 7:30 p.m. ET (4:30 p.m. PT)
Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse (Indianapolis)
TV channel: ESPN
Streaming: ESPN+, Disney+, Fubo (free trial to new subscribers)

Atlanta vs. Indiana WNBA playoffs schedule

Game 1: Dream 80, Fever 68
Game 2: Dream at Fever, 7:30 p.m. ET Tuesday (ESPN)
Game 3: Fever at Dream, TBD Thursday (ESPN2)

Allisha Gray stats

Allisha Gray averaged career highs in points (18.4), rebounds (5.3) and assists (3.5) in 42 games (all starts) this season. She had 20 points, six rebounds and four assists, three steals and one block in the Dream’s Game 1 win.

Aliyah Boston stats

Boston, the 2023 WNBA rookie of the year, averaged a career-high 15 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.2 steals in 44 games this season. She recorded eight points, 12 rebound and five assists in 34 minutes of work in the Fever’s Game 1 loss on Sunday.

Kelsey Mitchell stats

Kelsey Mitchell averaged 20.2 points, 3.4 assists and 1.8 rebounds in 44 games (all starts) this season. Mitchell dropped a game-high 27 points, four assists and one rebounds in the Fever’s Game 1 loss.

Caitlin Clark injury timeline

May 24: Clark suffered a left quad injury during the Fever’s 90-88 loss to the New York Liberty, where she recorded a double-double with 18 points and 10 assists. Clark couldn’t pinpoint the specific play that caused her injury, but noted that it happened early in the contest. Clark said, ‘Adrenaline covers up a lot of stuff when you’re in the heat of battle. After the game, I had some pain, and then we got an MRI, and that kind of gave me the result that I didn’t want to see.’ She missed the Fever’s next five games.
June 14: Clark returned to Indiana’s lineup in the Fever’s 102-88 win over the Liberty and dropped 32 points, nine assists and eight rebounds in her first game back. 
June 24: Clark suffered a left groin injury in the Fever’s 94-86 winover the Seattle Storm, which resulted in Clark missing the team’s next four games. Fever coach Stephanie White said she learned of Clark’s groin injury the following night after Clark alerted team trainers of discomfort.
July 1: Clark was ruled out of the Fever’s 2025 Commissioner’s Cup win over the Minnesota Lynx in Minneapolis. That didn’t stop Clark from rightfully celebrating the team’s hardware.
July 9: Clark returned to the Fever’s lineup in the Fever’s 80-61 loss to the Golden State Valkyries. Clark was limited to 10 points, shooting 4 of 12 from the field and 2 of 5 from the 3-point line, and had six assists, five rebounds and four turnovers. Following the blowout loss, Clark said it was ‘going to take me a second to get my wind back. … Just trying to get my legs under me.’
July 15: Clark suffered a right groin injury in the final minute of the Fever’s 85-77 victory over the Sun at TD Garden in Boston. White later confirmed Clark ‘felt a little something in her groin.’ This marked the last game for which Clark suited up.
July 18: Clark announced that she would sit out the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis, where she was named a team captain. Clark was also set to participate in the 3-point contest. She said, ‘I am incredibly sad and disappointed to say I can’t participate … I have to rest my body.’
July 24: The Fever said Clark’s medical evaluations confirmed there’s ‘no additional injuries or damage,’ but the team said it will be cautious with Clark’s rehab and recovery.
Aug. 7: Clark reportedly suffered a mild bone bruise in her left ankle during an individual workout session in Phoenix, according to The Indianapolis Star, part of the USA TODAY Network.
Aug. 8: During an appearance on Sue Bird’s podcast, ‘Bird’s Eye View,’ Clark spoke about the frustrations of her injury-filled season: “It’s not like I have a training camp to build up to play in my first game again. It’s like no, you’re tossed into Game 30 — like, ‘Go try to play well.’ It’s hard, it really is.”
Aug. 10: Fever coach Stephanie White said Clark has progressed in her recovery and has started running full court again, but Clark hasn’t returned to practice just yet: an important step in her ramp-up. ‘She’s been able to get a little bit more in her full-court running with all of her body weight. … She’s been able to do a little more on the court in terms of how she moves, but not into practice yet,’ White said.
Aug. 20: White confirmed that Clark has not returned to practice yet.
Aug. 24: Clark participated in a team shootaround and went through some non-contact drills with the second team, marking her first time practicing with the team since suffering a right groin injury on July 15.
Sept. 4: Clark shared a post on her official X account, stating that she will miss the rest of the regular season and any potential postseason action.

When is the WNBA MVP announced 2025?

The Kia WNBA Most Valuable Player will be announced on Sunday, Sept. 21.

Game 2 preview

The injury-plagued Indiana Fever have been resilient all season long, but the Fever find themselves with their backs are against the wall yet again.

The No. 6 seed Fever dropped Game 1 against the No. 3 seed Atlanta Dream 80-68, despite a 27-point performance from veteran guard Kelsey Mitchell. The Fever now must win Game 2 of the best-of-three first-round WNBA playoff series on Tuesday to keep their Cinderella season alive.

‘We shot ourselves in the foot and weren’t able to capitalize on the things that make us great,’ Mitchell said after the Game 1 loss. ‘We hurt ourselves in a lot of different areas that impact being able to make plays and do what we wanted on the offensive end. Once we stop doing that, we give ourselves more of a chance to be who we are.’

It wasn’t a particularly great shooting night for either team. The Fever were held to 34.9% from the field and 2-of-15 from beyond the arc, compared to Atlanta going 38.6% from the field with seven made 3s.

Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard each scored 20 points for the Dream. Naz Hillmon added 16 points and nine rebounds, while Brionna Jones had 12 points and three steals in the win.

Indiana Fever roster

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With about 10 games remaining in the 2025 Major League Baseball season, the pennant races are heating up with several divisions and both wild-card races going down to the wire.

The red-hot Seattle Mariners overtook the Houston Astros atop the American League West, with the two teams squaring off in a season-defining series Daikin Park that begins Friday, Sept. 19.

The Los Angeles Dodgers try to continue fighting off the San Diego Padres for the NL West lead, while a six-game winning streak for the Toronto Blue Jays may have put the AL East to bed. In the NL wild-card standings, the New York Mets’ eight-game skid opened the door for the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Francisco Giants to get back into contention.

Here’s the latest look at the 2025 MLB playoff picture:

Entering play Wednesday, Sept. 17

MLB playoff bracket if season ended today

American League

Byes: Blue Jays, Tigers
AL wild card series

Astros at Yankees
Red Sox at Mariners

National League

Byes: Brewers, Phillies
NL wild card series

Mets at Dodgers
Padres at Cubs

AL wild card standings

Top three reach playoffs

New York Yankees (84-67): +2.5 games
Houston Astros (83-69): +0.5 games
Boston Red Sox (82-69)
Cleveland Guardians (79-71): 2.5 games back
Texas Rangers (79-73): 3.5 GB
Kansas City Royals (75-76): 7 GB

NL wild card standings

Top three reach playoffs

Chicago Cubs (87-64): +9 games
San Diego Padres (82-69): +4 games
New York Mets (78–73)
Arizona Diamondbacks (77-75): 1.5 GB
Cincinnati Reds (75-76): 3 GB
San Francisco Giants (75-76): 3 GB
St. Louis Cardinals (74-78): 4.5 GB

AL East

Toronto Blue Jays (89-62)
New York Yankees (84-67): 5 games back
Boston Red Sox (82-69): 7 GB

AL Central

Detroit Tigers (85-66)
Cleveland Guardians (79-71): 5.5 GB
Kansas City Royals (75-76): 10 GB

AL West

Seattle Mariners (83-68)
Houston Astros (83-69): 0.5 GB
Texas Rangers (79-73): 4.5 GB

NL East

Philadelphia Phillies (91-61) – clinched NL East title on Sept. 15

NL Central

Milwaukee Brewers (92-59) – clinched playoff berth
Chicago Cubs (87-64): 5 GB

NL West

Los Angeles Dodgers (84-67)
San Diego Padres (82-69): 2 GB

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani reached the 50-home run milestone for a second consecutive season during a 9-6 loss to the against the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday, Sept. 16.

Ohtani ranks third in home runs behind the Seattle Mariners’ Cal Raleigh (56) and Philadelphia Phillies’ Kyle Schwarber (53).

Ohtani reached the feat for the first time in 2024, serving strictly as an offensive player. That same season, Ohtani became the first player to reach the 50-50 milestone, with 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases. That milestone will not be in reach this season, with the Japanese player posting 19 stolen bases.

The two-way player also returned to the mound this season and began pitching for the Dodgers for the first time since joining the team.

Shohei Ohtani’s 50th home run

With the Dodgers trailing 6-4 in the bottom of the eighth inning, Ohtani crushed a 1-0 pitch from Phillies relief pitcher David Robertson for his milestone home run.

Ohtani also started as a pitcher in Tuesday night’s game against the Phillies, throwing five no-hit innings before being replaced by Justin Wrobleski, who promptly gave up five runs as the Dodgers went from leading 4-0 to trailing 6-4 in the matter of a half an inning. The Dodgers’ defeat spoiled what was a big game for Ohtani.

Per Sarah Langs of MLB.com, Ohtani is the first player in Major League Baseball history to have 50 home runs while also striking out 50 batters as a pitcher in the same season.

Players with 50-plus home run seasons

(Number of home runs, season; players in alphabetical order)

Pete Alonso (53, 2019)
Brady Anderson (50, 1996)
José Bautista (54, 2010)
Albert Belle (50, 1995)
Barry Bonds (73, 2001)
Chris Davis (53, 2013)
Cecil Fielder (51, 1990)
Prince Fielder (50, 2007)
George Foster (52, 1977)
Jimmie Foxx (58, 1932; 50, 1938)
Luis Gonzalez (57, 2001)
Hank Greenberg (58, 1938)
Ken Griffey Jr. (56, 1997; 56, 1998)
Ryan Howard (58, 2006)
Andruw Jones (51, 2005)
Aaron Judge (62, 2022; 59, 2024; 52, 2017)
Ralph Kiner (54, 1949; 51, 1947)
Mickey Mantle (54, 1961; 52, 1956)
Roger Maris (61, 1961)
Willie Mays (52, 1965; 51, 1955)
Mark McGwire (70, 1998; 65, 1999; 58, 1997; 52, 1996)
Johnny Mize (51, 1947
Shohei Ohtani (54, 2024; 50, 2025)
Matt Olson (54, 2023)
David Ortiz (54, 2006)
Cal Raleigh (56, 2025)
Alex Rodriguez (57, 2002; 54, 2007; 52, 2001)
Babe Ruth (60, 1927; 59, 1921; 54, 1920; 54, 1928)
Kyle Schwarber (53, 2025)
Sammy Sosa (66, 1998; 64, 2001; 63, 1999; 50, 2000)
Giancarlo Stanton (59, 2017)
Jim Thome (52, 2002)
Greg Vaughn (50, 1998)
Hack Wilson (56, 1930)

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The Seattle Storm’s 2025 WNBA season looked like it was over, down 14 points in third quarter of a must-win playoff game.

Neither Skylar Diggins nor Nneka Ogwumike would let it end. The pair combined for 50 points on Tuesday to propel the Storm past the Las Vegas Aces, 86-83, in Seattle, ending Las Vegas’ 17-game win streak and forcing a decisive Game 3 on Thursday (9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2).

‘We weren’t scared to play against them,’ said Diggins, who finished with a game-high 26 points, seven assists and two steals. ‘In the first game, we played hesitant. I was proud of the way we responded tonight and we had a great home crowd on our back to feed off.’

The Storm went on a 7-0 run in the fourth quarter to come within two points of the Aces with 2:35 remaining in the game. Erica Wheeler spurred the outburst with 11 points in the final stanza.

Dominique Malonga made a layup and ensuing free throw to give the Storm their first lead since the second quarter, 84-83, with 31 seconds remaining. Diggins hit a jumper with 4.7 remaining to ice the game. Aces guard Jewell Loyd, who played the first 10 season of her career with the Storm, had a good look to tie it up at the end, but missed the 3-point shot that would have sent the game to overtime.

‘We know this team is hard to beat one time and we have to beat (the Aces) again,’ Diggins said. ‘We bought ourselves another 40 minutes.’

WNBA PLAYOFFS WINNERS, LOSERS: Seattle storms back, Fever fans ejected

ACES VS. STORM, GAME 1: Las Vegas dominates Seattle in Game 1 of WNBA playoff series

It was Seattle’s second-largest playoff comeback in franchise history and first playoff win since 2022, snapping a six-game postseason losing streak in the postseason. Ogwumike finished with 24 points and 10 rebounds. Malonga added a double-double, 11 points and 10 rebounds.

End of Q3: Aces 69, Storm 61

The Aces led by as many as 14 points in the third quarter, but the Storm closed their deficit to eight points heading into the fourth. Nneka Ogwumike has a game-high 24 points, six rebounds, and three assists. Skylar Diggins added 15 points and six assists. Dominique Malonga added eight points off the bench.

Jackie Young, who turned 28 on Tuesday, leads the Aces with 18 points and five rebounds. A’ja Wilson has 17 points and 12 rebounds.

Halftime: Aces 45, Storm 44

The Las Vegas Aces are shooting 58.6% from the field, yet only have a one-point lead over the Storm at halftime. A’ja Wilson is the only Aces player in double figures with 16 points, five rebounds and two assists. Jewell Loyd is up to nine points against her former team.

Skylar Diggins has a team-high 15 points for the Storm. Nneka Ogumike added 13 points and four rebounds.

End of Q1: Aces 22, Storm 21

The Aces have a one-point advantage heading into the second quarter. A’ja Wilson has a team-high eight points and two rebounds. Jewell Loyd has been money from beyond the arc to start with two made 3-pointers. The Aces need to take better care of the ball, however, after giving up five turnovers for five points.

Seattle Storm forward Nneka Ogumike leads all scorers with 11 points, while Gabby Williams added four points.

Nneka Ogwumike statistically solid

Seattle Storm Forward Nneka Ogumike has been a consistent presence in her 14th season in the WNBA. She has averaged 18.3 points while shooting 51.9% from the field. A part of the MVP conversation, she is also grabbed seven rebounds a contest.

Birthday girl Jackie Young in the house

Aces guard Jackie Young hopes to celebrate her 28th birthday with a playoff win.

You get some shoes, you get some shoes

Guard Erica Wheeler surprised the Seattle Storm dance troupe with signed AE 1s.

Here’s everything you need to know about Game 2 between the Aces and Storm:

What time is Las Vegas Aces at Seattle Storm?

The Seattle Storm host the Las Vegas Aces at 9:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. PT) on Tuesday, Sept. 16, at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.

How to watch Las Vegas Aces at Seattle Storm: TV, stream

Time: 9:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. PT)
Location: Climate Pledge Arena (Seattle)
TV channel: ESPN
Streaming: ESPN+, Disney+, Fubo (free trial to new subscribers)

Seattle Storm starting lineup

Head coach: Noelle Quinn

3 Nneka Ogwumike | F 6′ 2′ – Stanford
4 Skylar Diggins | G 5′ 9′ – Notre Dame
5 Gabby Williams | F 5′ 11′ – UConn
13 Ezi Magbegor | F 6′ 4′ – Australia
20 Brittney Sykes | G 5′ 9′ – Syracuse

Las Vegas Aces starting lineup

Head coach: Becky Hammon

0 Jackie Young | G 6′ 0′ – Notre Dame
1 Kierstan Bell | F 6′ 1′ – Florida Gulf Coast
3 NaLyssa Smith | F 6′ 4′ – Baylor
12 Chelsea Gray | G 5′ 11′ – Duke
22 A’ja Wilson | C 6′ 5′ – South Carolina

Game 2 preview

Can A’ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces be stopped?

That’s the question on the Seattle Storm’s mind after suffering a 102-77 Game 1 loss to the Aces on Sunday in Las Vegas, extending the Aces’ win streak to 17 consecutive games. The series now shifts to Seattle for Game 2. With a win, the Aces would advance to the semifinals for the seventh consecutive season and tie the league’s longest win streak (18). It was set by Lisa Leslie and the WNBA champion Los Angeles Sparks in 2001.

Wilson and company aren’t concerned about the streak. They want to win their third title in four years.

‘In my eyes, the streak was over when the regular season ended,’ said Wilson, who had 29 points, eight rebounds, three steals and two blocks vs. the Storm in Game 1. ‘We have a whole new thing we have to start cooking here. And that’s what I am going to hold up to my teammates every single day.’

It’s safe to say the Aces were cooking Sunday. They shot 50.7% from the field and 14-of-29 from 3, continuing their barrage of 3-pointers after setting a regular-season record (22) in the regualr-season finale on Sept. 11. Jackie Young added 18 points and seven assists in the Game 1 win. Jewell Loyd had 14 off the bench.

Gabby Williams had a team-high 16 points and three rebounds for the Storm. Skylar Diggins and Dominique Malonga each added 12 points in the losing effort. The Storm were swept by the Aces in the 2024 WNBA playoffs and must pick up a win at home to keep their season alive. That’s easier said than done, as the Storm are the only team in the postseason with a losing record at home (10-12) this season.

Dominique Malonga’s quiet start is a win for both her and the Storm

No matter the sport, a top draft pick’s rookie season is usually a rough go. Your team most likely had that pick for a reason (they were bad) and you are expected to help right away. You’re getting used to a new league, and you may or may not have veteran players to ease the learning curve.

For Dominique Malonga, the No. 2 pick in this year’s draft by the Seattle Storm, it’s been the opposite experience. She got to play behind, and learn from, veterans Nneka Ogwumike, Skylar Diggins, Gabby Williams and Ezi Magbegor. She didn’t have to absorb a full load of the WNBA’s physicality every game. She was allowed the time and space to see how her game fit in the W rather than figuring it out on the fly.

Aces vs. Storm WNBA Playoffs schedule

Game 1: Aces 102, Storm 77
Game 2: Aces at Storm, 9:30 ET Tuesday (ESPN)
Game 3: Storm at Aces, TBD Thursday (ESPN2)

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The Golden State Valkyries have completed a number of firsts, becoming the first expansion team to reach the postseason in its first year. Is the franchise’s first playoff win next?

The No. 8. Valkyries will host the No. 1 overall seed Minnesota Lynx on Wednesday, Sept. 17, in Game 2 of the best-of-three first-round WNBA playoff series. The matchup won’t be at Chase Center, where Golden State sold out all 22 home games and set a WNBA attendance record. Instead, the Valkyries will be playing at SAP Center at San Jose (home of the NHL’s San Jose Sharks) due to a scheduling conflict.

‘We have faith in our fans that they’re going to continue to show out for us,’ WNBA’s Most Improved Player Veronica Burton said. ‘Wherever we play, we’re going to bring our basketball. So, we’re confident, we’re excited, it’s another opportunity to compete.” 

The Valkyries will need all the help they can get in slowing down MVP candidate Napheesa Collier, who had 20 points, six rebounds, two assists and one steal in the Lynx’s 101-72 Game 1 victory. The Lynx controlled the glass (36-26) and the paint (44-18) in their dominant 29-point win.

Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase called out Game 1’s officiating, saying she wants ‘a fair fight’ in Game 2. The Valkyries attempted 27 free throws in Game 1, compared to 24 for the Lynx.

‘We’re playing the No. 1 team,’ Nakase said. ‘We’re playing the best team in the league. They don’t need no help. This team is great. They’re stacked. They play well. They play beautiful basketball. They’re coached well. They don’t need the help.’

Here’s what you need to know for Game 2 between the Valkyries and Lynx:

What time is Minnesota Lynx at Golden State Valkyries?

The Golden State Valkyries host the Minnesota Lynx at 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. PT) on Wednesday, Sept. 16, at SAP Center at San Jose in San Jose, California. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.

How to watch Minnesota Lynx at Golden State Valkyries: TV, stream

Time: 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. PT)
Location: SAP Center at San Jose (San Jose, California)
TV channel: ESPN
Streaming: ESPN+, Disney+, Fubo (free trial to new subscriber

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The Phoenix Mercury are turning the page on Sunday’s disappointing overtime loss to the New York Liberty.

Despite shooting a dismal 32.5% from the field at home in Game 1 of the first-round WNBA playoffs series, the Mercury had a chance to win in regulation, but a would-be game-winning layup from Alyssa Thomas bounced off the rim and sent the game to overtime, where the Liberty outscored the Mercury 11-4 to steal Game 1.

‘Right after the game in our huddle, we got right to it and said, ‘(Game 1) is done. It’s over.’ Our heads are still up,’ Mercury guard Kahleah Copper said after Phoenix’s 76-69 Game 1 loss. ‘The mindset is go get it. Let’s go to New York and get it. There’s no other mindset. Whoever said ‘Liberty in 3’ or whatever, it’s cool, stay there. It’s alright. Mercury versus everybody. That’s how we feel.”

The Liberty didn’t escape with the overtime win unscathed. Forward Breanna Stewart went down on Sunday with a left knee injury with 3:01 remaining in overtime after making a driving layup. Imaging on her left knee came back ‘relatively clean.’ Liberty coach Sandy Brondello revealed on Tuesday, but Stewart is considered a game-time decision for Wednesday’s Game 2 in Brooklyn.

The Mercury will have to win on the road on Wednesday to avoid back-to-back first-round playoff exits. With a win, the defending champion Liberty will advance to the semifinals for the third consecutive season.

Here’s everything you need to know about Game 2 on Wednesday:

What time is Phoenix Mercury at New York Liberty?

The New York Liberty host the Phoenix Mercury for Game 2 on Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT) at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.

How to watch Phoenix Mercury at New York Liberty: TV, stream

Time: 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT)
Location: Barclays Center (Brooklyn, NY)
TV channel: ESPN
Streaming: ESPN+, Disney+, Fubo (free trial to new subscribers)

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