Las Vegas Aces crush Seattle Storm in WNBA Playoff Opener, extend win streak to 17

The Las Vegas Aces wasted no time making a statement in the 2025 WNBA Playoffs, cruising past the Seattle Storm102-77 on Sunday night in Game 1 of their first-round series.

Led by A’ja Wilson’s 29 points, the defending champions controlled the game from start to finish, stretching their winning streak to 17 straight games, now the second-longest run in WNBA history, tied with the 2014 Phoenix Mercury. A win in Game 2 on Tuesday in Seattle would send the Aces straight to the semifinals.

Related Article: A'ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark are unanimous choices for WNBA AP Player and Rookie of the Year

“This was about setting the tone,” Wilson said postgame. “We know what’s at stake and we’re playing our best basketball when it matters most.”

Jackie Young and balanced Aces attack

Wilson wasn’t alone in her dominance. Jackie Young filled the stat sheet with 18 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and four steals. Chelsea Gray, back in form after missing part of the regular season, added timely shooting, including a three-pointer late in the first quarter that built a double-digit cushion.

The Aces’ offense was unstoppable, shooting 51% from the field and 48% from three-point range (14-of-29), while also recording 23 assists as part of a free-flowing attack.

Related Article: Las Vegas Aces Capture Second Straight WNBA Championship

Las Vegas never trailed after opening with a 17-7 run fueled by Wilson and Jewell Loyd, who scored against her former team after being traded from Seattle in January. By halftime, the Aces’ lead had ballooned to 14, and the Storm never came closer.

Seattle struggles despite Williams’ effort

The Storm, making their first playoff appearance since 2022, had no answers for the Aces’ firepower. Gabby Williams led Seattle with 16 points, while Dominique Malonga chipped in 12 points and 11 rebounds. Skylar Diggins-Smith and Nneka Ogwumike each added 12 and 11 respectively, but the visitors struggled to match Las Vegas’ tempo.

Seattle briefly threatened early in the second quarter when Erica Wheeler’s three-pointer cut the deficit to five, but the Aces responded immediately with a 9-0 run and never looked back.

Breanna Stewart injured in Liberty’s Playoff Win

While the Aces celebrated, the night brought concerning news from another playoff series. Breanna Stewart suffered a left knee injury in overtime during the New York Liberty’s 76-69 Game 1 victory over the Phoenix Mercury.

The reigning MVP fell awkwardly on a drive to the basket, clutching her knee before attempting, and missing, a free throw. She left the game shortly afterward, finishing with 18 points and six rebounds. “It was her call to come out,” Liberty coach Sandy Brondello confirmed. “She knows her body, and we’ll monitor it closely before Game 2.”

Related Article: Paige Bueckers named WNBA Rookie of the Month, earns All-Star starting nod

The injury comes after Stewart already missed a month earlier this season with a bone bruise on her opposite knee. The Liberty have battled health issues all year, with Jonquel Jones and Sabrina Ionescu also sidelined at various points.

If Stewart cannot suit up on Wednesday in New York, the Liberty may lean on Emma Meesseman, the 2019 WNBA Finals MVP signed in August, to help fill the void.

What’s Next

• Las Vegas Aces vs Seattle Storm – Game 2, Tuesday in Seattle. Aces lead series 1-0.
• New York Liberty vs Phoenix Mercury – Game 2, Wednesday in New York. Liberty lead series 1-0.

The Aces look unstoppable as they chase another championship, but all eyes will also be on Breanna Stewart’s health as the Liberty try to keep their title hopes alive.