WNBA playoffs
The WNBA playoffs are the annual postseason tournament of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), a professional women's basketball league in North America, where the top-performing teams from the regular season compete in a bracket-style elimination format to determine the league champion.[1] Introduced in 1997 alongside the league's inaugural season, the playoffs have evolved to feature eight qualifying teams seeded by regular-season winning percentage, regardless of conference affiliation, culminating in the WNBA Finals for the championship title.[2] The playoff structure, as of the 2025 season, consists of three rounds: a best-of-three first round in a 1-1-1 format (higher seed hosts Games 1 and 3), followed by best-of-five semifinals in a 2-2-1 format, and a best-of-seven finals in a 2-2-1-1-1 format, with the higher seed hosting the majority of home games to reward regular-season performance.[3] The playoff structure of best-of-three first round and best-of-five semifinals was adopted in 2022, with the finals expanded to best-of-seven and first-round hosting changed to 1-1-1 in 2025, replacing a prior system from 2016 that included single-elimination rounds and byes for top seeds; earlier iterations, such as in 1997 (four teams in single-elimination) and 2005 (eight teams with best-of-five finals), progressively expanded participation and series lengths to heighten competition and viewer engagement.[2] The playoffs typically begin in September following the 40-game regular season and conclude by early October, with games broadcast nationally to showcase elite athleticism and strategic depth.[4] Historically, the playoffs have highlighted dynasties and individual excellence, with the Houston Comets dominating the early years by winning the first four championships from 1997 to 2000, led by Finals MVP Cynthia Cooper in each series.[5] Subsequent eras saw multiple titles for franchises like the Minnesota Lynx (four from 2011 to 2017), [Los Angeles Sparks](/page/Los Angeles_Sparks) (three, including back-to-back in 2001-2002), and Seattle Storm (four), while recent winners include the Las Vegas Aces in 2025, 2023, and 2022, and the New York Liberty in 2024.[5][6] Notable moments include dramatic comebacks, such as the 22-point rally by the Indiana Fever in 2007, and record performances like Diana Taurasi's 1,486 career playoff points, underscoring the tournament's role in elevating stars and crowning champions amid intense rivalries.[7]Format
Qualification and seeding
The top eight teams in the WNBA regular-season standings qualify for the playoffs, determined by their win-loss records regardless of conference affiliation.[8] This league-wide qualification system replaced the previous conference-based structure starting with the 2016 season.[9] Seeding for the playoffs is assigned based on each team's regular-season winning percentage, with the best record receiving the No. 1 seed and descending accordingly to No. 8.[10] When teams finish with identical records, tiebreakers are applied in the following order to determine relative seeding: better head-to-head record among the tied teams; better winning percentage against all teams that finished the season with a .500 or higher record; better point differential (points scored minus points allowed) in head-to-head games; and overall point differential against all opponents.[10] For multi-team ties, teams are eliminated sequentially at each step until the tie is resolved, at which point the process restarts from the first criterion if necessary.[10] Detailed tiebreaker procedures, including handling of incomplete scenarios, are outlined separately. The seeded teams are paired in a fixed bracket for the first round, with matchups consisting of No. 1 versus No. 8, No. 2 versus No. 7, No. 3 versus No. 6, and No. 4 versus No. 5, where the higher seed hosts the majority of games to provide home-court advantage.[8] This structure ensures that the strongest regular-season performers face the weakest qualifiers initially, promoting competitive balance across the bracket.[8]Series structures
The WNBA playoffs feature a single-elimination tournament structure involving the top eight teams seeded by regular-season performance, with no reseeding after the first round.[1] Each playoff series follows a best-of format, where the first team to win the majority of games advances, and the higher-seeded team receives home-court advantage in designated games.[1] In the first round, matchups pit seeds 1 vs. 8, 2 vs. 7, 3 vs. 6, and 4 vs. 5 in best-of-three series using a 1-1-1 format. The higher seed hosts Game 1 at home, followed by Game 2 at the lower seed's venue, and—if necessary—Game 3 returns to the higher seed's home court.[1] This structure ensures the top seeds play at least one home game while balancing travel and crowd support.[1] The semifinals advance the four first-round winners in best-of-five series, typically matching the victor of 1-8 against 4-5 and 2-7 against 3-6, using a 2-2-1 format. Here, the higher seed hosts Games 1 and 2, the lower seed hosts Games 3 and 4, and the higher seed hosts a potential Game 5.[1] This setup provides the higher seed with two initial home games to build momentum.[1] The WNBA Finals, contested between the two semifinal winners, expanded to a best-of-seven series starting in 2025, employing a 2-2-1-1-1 format. The higher seed hosts Games 1, 2, and 5, the lower seed hosts Games 3 and 4, and the higher seed hosts the decisive Games 6 and 7 if needed.[3] This change from the prior best-of-five format aims to heighten competition and showcase more marquee matchups.[3]Tiebreaker procedures
In the WNBA, tiebreaker procedures are applied to resolve ties in regular-season winning percentages among teams vying for playoff qualification or seeding positions within the league's single standings table, which determines the top eight teams advancing to the postseason.[10] These rules ensure a fair and objective ranking without relying on coin flips or random draws, focusing instead on performance-based criteria. The procedures do not apply to in-game ties during playoff series, which are resolved through overtime periods.[10] The tiebreaking process follows a sequential order of criteria, applied first to two-team ties and extended to multi-team scenarios. For any tie, the primary criterion is the better head-to-head record among the tied teams, meaning the team with more wins in their direct matchups against the others prevails.[10] If the head-to-head record remains tied, the secondary tiebreaker evaluates the better winning percentage against all teams that finished the regular season with a .500 or better record, regardless of conference affiliation.[10] This metric highlights performance against stronger opponents league-wide. Should the tie persist after the first two steps, the tertiary criterion shifts to point differential in the head-to-head games, calculated as the net result of total points scored minus total points allowed in those specific matchups.[10] The final tiebreaker, if necessary, is the overall point differential against all opponents during the regular season, again using the net points scored minus points allowed across the entire schedule.[10] This step provides a comprehensive measure of a team's margin of victory and defeat. For ties involving more than two teams, the process is iterative: at each step, as many teams as possible are eliminated based on the applicable criterion among the group. Once eliminations occur, the remaining tied teams restart the procedure from the first step (head-to-head record) until all positions are resolved.[10] This method maintains consistency and avoids arbitrary rankings, ensuring that playoff seeding and home-court advantage reflect competitive merit.[10]History
Inception and early years (1997–2002)
The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) introduced its playoffs in 1997, coinciding with the league's inaugural season, which featured eight teams divided into Eastern and Western Conferences. The original postseason format was a single-elimination tournament involving the top four teams overall, structured as league semifinals (one game each between seeds 1 vs. 4 and 2 vs. 3) hosted by the higher seed, followed by a single-game league final as the WNBA Finals.[11] This streamlined structure emphasized efficiency in the league's debut year, with all games played over a compressed late-August schedule to accommodate players' international commitments.[7] In the 1997 playoffs, the Houston Comets, who finished the regular season with a 27-3 record, advanced by defeating the Charlotte Sting 70-54 in the semifinal before edging the New York Liberty 65-51 in the Finals to claim the first WNBA championship.[11] Cynthia Cooper was named Finals MVP after scoring 25 points in the decisive game.[12] The format evolved slightly in 1998, expanding league semifinals to best-of-three series while retaining the best-of-three Finals, allowing the Comets to repeat as champions by defeating the Phoenix Mercury 2-1.[13] By 1999, with the league at 12 teams, the playoffs qualified the top four from each conference (now with six teams per conference), introducing a single-game first round before best-of-three conference finals and Finals; the Comets completed a three-peat, beating the Liberty 2-1 in the championship series.[14] This dynasty established the Comets as the early benchmark for WNBA success, with Cooper earning Finals MVP honors each year from 1997 to 1999.[15] The league expanded to 16 teams in 2000 by adding the Indiana Fever, Miami Sol, Portland Fire, and Seattle Storm, realigning into eight-team conferences and maintaining the top-four seeding per conference for an eight-team playoff field.[16] The format shifted to best-of-three series across all rounds—first round, conference finals, and Finals—to accommodate the growth, though the Comets extended their dominance by winning the 2000 title over the Liberty in another 2-1 series.[17] This expansion increased competitive depth but also strained resources, as seeding became more contested with larger conferences.[18] Despite on-court achievements, the WNBA's early years from 1997 to 2002 faced significant challenges, including modest attendance and television viewership that failed to generate independent financial stability. Total regular-season attendance in 1997 reached 1.08 million across 120 games, averaging about 9,000 fans per game, but figures fluctuated and peaked at 2.5 million in 2001 before declining amid economic pressures.[19] The 1997 Finals drew approximately 2.8 million viewers on NBC—strong for the era but insufficient for broad profitability—while later seasons saw ratings dip below 1.0 on networks like ESPN by 2002.[20] The league relied heavily on NBA subsidies exceeding $10 million annually to cover operating losses, culminating in the NBA divesting ownership of teams in 2002 to shift toward self-sustainability.[21] These hurdles underscored the growing pains of establishing a professional women's league in a male-dominated sports landscape.[22]Format evolution and expansion (2003–2014)
The 2003 WNBA season featured 14 teams following the folding of the Miami Sol and Portland Fire after the 2002 campaign, marking the league's first contraction and shifting focus from expansion to stabilization amid financial challenges. The playoff format continued the conference-based structure established in prior years, with the top four teams from each conference advancing to best-of-three series in the conference semifinals and finals, followed by a best-of-three WNBA Finals. This setup emphasized regional rivalries while accommodating the reduced roster of teams, and the Detroit Shock claimed the championship by defeating the Los Angeles Sparks in three games, with Finals MVP Ruth Riley averaging 11.3 points and 8.5 rebounds per game.[23][24] The folding of the Cleveland Rockers after their 2003 playoff appearance—where they qualified as the Eastern Conference's No. 4 seed but lost to the Shock in the first round—further contracted the league to 13 teams for the 2004 season, primarily impacting the Eastern Conference by eliminating a competitive franchise and potentially easing qualification for the remaining squads. Owner Gordon Gund cited unsustainable losses and arena priorities as reasons for the disbandment, which reduced overall league depth but allowed surviving teams to consolidate resources. The playoff field thus featured fewer entrants overall, maintaining the top-four-per-conference model without immediate structural adjustments.[25][26] A key format evolution occurred in 2005 when the WNBA Finals expanded from best-of-three to best-of-five series to heighten drama and extend the championship matchup, while conference semifinals and finals stayed best-of-three; the league operated with 13 teams that year. The Sacramento Monarchs capitalized on the change, securing their lone title by defeating the Connecticut Sun 3-1, led by MVP Yolanda Griffith's 15.5 points and 8.8 rebounds per game in the Finals. This adjustment aimed to mirror NBA postseason intensity without overextending the shorter WNBA schedule.[27][28] The Detroit Shock's dynasty underscored the period's competitive growth, as they repeated as champions in 2006 (3-2 over the Monarchs) and again in 2008 (3-0 over the San Antonio Silver Stars), both under coach Bill Laimbeer, highlighting how contraction fostered tighter rosters and star-driven contention. The 2006 season saw the league drop to 12 teams after the Charlotte Sting folded post-season due to ownership issues, further streamlining the playoff pool to top four per conference and stabilizing operations for sustained viability.[29][30][31] Through the late 2000s, the format remained consistent with best-of-three for the first two rounds and best-of-five Finals, supporting the 12-team structure that persisted into the 2010s. In 2010, the league introduced a 1-1-1 home-court format for best-of-three conference semifinals and finals to promote balance, as the higher seed no longer hosted Games 1 and 3 exclusively. This tweak enhanced fairness in shorter series amid ongoing league maturation.[32] The 2014 playoffs saw the Phoenix Mercury win the title 3-0 over the Chicago Sky. These evolutions, coupled with contraction's focus on core markets, bolstered attendance and TV interest, setting the stage for future realignment without diluting regional play.[33]Modern developments (2015–present)
In 2015, the WNBA playoffs used a conference-based structure, with the top four teams from the Eastern and Western Conferences qualifying and seeded within their respective groups, leading to intra-conference semifinals (best-of-three) and finals (best-of-five) before the league-wide best-of-five WNBA Finals.[34] This format emphasized regional rivalries during the postseason. Beginning in 2016, the playoffs shifted to league-wide seeding for the top eight teams, granting byes to seeds 1-4 and featuring single-elimination games for seeds 5-8, followed by best-of-five semifinals and Finals, eliminating conference brackets while retaining conferences for regular-season play. This change persisted through 2019, fostering a more national bracket.[35] The 2020 season marked a significant shift due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as the league adopted a bubble format at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, and transitioned to seeding the top eight teams overall by regular-season record, eliminating conference affiliations for playoff qualification.[36] This change aimed to ensure the strongest teams advanced regardless of geography, with the first round featuring single-elimination games for seeds 5 through 8, followed by best-of-five semifinals and Finals.[37] The format persisted beyond the bubble, fostering a more competitive, league-wide bracket that transitioned away from earlier conference-centric approaches.[38] Further innovations arrived in 2022, when the WNBA Board of Governors approved a restructured postseason eliminating single-elimination games and introducing a best-of-three first round, while expanding the semifinals to best-of-five series—though the Finals remained best-of-five at that time.[39] This 3-5-5 structure enhanced competitiveness by guaranteeing multiple games in the opening round and providing more opportunities for upsets or comebacks. In 2025, the Finals expanded to a best-of-seven format, the first such change since 2004, using a 2-2-1-1-1 home-court advantage pattern to heighten drama and align with growing fan interest.[3] Amid these developments, standout performances defined the era, including the Las Vegas Aces' emergence as a dynasty with WNBA championships in 2022, 2023, and 2025, led by MVP A'ja Wilson and featuring dominant playoff runs such as their 4-0 Finals sweep over the Phoenix Mercury in 2025.[40] The New York Liberty broke through with their first title in 2024, defeating the Minnesota Lynx 3-2 in the Finals after a franchise-record season. These achievements coincided with league growth, including record viewership—such as the 2025 regular season averaging 1.2 million viewers on ESPN platforms, up 5% from 2024—and expansion efforts like the addition of the Golden State Valkyries as the 13th franchise in 2025, based in the Bay Area to tap international and domestic markets.[41][42]Records and statistics
Team accomplishments
The Houston Comets, Minnesota Lynx, and Seattle Storm share the record for the most WNBA championships, with four titles each. The Comets achieved a four-year dynasty by winning consecutive titles from 1997 to 2000. The Lynx captured four championships between 2011 and 2017, including three in five years. The Storm secured their four titles across 2004, 2010, 2018, and 2020, demonstrating sustained excellence. The Las Vegas Aces follow with three championships in 2022, 2023, and 2025, marking the league's most recent repeat contenders.[43][6]| Team | Championships | Years Won |
|---|---|---|
| Houston Comets | 4 | 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 |
| Minnesota Lynx | 4 | 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017 |
| Seattle Storm | 4 | 2004, 2010, 2018, 2020 |
| Las Vegas Aces | 3 | 2022, 2023, 2025 |
| Detroit Shock | 3 | 2003, 2006, 2008 |
| Los Angeles Sparks | 3 | 2001, 2002, 2016 |
| Phoenix Mercury | 3 | 2007, 2009, 2014 |
Individual achievements
Diana Taurasi holds the record as the WNBA's all-time playoff scoring leader with over 1,500 points across her postseason career as of 2025.[47] Her longevity and consistency in high-stakes games have solidified this mark, contributing to multiple Phoenix Mercury championship runs. In individual single-game performances, Angel McCoughtry set the benchmark for the most points in a Finals game, scoring 38 for the Atlanta Dream against the Minnesota Lynx in Game 2 of the 2011 series.[48] This explosive output highlighted her scoring prowess in the league's biggest spotlight, despite the Dream's loss in that contest. Alyssa Thomas dominates the category of playoff triple-doubles, recording six in her career, more than any other player in WNBA history. Her versatility shines in postseason play, with notable performances including multiple triple-doubles in the 2023 playoffs, underscoring her all-around impact for the Connecticut Sun. On the coaching side, Cheryl Reeve of the Minnesota Lynx boasts the most playoff wins in league history with 52 victories.[49] Her strategic leadership has guided the Lynx to four championships and consistent deep playoff runs since 2010, establishing her as the winningest coach overall when combining regular-season and postseason records. Rookie players have occasionally made outsized impacts in the playoffs, exemplified by Candace Parker's 2008 debut season with the Los Angeles Sparks, where she averaged 16.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game en route to reaching the Finals as the No. 1 overall draft pick.[50] Her immediate contributions helped transform a struggling franchise into a contender that year.Playoff MVPs
The WNBA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) award recognizes the most outstanding player in the championship series, highlighting exceptional contributions to their team's success. Established in 2003 by the league, the award honors the player who exemplifies leadership, scoring, and overall impact during the Finals. Although the formal presentation began with the 2003 season, the WNBA retroactively recognized MVPs for its inaugural years from 1997 to 2002, acknowledging the foundational stars who defined the playoffs' early intensity.[51][52] Cynthia Cooper of the Houston Comets holds the record for the most Finals MVP awards, earning four consecutive honors from 1997 to 2000 during the Comets' dynasty run, where she averaged over 20 points per game in each series while providing clutch scoring and playmaking. Other multiple recipients include Lisa Leslie (twice, 2001–2002), Sylvia Fowles (twice, 2015 and 2017), Diana Taurasi (twice, 2009 and 2014), Breanna Stewart (twice, 2018 and 2020), and A'ja Wilson (twice, 2023 and 2025). These players often dominated in key statistical categories, such as Leslie's rebounding prowess in the Sparks' back-to-back titles and Fowles' record-setting Finals rebounding average of 15.0 per game in 2017.[52][51] The 2025 Finals MVP, A'ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces, secured her second career award after leading her team to victory in four games against the Phoenix Mercury, posting series averages of 28.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game—her highest scoring output in a Finals appearance. Wilson's performance underscored her versatility, including efficient shooting at 48% from the field and defensive contributions with 2.0 blocks per game, earning her the honor over strong contenders like Phoenix's DeWanna Bonner, who averaged 22.0 points but fell short in the series outcome. Lisa Leslie's 2001 award marked the first retroactive recognition for a non-Comets champion, as she averaged 24.0 points and 10.5 rebounds in a sweep-clinching effort for the [Los Angeles Sparks](/page/Los Angeles_Sparks).[52][53][54] The following table lists all WNBA Finals MVP winners, including their team and select per-game averages for points (PTS), rebounds (TRB), and assists (AST) during the series:| Year | Player | Team | PTS | TRB | AST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Cynthia Cooper | HOU | 25.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| 1998 | Cynthia Cooper | HOU | 26.3 | 2.7 | 4.3 |
| 1999 | Cynthia Cooper | HOU | 21.7 | 4.3 | 4.3 |
| 2000 | Cynthia Cooper | HOU | 22.5 | 3.5 | 6.0 |
| 2001 | Lisa Leslie | LAS | 24.0 | 10.5 | 5.0 |
| 2002 | Lisa Leslie | LAS | 16.0 | 8.0 | 1.5 |
| 2003 | Ruth Riley | DET | 14.7 | 5.0 | 3.0 |
| 2004 | Betty Lennox | SEA | 22.3 | 4.3 | 2.0 |
| 2005 | Yolanda Griffith | SAC | 18.5 | 9.8 | 1.3 |
| 2006 | Deanna Nolan | DET | 17.8 | 4.2 | 2.8 |
| 2007 | Cappie Pondexter | PHO | 22.0 | 3.2 | 5.6 |
| 2008 | Katie Smith | DET | 21.7 | 6.7 | 3.3 |
| 2009 | Diana Taurasi | PHO | 20.4 | 6.8 | 2.8 |
| 2010 | Lauren Jackson | SEA | 22.3 | 8.0 | 1.0 |
| 2011 | Seimone Augustus | MIN | 24.7 | 5.7 | 4.7 |
| 2012 | Tamika Catchings | IND | 22.3 | 6.0 | 3.5 |
| 2013 | Maya Moore | MIN | 20.0 | 6.0 | 2.3 |
| 2014 | Diana Taurasi | PHO | 20.3 | 3.3 | 6.3 |
| 2015 | Sylvia Fowles | MIN | 15.6 | 9.4 | 1.2 |
| 2016 | Candace Parker | LAS | 17.2 | 7.4 | 2.2 |
| 2017 | Sylvia Fowles | MIN | 17.8 | 15.0 | 1.2 |
| 2018 | Breanna Stewart | SEA | 25.7 | 6.0 | 3.7 |
| 2019 | Emma Meesseman | WAS | 17.8 | 4.6 | 1.8 |
| 2020 | Breanna Stewart | SEA | 28.3 | 7.7 | 2.3 |
| 2021 | Kahleah Copper | CHI | 17.0 | 5.5 | 1.3 |
| 2022 | Chelsea Gray | LVA | 18.3 | 3.0 | 6.0 |
| 2023 | A'ja Wilson | LVA | 21.3 | 12.5 | 1.5 |
| 2024 | Jonquel Jones | NYL | 17.8 | 7.6 | 2.2 |
| 2025 | A'ja Wilson | LVA | 28.5 | 11.8 | 4.0 |
Playoff series history
2025 season
The 2025 WNBA playoffs commenced on September 14 and concluded on October 10, with the Las Vegas Aces defeating the Phoenix Mercury 4–0 in the Finals to secure their third championship in four seasons.[55][56] This marked the debut of the best-of-7 format for the Finals, extending the series to allow for more competitive matchups.[1] The postseason featured the top eight teams based on regular-season records, with the Minnesota Lynx entering as the No. 1 seed.[55] In the first round, all series were best-of-3 contests. The Lynx swept the expansion Golden State Valkyries 2–0, winning Game 1 101–72 and narrowly taking Game 2 75–74 on the road.[55][1] The Aces advanced past the Seattle Storm 2–1, clinching the series with a 74–73 victory in Game 3 after dropping the opener.[57][56] The Indiana Fever pulled off a significant upset by defeating the No. 3 Atlanta Dream 2–1, overcoming an 80–68 loss in Game 1 to win the next two games and reach the semifinals for the second straight year.[56][57] Meanwhile, the Mercury edged the New York Liberty 2–1 in a tight series, rallying from a 76–69 overtime defeat in Game 1 to win the final two contests.[56][58] The semifinals shifted to best-of-5 format, with the Aces facing the Fever and the Mercury taking on the Lynx. The Aces overcame an early 1–0 deficit to defeat the Fever 3–2, highlighted by a thrilling Game 5 win that ended the underdogs' surprising run after their first-round upset.[55][59] In the other semifinal, the Mercury upset the top-seeded Lynx 3–1, securing their Finals berth with an 86–81 victory in Game 4 despite the Lynx's strong start.[55][60] The Finals pitted the second-seeded Aces against the fourth-seeded Mercury in a best-of-7 series, where Las Vegas dominated with a 4–0 sweep. Key victories included a 89–86 win in Game 1, a narrow 90–88 triumph in Game 3 sealed by A'ja Wilson's game-winning shot with 0.1 seconds left, and a decisive 97–86 closeout in Game 4.[61][62][63] Wilson, who also earned regular-season MVP honors, averaged 28.5 points per game in the series and was named Finals MVP after posting 31 points and nine rebounds in the clincher.[64][65] This championship solidified the Aces' status as a dynasty, following titles in 2022 and 2023.[56]2024 season
The 2024 WNBA playoffs commenced on September 22 and concluded on October 20, marking the first time the New York Liberty advanced to and won the championship in franchise history. The postseason featured the top eight regular-season teams in a bracket without conference divisions, utilizing a best-of-three format for the first round and best-of-five for both the semifinals and finals, with higher seeds hosting the majority of games. All first-round series ended in sweeps, setting up competitive semifinals that saw the defending champions eliminated. In the first round, the No. 1 New York Liberty swept the No. 8 Atlanta Dream 2–0, winning Game 1 83–69 and Game 2 91–82 at home. The No. 2 Minnesota Lynx also swept the No. 7 Phoenix Mercury 2–0, prevailing 102–95 in Game 1 on the road and 96–76 in Game 2. The No. 3 Connecticut Sun defeated the No. 6 Indiana Fever 2–0, with scores of 93–69 in Game 1 and 72–64 in Game 2. Finally, the No. 4 Las Vegas Aces swept the No. 5 Seattle Storm 2–0, taking Game 1 79–64 and Game 2 83–76. The semifinals delivered drama, as the Liberty ousted the Aces 3–1, winning Games 1 and 2 at home (87–77 and 88–84) before dropping Game 3 on the road (90–95), then closing out Game 4 76–62 in Las Vegas to advance. In the other matchup, the Lynx edged the Sun 3–2 in a hard-fought series, rallying from a 0–1 deficit with road wins in Games 3 (90–81) and 5 (74–70) to secure their Finals berth. The Finals pitted the Liberty against the Lynx in a best-of-five series that extended to the limit, with New York claiming their inaugural title by winning 3–2, including a 67–62 overtime victory in Game 5 at home. Jonquel Jones earned Finals MVP honors, averaging 17.8 points and 7.6 rebounds while shooting 56% from the field across the series. The Liberty's triumph ended a 28-year drought since the league's inception in 1997, while halting the Aces' attempt at a three-peat after their back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023.2023 season
The 2023 WNBA playoffs featured the top eight teams seeded by regular-season winning percentage, with the Las Vegas Aces earning the No. 1 seed after a dominant 34-6 campaign.[66] The format included a best-of-three first round and best-of-five series for the semifinals and finals, with higher seeds hosting the majority of games. The top seeds largely controlled the early stages, as the Aces, Liberty, Sun, and Wings all advanced from the first round. In the first round, the Las Vegas Aces swept the Chicago Sky 2-0, winning Game 1 87-59 and Game 2 88-75 behind strong performances from A'ja Wilson and Chelsea Gray. The New York Liberty also swept the Washington Mystics 2-0, with victories of 90-75 and 83-82, showcasing Breanna Stewart's scoring prowess. The Connecticut Sun defeated the Minnesota Lynx 2-1, rallying from a Game 1 loss (80-88) to win Game 2 (97-88) and Game 3 (90-88), highlighted by Alyssa Thomas's near-triple-double in the clincher. The Dallas Wings completed the sweeps by beating the Atlanta Dream 2-0, 80-82 in Game 1 and 101-74 in Game 2, led by Arike Ogunbowale's 28 points in the finale. The semifinals saw the Aces overpower the Wings 3-0, cruising to wins of 97-83, 79-61, and 72-61, with Wilson averaging 26.3 points per game in the series.[67] Meanwhile, the Liberty outlasted the Sun 3-1, winning Games 1 (82-75) and 3 (83-82 in overtime), dropping Game 2 (64-72), and closing in Game 4 (87-82), where Thomas recorded two triple-doubles across the series (18 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists in Game 1; 15 points, 10 rebounds, 13 assists in Game 4), tying for the most in a single playoff series at the time.[68][69] In the Finals, the Aces defeated the Liberty 3-1 to claim their second straight championship, the first repeat since the [Los Angeles Sparks](/page/Los Angeles Sparks) in 2001-2002.[70] The series opened with Aces victories in Games 1 (99-82) and 2 (104-76), powered by Jackie Young's 24 points in Game 1 and Kelsey Plum's 26 in Game 2. The Liberty responded in Game 3 with an 87-73 win, but the Aces sealed the title in Game 4, 70-69, on a dramatic Chelsea Gray three-pointer with two seconds left. A'ja Wilson was named Finals MVP, averaging 21.3 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game while anchoring the Aces' defense.[71]2022 season
The 2022 WNBA playoffs marked the introduction of a new postseason format, expanding to three rounds with the first round remaining best-of-three and both the semifinals and finals adopting a best-of-five structure for the first time.[39] Eight teams qualified based on regular-season records, with the Las Vegas Aces earning the No. 1 seed after finishing 26–10, followed by the Chicago Sky at No. 2 (also 26–10, with tiebreakers determining order), the Connecticut Sun at No. 3 (25–11), and the Seattle Storm at No. 4 (22–14).[72] In the first round, the top seeds advanced efficiently. The Aces swept the No. 8 Phoenix Mercury 2–0, winning Game 1 79–63 and dominating Game 2 117–80 behind strong performances from A'ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum.[73] The No. 2 Sky edged the No. 7 New York Liberty 2–1, overcoming an opening loss 91–98 to win Game 2 100–62 and clinch Game 3 90–72, led by Courtney Vandersloot's playmaking.[74] The No. 3 Sun outlasted the No. 6 Dallas Wings 2–1, rallying after a Game 2 defeat 79–89 to secure a decisive 73–58 victory in the finale, highlighted by Jonquel Jones' rebounding.[73] Meanwhile, the No. 4 Storm swept the No. 5 Washington Mystics 2–0, prevailing 86–83 in Game 1 and 97–84 in Game 2, with Breanna Stewart scoring 29 points in the closer.[74] The semifinals showcased intense competition under the expanded format. The top-seeded Aces defeated the Storm 3–1, dropping Game 1 73–76 but rebounding with wins in Games 2 (78–73), 3 (110–98 in overtime), and 4 (97–92), where Chelsea Gray tallied 31 points and 10 assists to advance.[73] In the other bracket, the Sun upset the defending champion Sky 3–2 in a thrilling series, splitting the first three games before dominating Game 4 104–80 and closing out Game 5 72–63 on the road, propelled by Alyssa Thomas' all-around contributions of 114 rebounds and 75 assists across the playoffs.[74] The finals pitted the Aces against the Sun in a best-of-five clash, with Las Vegas prevailing 3–1 to claim their first championship in franchise history—four years after relocating from San Antonio as an expansion team in the modern era. The series featured close contests, including a 67–63 Aces win in Game 1, a 85–71 Sun response in Game 2, a 93–83 Aces victory in Game 3, and a decisive 78–71 clincher in Game 4 at home, where the Aces' balanced attack overwhelmed Connecticut's defense. Chelsea Gray earned Finals MVP honors, averaging 18.3 points, 7.0 assists, and 4.3 rebounds while shooting 55.6% from the field.[51][75] This triumph highlighted the rapid rise of the Aces as a powerhouse, ending a playoff run that showcased their depth and resilience.[76]2021 season
The 2021 WNBA playoffs marked the league's return to a full regular-season schedule following the COVID-19 disruptions of 2020, with all games played in home arenas under enhanced health protocols that included near-universal player vaccination rates and no reported positive tests during the postseason.[77] The top eight teams qualified in a format featuring single-elimination first and second rounds, followed by best-of-five semifinals and finals, a structure that emphasized early upsets and hosted all higher-seeded games at home venues.[4] The Connecticut Sun earned the No. 1 seed with a 26-6 record, setting a league mark with 14 straight wins to close the regular season, while the Las Vegas Aces (No. 2), Minnesota Lynx (No. 3), and Seattle Storm (No. 4) also received first-round byes.[78] In the first round on September 23, the Nos. 5-8 seeds competed in two single-elimination games. The No. 6 Chicago Sky defeated the No. 7 Dallas Wings 81-64, powered by Kahleah Copper's 23 points and Candace Parker's double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds.[79] In the other matchup, the No. 5 Phoenix Mercury edged the No. 8 New York Liberty 83-82 on a game-winning layup by Skylar Diggins-Smith with 0.3 seconds left, overcoming a late Liberty rally.[80] The second round on September 26 pitted the first-round winners against the Nos. 3 and 4 seeds in single-elimination contests. The Chicago Sky continued their momentum with an 89-76 upset over the No. 3 Minnesota Lynx, led by Courtney Vandersloot's 15 points and 10 assists.[81] Meanwhile, the Phoenix Mercury outlasted the No. 4 Seattle Storm 85-80 in overtime, with Brittney Griner contributing 21 points and 16 rebounds in a defensive battle.[80] These results set up semifinals between the lower-seeded upstarts and the top two seeds. The semifinal saw the No. 6 Chicago Sky defeat the No. 1 Connecticut Sun 3-1, rallying from a Game 2 loss with double-overtime drama in Game 1 (101-95 win) and strong defensive efforts in Games 3 (86-83) and 4 (79-69), where the Sky held the Sun under 70 points in the clincher.[78] In the other semifinal, the No. 5 Phoenix Mercury overcame the No. 2 Las Vegas Aces 3-2 in a thriller, dropping Game 1 (90-96) but dominating Games 2 (117-91) and 3 (87-60), surviving a Game 4 loss (76-93), and sealing it in Game 5 (87-84) behind Diana Taurasi's 30 points.[78] The Finals, starting October 10, pitted the Chicago Sky against the Phoenix Mercury in a best-of-five series hosted initially in Phoenix. The Sky claimed their first franchise championship with a 3-1 victory, opening with a 91-77 rout in Game 1 behind Allie Quigley's 18 points off the bench, then dropping an overtime heartbreaker in Game 2 (86-91). They responded with a 36-point blowout in Game 3 (86-50), the largest margin in Finals history, and closed it out 80-74 in Game 4, where Candace Parker tallied 16 points and 13 rebounds.[82] Kahleah Copper earned Finals MVP honors, averaging 18.3 points per game, including 26 in Game 4, symbolizing the Sky's resilient run from the No. 6 seed.[80]2020 season
The 2020 WNBA playoffs were conducted entirely within a bio-secure bubble at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with no fans in attendance to ensure player safety. This marked the league's first use of a centralized location for all postseason games, a measure adopted after the regular season was shortened to 22 games and paused in July. The format shifted to a single-elimination structure for the first two rounds to accommodate the compressed schedule, while semifinals and finals remained best-of-five series; seeding was determined by overall regular-season records, debuting the top-eight overall qualification without conferences. In the first round on September 15, the No. 5 Phoenix Mercury edged the No. 8 Washington Mystics 85-84 in a thriller decided by Brittney Griner's game-winning layup, while the No. 7 Connecticut Sun defeated the No. 6 Chicago Sky 94-81 behind Courtney Williams' 22 points. The second round, also single-elimination on September 17, saw the No. 4 Minnesota Lynx outlast Phoenix 80-79 on a last-second shot by Kayla McBride, and Connecticut upset the No. 3 Los Angeles Sparks 73-59, holding them to their lowest playoff score in franchise history. These results advanced the Sun and Lynx to the semifinals against the top seeds, who had byes. The semifinals began September 20 but were immediately postponed following the WNBA's decision to honor the Say Her Name report amid heightened social justice activism, resuming on September 22. The No. 1 Las Vegas Aces overcame the Sun 3-2 in a hard-fought series, clinching Game 5 66-63 with A'ja Wilson's 26 points and 16 rebounds; meanwhile, the No. 2 Seattle Storm swept the Lynx 3-0, highlighted by Jewell Loyd's 25 points in Game 3's 92-71 victory. In the finals starting October 2, the Storm dominated the Aces 3-0, winning 93-80, 104-91, and 92-59 to secure their fourth championship; Breanna Stewart earned Finals MVP honors, averaging 28.3 points and 7.7 rebounds on 63% shooting. The playoffs emphasized social justice, with players wearing "Say Her Name: Breonna Taylor" shirts and the league committing to anti-racism initiatives.[83]2019 season
The 2019 WNBA playoffs marked a historic breakthrough for the Washington Mystics, who captured their first franchise championship by defeating the Connecticut Sun 3–2 in a best-of-five Finals series. The playoffs followed the league's established format of single-elimination games in the first and second rounds for seeds 3–8, with the top two seeds receiving byes to the best-of-five semifinals, followed by the Finals. This structure emphasized early upsets and high-stakes matchups, culminating in intense conference-style semifinals despite cross-conference elements in the bracket.[84] The first round on September 11 featured two single-elimination games. The No. 5 Chicago Sky upset the No. 8 Phoenix Mercury 105–76, led by Diamond DeShields' 25 points in her playoff debut. In the other matchup, the No. 6 Seattle Storm, the defending champions, defeated the No. 7 Minnesota Lynx 84–74, with Jewell Loyd contributing 18 points. These wins advanced the Sky and Storm to the second round.[85] The second round on September 15 also consisted of single-elimination contests. The No. 3 Los Angeles Sparks eliminated the Storm 92–69, dominating with strong interior play from Nneka Ogwumike (17 points, 10 rebounds). Meanwhile, the No. 4 Las Vegas Aces edged the Sky 93–92 in a dramatic finish, as Kelsey Plum's 20 points and clutch defense sealed the victory. These results set up semifinals matchups with the bye teams: the No. 1 Mystics against the Aces and the No. 2 Sun against the Sparks.[86] In the semifinals, the Sun delivered a commanding sweep over the Sparks 3–0 from September 17 to 22. Jonquel Jones anchored the series with 17.3 points and 10.3 rebounds per game, powering wins of 84–75, 94–68, and 78–56 that showcased Connecticut's defensive prowess, holding Los Angeles to just 40% shooting overall. On the other side, the Mystics overcame the Aces 3–1 in a resilient series. After splitting the first two games (97–95 and 103–91 wins for Washington), the Aces stole Game 3 92–75, but the Mystics closed it out 94–90 in Game 4 behind Elena Delle Donne's 21 points, advancing to their second straight Finals.[84] The Finals, held from September 29 to October 10, pitted the Eastern Conference rivals against each other in a back-and-forth battle. The Mystics took Game 1 on the road 95–86, with Delle Donne scoring 21 points despite a thumb injury. The Sun responded in Game 2 with a 99–87 victory, led by Alyssa Thomas' triple-double (17 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists). Washington regained control in Game 3, winning 94–81 as Emma Meesseman added 16 points and 8 assists. Connecticut forced a decisive fifth game by taking Game 4 90–86, but in Game 5 at home, the Mystics prevailed 89–78. Meesseman led with 22 points and 6 assists, while the team's depth—highlighted by Natasha Cloud's defensive intensity—proved decisive. Meesseman was named Finals MVP, averaging 17.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists on 57.1% shooting across the series. The Mystics' triumph ended a 21-year championship drought since the franchise's founding in 1998 and built on their 2018 Finals appearance, where they had been swept by the Storm. Key moments included the team's ability to rally in the semifinals after a Game 3 loss and Meesseman's seamless transition back from overseas play, providing crucial scoring and playmaking in the postseason. This victory solidified coach Mike Thibault's legacy and highlighted the Mystics' balanced roster, with no player averaging over 19 points but collective contributions driving their success.2018 season
The 2018 WNBA playoffs featured a league-wide seeding system for the top eight teams, marking the fourth year under the post-2015 realignment that eliminated conference-based playoff qualification while retaining East and West divisions for regular-season scheduling. The Seattle Storm entered as the No. 1 seed with a 26-8 regular-season record, earning a bye to the semifinals alongside the No. 2 Atlanta Dream (23-11). The format included single-elimination games in the first two rounds, hosted by the higher seeds, followed by best-of-five semifinals and finals.[88] In the first round on August 21, the No. 5 Phoenix Mercury defeated the No. 8 Dallas Wings 101-83 at Phoenix, led by Brittney Griner's 21 points and 11 rebounds. The No. 6 Los Angeles Sparks defeated the No. 7 Minnesota Lynx 75-68 at Los Angeles. The second round on August 23 saw the No. 3 Washington Mystics defeat the No. 6 Los Angeles Sparks 96-64 at Washington, with Elena Delle Donne scoring 17 points. Meanwhile, the No. 4 Connecticut Sun fell to the No. 5 Phoenix Mercury 96-86 at Connecticut, with Diana Taurasi contributing 29 points. The semifinals began on August 26. The Storm faced Phoenix in a hard-fought series, dropping Games 3 and 4 before Sue Bird's 22 points, including 14 in the fourth quarter of Game 5, secured a 94-84 victory on September 4, advancing Seattle 3-2.[89] In the other semifinal, the Mystics overcame the Dream 3-2, clinching Game 5 86-81 on September 4 behind Ariel Atkins' 17 points off the bench, despite Atlanta's strong home performances in Games 2 and 3. These matchups highlighted the competitive balance, with all semifinal games decided by 10 points or fewer except the decisive ones.[90] The Finals pitted the Storm against the Mystics starting September 7. Seattle swept the best-of-five series 3-0, winning Game 1 89-76, Game 2 75-73 in a thriller, and Game 3 98-82 to claim their third championship and first since 2010.[91] Breanna Stewart earned Finals MVP honors, averaging 26.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, embodying the veteran leadership of Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi's influence from afar.[51] Natasha Howard's career-high 29 points in Game 3 underscored the Storm's depth in their dominant return to title contention.[88]| Round | Matchup | Result | Key Performer |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Round | Phoenix Mercury (5) vs. Dallas Wings (8) | Phoenix 101-83 | Brittney Griner (21 pts, 11 reb) |
| First Round | Los Angeles Sparks (6) vs. Minnesota Lynx (7) | Sparks 75-68 | No specific noted |
| Second Round | Washington Mystics (3) vs. Los Angeles Sparks (6) | Washington 96-64 | Elena Delle Donne (17 pts) |
| Second Round | Phoenix Mercury (5) vs. Connecticut Sun (4) | Phoenix 96-86 | Diana Taurasi (29 pts) |
| Semifinals | Seattle Storm (1) def. Phoenix Mercury (5) | 3-2 (94-84 in Game 5) | Sue Bird (22 pts in Game 5) |
| Semifinals | Washington Mystics (3) def. Atlanta Dream (2) | 3-2 (86-81 in Game 5) | Ariel Atkins (17 pts in Game 5) |
| Finals | Seattle Storm def. Washington Mystics | 3-0 (98-82 in Game 3) | Breanna Stewart (MVP, 26.7 ppg) |
2017 season
The 2017 WNBA playoffs featured the top eight teams in a postseason tournament that began with single-elimination games for seeds 5 through 8, followed by additional single-elimination matchups against the top four seeds, best-of-five semifinals, and a best-of-five Finals.[92] The Minnesota Lynx, who finished the regular season as the No. 1 seed with a 27-7 record, advanced through the bracket to claim their fourth championship in seven years, defeating the No. 2 Los Angeles Sparks in a competitive five-game series. This victory solidified the Lynx's status as a dynasty, having previously won titles in 2011, 2013, and 2015. In the first round on September 6, the No. 5 Phoenix Mercury upset the No. 8 Seattle Storm 79-69, led by Brittney Griner's 23 points and 11 rebounds, while the No. 6 Washington Mystics defeated the No. 7 Dallas Wings 86-76, with Elena Delle Donne contributing 25 points and 11 rebounds despite a minor chin injury requiring stitches late in the game. The second round on September 10 saw the Mercury edge the No. 4 Connecticut Sun 88-83 in a thriller, powered by Griner's 26 points and Diana Taurasi's 23 points, and the Mystics rout the No. 3 New York Liberty 82-68 behind Kristi Toliver's 32 points, including nine three-pointers.[93] The semifinals commenced on September 12. The Lynx swept the Mystics 3-0, starting with a 101-81 blowout in Game 1 where Maya Moore scored 28 points, followed by a 93-83 win in Game 2 highlighted by Sylvia Fowles' 21 points and 13 rebounds, and closing with an 81-70 victory in Game 3. Meanwhile, the Sparks also swept their series against the Mercury 3-0, with Game 3 decided 89-87 on a Candace Parker buzzer-beater three-pointer for 21 points and 11 assists overall in the game. The Finals pitted the Lynx against the Sparks starting September 24, with Los Angeles holding home-court advantage due to their regular-season head-to-head record. The Sparks stole Game 1 85-84 on Alana Beard's go-ahead layup with 3.1 seconds left. The Lynx responded in Game 2 with a 70-68 win, sealed by Chelsea Gray's jumper with 3.2 seconds remaining and Rebekkah Brunson's defensive steal. Los Angeles evened the series in Game 3, 75-64, behind Nneka Ogwumike's 24 points and 13 rebounds. Minnesota took control in Game 4, winning 80-69 as Fowles recorded 18 points and 15 rebounds. In Game 5 on October 4, the Lynx clinched the title 85-76 at home, with Fowles dominating for 17 points and a playoff-high 20 rebounds.[94] Fowles was named Finals MVP, averaging 15.8 points and 14.0 rebounds per game across the series.[51]2016 season
The 2016 WNBA playoffs marked a significant shift in the league's postseason structure, abandoning conference-based seeding in favor of an overall 1-through-8 ranking of the top eight teams by regular-season record. This new format, approved in January 2016, featured single-elimination games for the first two rounds to determine semifinal matchups, followed by best-of-five series for both the semifinals and finals, with a 2-2-1 home-court advantage. The change aimed to increase competitiveness and balance by eliminating geographic divisions in playoff qualification, allowing the strongest teams to face off earlier.[95] In the first round on September 21, the No. 5 Atlanta Dream defeated the No. 8 Seattle Storm 94-85, while the No. 6 Phoenix Mercury edged the No. 7 Indiana Fever 89-78, both in single-elimination contests hosted by the higher seeds. The top four seeds— Minnesota Lynx (No. 1), Los Angeles Sparks (No. 2), New York Liberty (No. 3), and Chicago Sky (No. 4)—advanced directly to the second round with byes. There, on September 24-25, the No. 4 Sky upset the Dream 108-98, and the No. 6 Mercury stunned the No. 3 Liberty 101-94 (OT), setting up the semifinals with the Lynx facing the Mercury and the Sparks taking on the Sky.[96][97] The semifinals, the first best-of-five series under the revamped format, delivered competitive play. The top-seeded Lynx swept the Mercury 3-0, winning 113-95 in Game 1, 96-86 in Game 2, and 82-67 in Game 3, powered by Maya Moore's scoring prowess. Meanwhile, the No. 2 Sparks overcame the Sky 3-1, dropping Game 3 (70-66) but dominating the others, including a 95-75 clincher in Game 4, led by Candace Parker's all-around contributions. These series highlighted the format's emphasis on extended matchups, contrasting prior years' shorter conference rounds.[98][99][100] The finals pitted the Lynx against the Sparks in a best-of-five thriller, with the Sparks claiming their third championship by winning 3-2. After a narrow 78-76 loss in Game 1, Minnesota evened the series with a 79-60 blowout in Game 2; Los Angeles responded with 92-75 and 79-85 splits in Games 3 and 4 before sealing the title in Game 5, 77-76, on Nneka Ogwumike's game-winning layup with 3.1 seconds left. Candace Parker earned Finals MVP honors, averaging 16.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists across the series. The tight contests, especially the dramatic finale, underscored the new format's potential for high-stakes drama.[101][102][103]2015 season
The 2015 WNBA playoffs marked the postseason for the league's 19th season, featuring eight teams divided evenly between the Eastern and Western Conferences, with the top four from each advancing to a best-of-three conference semifinal series.[104] This structure highlighted a balanced conference competition, as both sides sent competitive squads to the later rounds, culminating in the Minnesota Lynx securing their third championship in five years by defeating the Indiana Fever in the Finals.[105] The playoffs showcased standout performances, including Maya Moore's scoring prowess for the Lynx, where she led all players with 234 points across the postseason.[104] In the Eastern Conference semifinals, the top-seeded New York Liberty overcame the fourth-seeded Washington Mystics in a hard-fought three-game series, winning 2-1 after dropping the opener 83-86 but rallying with victories of 86-68 and 79-74.[104] Meanwhile, the third-seeded Indiana Fever upset the second-seeded Chicago Sky 2-1, bouncing back from a 77-72 loss in Game 1 to claim wins of 89-82 and a decisive 100-89 in Game 3.[104] The Western Conference semifinals saw the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx edge the fourth-seeded Los Angeles Sparks 2-1, prevailing in narrow fashion with scores of 67-65, a 81-71 loss, and a dominant 91-80 clincher.[104] The second-seeded Phoenix Mercury swept the fifth-seeded Tulsa Shock 2-0, posting decisive victories of 88-55 and 91-67 to advance efficiently.[104] The Eastern Conference Finals pitted the Liberty against the Fever, with Indiana prevailing 2-1 in a tense series: a 84-67 Liberty win in Game 1, followed by a 70-64 Fever response and a 66-51 clincher to reach the Finals.[104] In the West, the Lynx swept the Mercury 2-0, holding Phoenix to 60 points in Game 1 (67-60 win) and escaping with a 72-71 thriller in Game 2, thanks to late-game defense and key contributions from Moore.[104] These outcomes set up a rematch in the WNBA Finals between the Lynx and Fever, the second such meeting in four years. The best-of-five Finals series went the full distance, with the Lynx defeating the Fever 3-2 to claim the title.[106] Indiana took Game 1 75-69 at home, but Minnesota responded with a 77-71 win in Game 2, an 80-77 road victory in Game 3, and a 75-69 loss in Game 4 that forced a decisive fifth game.[106] In Game 5, the Lynx dominated 69-52, led by Sylvia Fowles' 20 points and 11 rebounds, earning her the Finals MVP award for her series-long impact on both ends of the court (97 total rebounds, second in the playoffs).[51] Moore's dominance was evident throughout, averaging 23.4 points per game in the Finals and providing clutch scoring that underscored the Lynx's balanced attack and defensive intensity.[106]| Round | Eastern Conference | Western Conference |
|---|---|---|
| Semifinals | Liberty def. Mystics 2-1 Fever def. Sky 2-1 | Lynx def. Sparks 2-1 Mercury def. Shock 2-0 |
| Finals | Fever def. Liberty 2-1 | Lynx def. Mercury 2-0 |
| WNBA Finals | Lynx def. Fever 3-2 (Fowles MVP) |
2014 season
The 2014 WNBA playoffs followed the traditional conference format, with the top four teams from each conference qualifying based on regular-season records. In the Eastern Conference, the Atlanta Dream earned the No. 1 seed with a 19-15 record, followed by the Indiana Fever (No. 2, 16-18), Washington Mystics (No. 3, 16-18), and Chicago Sky (No. 4, 15-19). The Western Conference featured the Phoenix Mercury as the top seed at 29-5, with the Minnesota Lynx second (25-9), San Antonio Stars third (17-17), and Los Angeles Sparks fourth (16-18).[33] The conference semifinals were best-of-three series. In the East, the fourth-seeded Chicago Sky upset the top-seeded Atlanta Dream 2-1, winning Game 3 81-80 on the road after dropping Game 2. The second-seeded Indiana Fever swept the third-seeded Washington Mystics 2-0. In the West, the top-seeded Phoenix Mercury swept the fourth-seeded Los Angeles Sparks 2-0 (91-71 in Game 1, 77-75 in Game 2), while the second-seeded Minnesota Lynx also swept the third-seeded San Antonio Stars 2-0 (88-84 in Game 1, 94-89 in Game 2).[107] The conference finals were best-of-five matchups. The Chicago Sky advanced by defeating the Indiana Fever 2-1 in the East, rallying from a 1-0 deficit with wins in Games 2 (86-84) and 3 (75-62). In the West, the Phoenix Mercury overcame the Minnesota Lynx 2-1, dropping Game 2 (82-77) but dominating Game 3 96-78 to reach the Finals for the first time since 2009. The WNBA Finals pitted the Mercury against the Sky in a best-of-five series under a 2-2-1 format, with Phoenix holding home-court advantage. The Mercury swept the series 3-0, winning Game 1 83-62, Game 2 97-68, and clinching Game 3 87-82 on the road despite Brittney Griner's absence due to a facial injury sustained in Game 2. Diana Taurasi earned Finals MVP honors, averaging 22.3 points per game and delivering 24 points in the decisive Game 3.[108][109][51][110] Phoenix's championship marked their third title in franchise history and highlighted their veteran leadership, as Taurasi's clutch scoring and the team's depth overcame the Lynx's defending champion status from 2013. The Sky's run to the Finals represented a breakthrough for the franchise, boosted by Elena Delle Donne's scoring but ultimately halted by Phoenix's defensive intensity.[33]2013 season
The 2013 WNBA playoffs featured the Minnesota Lynx securing their second championship in franchise history by sweeping the Atlanta Dream in the Finals, marking a dominant postseason run under the league's established two-conference format that had remained stable since the early 2010s.[111] The playoffs began with best-of-three conference semifinals, where top seeds advanced unevenly amid competitive matchups. In the Eastern Conference, the fourth-seeded Indiana Fever upset the top-seeded Chicago Sky 2-0, while the second-seeded Atlanta Dream edged the third-seeded Washington Mystics 2-1. In the Western Conference, the top-seeded Lynx dispatched the fourth-seeded Seattle Storm 2-0, and the third-seeded Phoenix Mercury overcame the second-seeded Los Angeles Sparks 2-1.[112] The conference finals shifted to best-of-five series, highlighting the Lynx's defensive prowess and the Dream's offensive resilience. The Lynx swept the Mercury 2-0, with standout performances from Maya Moore and Lindsay Whalen limiting Phoenix's scoring opportunities. In the East, the Dream swept the Fever 2-0, advancing behind Angel McCoughtry's scoring outbursts to reach their second consecutive Finals appearance.[111] In the best-of-five WNBA Finals, the Lynx defeated the Dream 3-0, completing the first playoff sweep for a champion since the league's inception and solidifying their emerging dynasty with back-to-back Finals berths. Game 1 ended 84-59 in Minnesota, followed by an 88-63 victory in Game 2, and a 86-77 clincher in Game 3. Maya Moore was named Finals MVP, averaging 19.3 points per game and providing key contributions in all facets. This marked the Dream's second straight Finals loss to the Lynx, underscoring Minnesota's repeated dominance over Eastern opponents.[111][113]2012 season
The 2012 WNBA playoffs featured eight teams competing in a best-of-three conference semifinal format, followed by best-of-three conference finals and a best-of-five WNBA Finals, a structure in place since 2003. The Indiana Fever, seeded second in the Eastern Conference with a 22-12 regular-season record, emerged as champions, defeating the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx 3-1 in the Finals to claim their first title in franchise history. This postseason highlighted strong defensive play across both conferences, with the Fever's balanced attack led by forward Tamika Catchings proving decisive.[114][115] In the Eastern Conference semifinals, the top-seeded Connecticut Sun swept the fourth-seeded New York Liberty 2-0, winning Game 1 65-60 on September 27 and Game 2 75-62 on September 29. Meanwhile, the second-seeded Fever overcame the third-seeded Atlanta Dream 2-1, dropping the opener 66-75 on September 28 before rallying with a 103-88 victory in Game 2 on September 30 and clinching 75-64 at home on October 2. The Western Conference semifinals saw the top-seeded Lynx, who finished 27-7 in the regular season, defeat the fourth-seeded Seattle Storm 2-1, including a narrow 73-72 Game 3 win on October 2 after losing Game 2 79-86. The second-seeded Los Angeles Sparks swept the third-seeded San Antonio Silver Stars 2-0, securing the series with an 89-75 victory in Game 2 on September 30.[115] The Eastern Conference Finals pitted the Sun against the Fever in a best-of-three series, where Indiana upset the higher seed 2-1. The Sun took Game 1 76-64 on October 5, but the Fever responded with a 78-76 road win in Game 2 on October 8 and sealed the series 87-71 in Game 3 on October 11, advancing behind Catchings' scoring and rebounding prowess. In the Western Conference Finals, the Lynx dominated the Sparks 2-0, winning 94-77 in Game 1 on October 4 and 80-79 in a tight Game 2 on October 7, showcasing their league-best regular-season defense that limited opponents to under 70 points per game on average.[115] The WNBA Finals matched the Fever against the Lynx, with Indiana prevailing 3-1 to capture the championship. The series opened with a 76-70 Fever win in Minnesota on October 14, followed by a Lynx 83-71 victory in Game 2 on October 17. Indiana then took command, defeating Minnesota 76-59 at home in Game 3 on October 19 and clinching the title 87-78 in Game 4 on October 21 before a sold-out crowd at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Tamika Catchings was named Finals MVP, averaging 18.8 points and 9.3 rebounds per game while providing veteran leadership in the Fever's first championship run. This victory marked a pivotal moment for the franchise, ending the Lynx's bid to repeat as 2011 champions.[116][51]| Round | Eastern Conference | Western Conference |
|---|---|---|
| Semifinals | Connecticut Sun def. New York Liberty 2-0 Indiana Fever def. Atlanta Dream 2-1 | Minnesota Lynx def. Seattle Storm 2-1 Los Angeles Sparks def. San Antonio Silver Stars 2-0 |
| Conference Finals | Indiana Fever def. Connecticut Sun 2-1 | Minnesota Lynx def. Los Angeles Sparks 2-0 |
| WNBA Finals | Indiana Fever def. Minnesota Lynx 3-1 (MVP: Tamika Catchings) |
2011 season
The 2011 WNBA playoffs featured the top four teams from each conference competing in a best-of-three semifinal series, followed by best-of-three conference finals and a best-of-five WNBA Finals, marking the second year of the format reintroduced in 2010.[117] The Minnesota Lynx, seeded first in the Western Conference with a league-best 27-7 regular-season record, emerged as champions, defeating the Atlanta Dream 3-0 in the Finals to claim their first title in franchise history.[118] This postseason highlighted the Lynx's defensive prowess and the impact of rookie Maya Moore, who averaged 12.5 points per game while earning All-Star honors in her debut season.[117] In the Eastern Conference semifinals, the top-seeded Indiana Fever swept the fourth-seeded New York Liberty 2-1, with key wins including a 74-62 Game 3 victory at home led by Tamika Catchings' 20 points and 10 rebounds. Meanwhile, the second-seeded Atlanta Dream dispatched the third-seeded Connecticut Sun 2-0, holding them to under 70 points in both games, including a 69-64 clincher where Angel McCoughtry scored 23 points.[118] In the Western Conference semifinals, the Lynx overcame the fourth-seeded San Antonio Silver Stars 2-1, rallying from a Game 1 loss with strong performances from Seimone Augustus (22 points in Game 2). The second-seeded Phoenix Mercury also advanced 2-1 over the third-seeded Seattle Storm, winning Game 3 77-75 on the road behind Diana Taurasi's 25 points.[117] The Eastern Conference Finals pitted the Fever against the Dream, with Atlanta upsetting Indiana 2-1; the Dream's 94-77 Game 2 rout, powered by McCoughtry's 32 points, shifted momentum, leading to an 83-67 Game 3 win. In the West, the Lynx dominated the Mercury 2-0, securing a 95-67 Game 1 blowout and a 103-86 Game 2 victory, where Maya Moore contributed 19 points in the series-clinching effort.[118] The WNBA Finals showcased the Lynx's depth against the Dream's offensive firepower. Minnesota swept Atlanta 3-0, starting with an 88-74 Game 1 win at home, followed by a thrilling 101-95 Game 2 overtime victory where Augustus scored 32 points, and closing with a 73-67 Game 3 road win despite McCoughtry's 24 points. Seimone Augustus was named Finals MVP, averaging 23.3 points per game in the series. The Lynx's championship run established them as a rising dynasty, bolstered by Moore's rookie contributions and veteran leadership from Augustus and Lindsay Whalen.[51][117]| Series | Matchup | Result | Key Scores |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Semifinals | Indiana Fever (1) vs. New York Liberty (4) | Fever 2-1 | 74-72, 72-87, 72-62 |
| East Semifinals | Atlanta Dream (2) vs. Connecticut Sun (3) | Dream 2-0 | 89-84, 69-64 |
| West Semifinals | Minnesota Lynx (1) vs. San Antonio Silver Stars (4) | Lynx 2-1 | 76-93, 97-82, 86-84 |
| West Semifinals | Phoenix Mercury (2) vs. Seattle Storm (3) | Mercury 2-1 | 80-61, 83-92, 75-77 |
| East Finals | Atlanta Dream vs. Indiana Fever | Dream 2-1 | 74-82, 94-77, 83-67 |
| West Finals | Minnesota Lynx vs. Phoenix Mercury | Lynx 2-0 | 95-67, 103-86 |
| WNBA Finals | Minnesota Lynx vs. Atlanta Dream | Lynx 3-0 | 88-74, 101-95 (OT), 73-67 |