WNBA Semifinals: Stewart leads Liberty past Aces, Collier and Lynx hold off Clark's Fever in Game 1
Sunday doubleheader finals: New York Liberty defeat Las Vegas Aces 87-77 behind Stewart's 34 points; Minnesota Lynx edge Indiana Fever 88-82 despite Clark's 22 points and 9 assists.
Game 1: Liberty 87, Aces 77 (Stewart 34 pts, Ionescu 21 pts); Lynx 88, Fever 82 (Collier 28 pts; Clark 22 pts, 9 ast)
Why this one matters: Championship Sunday delivered a blockbuster opening to the 2026 WNBA Semifinals as the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx both protected home floor to claim vital 1-0 series leads.
At Barclays Center, Breanna Stewart produced a postseason masterclass against the two-time defending champion Las Vegas Aces. Stewart poured in 34 points on 12-of-19 shooting, collected eight rebounds, and blocked four shots. Sabrina Ionescu added 21 points, knocking down five three-pointers to keep A'ja Wilson (21 points, six blocks) and the Aces at bay in an 87-77 victory.
Two hours later at Target Center, the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx were pushed to the brink by Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever before pulling away late for an 88-82 win. Clark dazzled with 22 points and nine assists, teaming with Kelsey Mitchell (21 points) to tie the game at 82 with under three minutes remaining. But Defensive Player of the Year Napheesa Collier took over down the stretch, scoring four consecutive points and stripping Clark on a key drive to ice the contest.
The stakes
1-0 series leads in the best-of-five semifinals with spots in the 2026 WNBA Finals on the line.
The rivalry angle
Stewart avenges the 2023 Finals Game 4 loss with a dominant display, while Collier's tactical discipline cools Indiana's rookie sensation.
Players who could decide it
Dominated the paint and perimeter with 34 points, eight rebounds, and four blocks in New York's Game 1 triumph.
Anchored Minnesota with 28 points, six rebounds, and crucial defensive stops in the closing minutes.
Did you know?
- !Breanna Stewart's 34 points set a New York Liberty franchise record for points in a playoff semifinal game.
- !The Minnesota Lynx held the Indiana Fever scoreless over the final 2:14 of Game 1 to secure the opening win.
- !Caitlin Clark recorded 22 points and 9 assists, surpassing 50 assists in her debut postseason run.
Head to head
The Liberty take a 1-0 series lead over the Aces, while the Lynx take a 1-0 series lead over the Fever.
Sources
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