The 2024 WNBA playoffs resumed with Game 1 of both semifinal series on Sunday. In the opener, the New York Liberty put together a complete performance to take down the Las Vegas Aces, 87-77. Breanna Stewart led the way with 34 points as the Liberty remained undefeated in the playoffs. Later on, it was a low-scoring affair between the Minnesota Lynx and Connecticut Sun. With less than a minute to play, Alyssa Thomas scored back-to-back buckets to lift the Sun to a narrow 73-70 victory. She finished with 17 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists.
The rematch of last year’s WNBA Finals between the top-seeded Liberty and two-time defending champion Aces will likely continue to be the most anticipated matchup of the postseason, however the Sun was the first team this postseason to record a road win and that could figure to be huge in the battle of the league’s two best defensive teams.
Playoff format
The teams will play Game 2 at the same venues Tuesday night before moving to Las Vegas and Connecticut for Game 3 and a possible Game 4. Game 5, if necessary, would be played back in the same arena for Games 1 and 2. The 2-2-1 format will be the same for the WNBA Finals.
Semifinals (best-of-five)
All times Eastern
Sunday, Sept. 29 (Game 1s)
- Liberty 87, Aces 77 (Liberty, 1-0)
- Sun 73, Lynx 70 (Sun, 1-0)
Tuesday, Oct. 1 (Game 2s)
- No. 4 Las Vegas Aces at No. 1 New York Liberty, 7:30 p.m. — ESPN2
- No. 3 Connecticut Sun at No. 2 Minnesota Lynx, 9:30 p.m. — ESPN2
Friday, Oct. 4 (Game 3s)
- No. 2 Minnesota Lynx at No. 3 Connecticut Sun, 7:30 p.m. — ESPN2
- No. 1 New York Liberty at No. 4 Las Vegas Aces, 9:30 p.m. — ESPN2
Sunday, Oct. 6 (Game 4s)*
- No. 1 New York Liberty at No. 4 Las Vegas Aces, TBD — TBD
- No. 2 Minnesota Lynx at No. 3 Connecticut Sun, TBD — TBD
Tuesday, Oct. 8 (Game 5s)*
- No. 4 Las Vegas Aces at No. 1 New York Liberty, TBD — ESPN2
- No. 3 Connecticut Sun at No. 2 Minnesota Lynx, TBD — ESPN2
*If necessary
Finals (best-of-five)
All information to be announced
First round (best-of-three)
Sunday, Sept. 22 (Game 1s)
- Liberty 83, Dream 69 (Liberty, 1-0)
- Sun 93, Fever 69 (Sun, 1-0)
- Lynx 102, Mercury 95 (Lynx, 1-0)
- Aces 78, Storm 67 (Aces, 1-0)
Tuesday, Sept. 24 (Game 2s)
- Liberty 91, Dream 82 (Liberty win, 2-0)
- Aces 83, Storm 76 (Aces win, 2-0)
Wednesday, Sept. 25 (Game 2s)
- Sun 87, Fever 81 (Sun win, 2-0)
- Lynx 101, Mercury 88 (Lynx win, 2-0)
