The opening weekend of the WNBA’s 2025 season brought excitement as established teams and emerging talents set the tone for the year. The anticipated championship contenders made their mark early, particularly the New York Liberty, Minnesota Lynx, and Indiana Fever, showcasing both their depth and the impact of new players.
The Liberty demonstrated their dominance, leveraging their size with a formidable frontcourt consisting of 6-foot-4 Breanna Stewart and 6-foot-6 Jonquel Jones, both of whom excelled in scoring and rebounding. Their addition of perimeter defender Natasha Cloud proved crucial in their victory over Las Vegas, allowing them to capitalize on favorable matchups.
The Fever, addressing previous defensive shortcomings, maintained their offensive firepower with dynamic plays between Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston. Their chemistry was evident as they executed effective pick-and-roll plays, while veteran players like DeWanna Bonner also contributed significantly to their scoring efforts.
Meanwhile, the Lynx achieved two road victories by sticking to a game plan built on movement and trust in their system. Napheesa Collier stood out, scoring 34 points in their opener, demonstrating her ability to lead the team even in the absence of fellow All-Star Kayla McBride.
The Washington Mystics and Phoenix Mercury also performed well, though each team is at a different stage in their competitive journey. Phoenix’s new strategy of creating space and empowering players like Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally resonated well in their opener against Seattle, while Brittney Sykes emerged as a key player for the Mystics, leading the league in scoring.
Newcomers made a notable impression, including Washington’s Sonia Citron, whose strong performances have set a promising precedent for her rookie season. Her ability to excel defensively while contributing offensively solidifies her role as a multifaceted player.
Looking ahead, a thrilling matchup on Saturday will see the New York Liberty face off against the Indiana Fever, a game that could hint at potential finals contenders based on their impressive starts to the season. Both teams are stacked with talent and will be vying to maintain their early momentum.
Overall, the opening weekend has laid the groundwork for what promises to be an exhilarating WNBA season, with new and returning stars ready to elevate the competition. There’s optimism among fans and players alike as they anticipate how the chemistry and strategies will evolve in the coming weeks.