WNBA playoffs 2026: How the Liberty swept the Lynx and the Fever stayed alive

Key Points:

• The Indiana Fever defeated the Las Vegas Aces 99-89 at home, forcing a decisive Game 3 in their first-round 2026 WNBA playoff series, with Caitlin Clark contributing 27 points and 15 assists despite fouling out late.
• The New York Liberty, seeded eighth, upset the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx 87-71, becoming the first No. 8 seed in WNBA history to eliminate a No. 1 seed and advance to the semifinals.
• Liberty stars Jonquel Jones, Breanna Stewart, and Sabrina Ionescu combined for 70 points or assists, overpowering the Lynx, who led for only 3 minutes and 23 seconds in the series before being swept.
• Indiana's improved defense in Game 2 limited Las Vegas' high-powered offense, particularly containing MVP front-runner A'ja Wilson, who scored 22 points but showed frustration and was assessed a technical foul.
• Both series highlight the importance of star performances, with Indiana's Clark and Mitchell stepping up after a Game 1 loss, while the Liberty's balanced attack and defensive intensity sealed their historic victory over Minnesota.