The 2025 WNBA playoff winners and losers list is here, and it’s packed with heart, grit, and some surprising drama. From the Seattle Storm pulling off a historic comeback to the Indiana Fever proving once again that resilience is their secret weapon, fans were treated to a night of basketball that had everything, buzzer-beaters, defensive battles, and even a little off-court controversy.
Seattle Storm Roars Back in Game 2
When the Seattle Storm fell behind by 14 points against the defending champion Las Vegas Aces, many fans feared another early playoff exit. But Skylar Diggins and Nneka Ogwumike had other plans. Diggins dropped 26 points while Ogwumike added 24, leading the Storm to an 86-83 victory that forced a decisive Game 3 in Las Vegas.
This win was more than just a scoreline, it was Seattle’s second-largest playoff comeback in franchise history. Diggins’ clutch jumper with less than five seconds left sealed the deal and sent the home crowd into a frenzy.
Fever Fight Back Despite Injuries
The Indiana Fever entered the postseason with a roster decimated by injuries, including losing All-Star Caitlin Clark. Yet, the team showed the same determination that carried them through a challenging regular season. In a must-win battle against the Atlanta Dream, the Fever cruised to a 77-60 victory.
Kelsey Mitchell scored 19 points, Aliyah Boston chipped in 15, and Natasha Howard added 12. Most impressively, Indiana’s defense shut down Atlanta’s perimeter shooting, holding the Dream to just 26% from beyond the arc. For Coach Stephanie White, the win was proof that belief and teamwork can overcome almost anything.
Winners of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs Night
- Kelsey Mitchell
With her team’s season on the line, Mitchell shined once again. Not only did she score 19 points, but her leadership allowed the Fever to dominate so thoroughly that she sat out the fourth quarter. Her poise under pressure shows why she’s the heartbeat of this team. - Fever Defense
The Dream entered the game as one of the league’s best 3-point shooting squads. But Indiana’s defense was suffocating, limiting Rhyne Howard to 0-for-4 from deep and holding Atlanta to just 5-of-19 overall. - Dominique Malonga
At only 19 years old, Malonga showed maturity beyond her years for the Storm. She finished with a double-double and scored a crucial go-ahead and-1 bucket in the final minute. Most notably, she held A’ja Wilson scoreless in the game’s closing stretch. - Skylar Diggins and Nneka Ogwumike
After struggling in Game 1, both veterans bounced back in a big way. Combining for 50 points and drilling eight three-pointers, their leadership and shot-making carried Seattle back into the series. - Seattle Storm Fans
Climate Pledge Arena was electric as the Storm clawed their way back into the game. Diggins admitted that the energy from the crowd gave the team the fuel they needed to complete the comeback.
Losers of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs Night
- Las Vegas Aces’ Streaks
The Aces were on the verge of tying the longest win streak in WNBA history, but Seattle’s win ended that run. They also lost their perfect 7-0 record in first-round playoff games under Coach Becky Hammon. - Aces’ 3-Point Shooting
After torching the nets in Game 1, the Aces struggled in Game 2, hitting just 7-of-19 from deep. Coach Hammon didn’t mince words, calling it “trash garbage at the 3-point line.” - Dream Guards Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray
After combining for 40 points in Game 1, the duo faltered badly in Game 2. They shot a combined 7-of-25 from the field, failing to provide the scoring punch Atlanta desperately needed. - Two Fever Fans
Unfortunately, not all of the night’s headlines were positive. Two Fever fans were ejected from Gainbridge Fieldhouse after reportedly saying something to Allisha Gray. The incident left the Dream guard visibly upset and cast a shadow over an otherwise celebratory night for Indiana fans.
What’s Next in the 2025 WNBA Playoffs
The Fever and Storm now both head into win-or-go-home Game 3s. Indiana travels to Atlanta, while Seattle faces the Aces in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, the Phoenix Mercury fight to stay alive against the New York Liberty, and the Golden State Valkyries battle the Minnesota Lynx.
If the first two nights are any indication, fans can expect more drama, resilience, and unforgettable moments as the postseason rolls on.
FAQs About the 2025 WNBA Playoffs
- Who were the biggest winners of the 2025 WNBA playoffs so far?
The Seattle Storm and Indiana Fever stand out as the biggest winners. Key players like Skylar Diggins, Nneka Ogwumike, and Kelsey Mitchell delivered clutch performances. - Why was Dominique Malonga’s performance special?
At 19 years old, she became the youngest player in league history to hit a go-ahead or game-winning basket in the final minute of a playoff game. - What streak did the Las Vegas Aces lose?
They ended their franchise-best win streak and lost their unbeaten record in first-round playoff games under Coach Hammon. - Why were Fever fans ejected during the game?
Two fans were removed after an interaction with Atlanta’s Allisha Gray. Details remain unclear, but Gray looked visibly shaken after the incident. - When are the decisive Game 3s?
The Fever face the Dream on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ET, while the Storm play the Aces later that night at 9:30 p.m. ET.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 WNBA playoff winners and losers recap shows why this league continues to capture hearts. From young stars like Dominique Malonga making history to veterans like Diggins and Ogwumike proving their value, the action is unmatched. Meanwhile, the Fever remind us that heart and resilience can carry a team through adversity. With Game 3s looming, fans are in for even more drama and unforgettable moments.
Disclaimer: This article is based on official reports and game recaps from the 2025 WNBA playoffs. It is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only.
