The 2025 WNBA season kicked off with a bang, offering fans a glimpse of what’s to come in the months ahead. Here are the key insights and highlights from the opening weekend:

Indiana Fever’s Defensive Improvement

Indiana Fever showcased a significantly improved defense in their dominant 93-58 victory over the Chicago Sky. With key additions like Natasha Howard and DeWanna Bonner, the Fever held the Sky to just 29.1% shooting and blocked 10 shots. Aliyah Boston led the charge with five blocks, while Caitlin Clark recorded a career-high four blocks. This defensive prowess sets a promising tone for the season.

New York Liberty’s Championship Form

The defending champions, New York Liberty, started strong with a 92-78 win over the Las Vegas Aces. Breanna Stewart was in top form, scoring 25 points on 10-of-14 shooting. Natasha Cloud’s all-around performance (22 points, 9 assists, 6 rebounds) highlighted her value to the team. The Liberty’s ability to dominate in the paint and share the ball effectively (27 assists on 35 field goals) signals their readiness to defend their title.

Minnesota Lynx’s Depth Boost

The return of Jessica Shepard has already made a significant impact for the Minnesota Lynx. Shepard, who missed the 2024 season, contributed 15 points and 8 rebounds in the season opener against the Dallas Wings. Her presence adds much-needed depth to the Lynx’s frontcourt, complementing Napheesa Collier and Alanna Smith.

Las Vegas Aces’ Work in Progress

The Las Vegas Aces struggled in their opener, particularly on defense. Coach Becky Hammon expressed concerns about the team’s ball movement and defensive lapses. Despite A’ja Wilson’s stellar performance (31 points, 16 rebounds), the Aces need more contributions from their supporting cast to compete at the highest level.

Phoenix Mercury’s Resilient Start

Despite injuries to key players, the Phoenix Mercury started the season with a commanding 22-point win over the Seattle Storm. Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas combined for 47 points, showcasing the team’s potential to make a deep playoff run.

Kelsey Plum’s Record-Breaking Debut

Kelsey Plum made history with a 37-point performance in the Los Angeles Sparks’ opener. Her strength and conditioning improvements were evident as she dominated both inside and outside the arc. Plum’s stellar play gives the Sparks hope for a successful season.

Washington Mystics’ Strong Start

The Washington Mystics, projected to finish near the bottom, surprised many with back-to-back wins over the Atlanta Dream and Connecticut Sun. Rookies Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen made immediate impacts, combining for 65 points and 31 rebounds in their first two games.

The opening weekend provided plenty of excitement and set the stage for an action-packed WNBA season. As teams continue to jell and key players find their rhythm, the competition is expected to intensify.