WNBA playoff takeaways: Breanna Stewart breaks former superstar’s record while the Lynx fall short

On Sunday, the Associated Press’ Doug Feinberg reported Lee attended his second straight Liberty playoff game, donning an Ionescu jersey. She scored 21 points and went 3-of-6 from three-point range. 

Lee was also at the Liberty’s opening-round clincher over the Atlanta Dream, in which Ionescu recorded a postseason-high 36 points and shot 5-of-11 from beyond the arc. 

Following Sunday’s win over the Aces, Ionescu told the media Lee was one of the first people to call her when the Liberty drafted her No. 1 overall in 2020. She likely appreciated the gesture, which may explain why she shines when he’s at the Barclays Center. 

Is Game 2 on Tuesday a must-win for the Aces? 

While there’s still plenty of time for the two-time defending champions, history suggests dropping the first game could spell trouble for Vegas. According to ESPN’s Michael Voepel, teams that win Game 1 in a best-of-five WNBA series prevail 77% of the time (27-8).

Additionally, the Aces looked out of sync in Game 1. They had 11 turnovers and shot 7-of-25 from three. 

Per Feinberg, the Aces have only trailed in a playoff series once over the past two years. In 2022, they lost their first game against the Seattle Storm before winning three consecutive games. Perhaps that’s why head coach Becky Hammon still seems confident. 

“We had to beat [the Storm] three games in a row. We’ve had our backs against the wall before,” Hammon said in a postgame news conference. 

Sun guard Marina Mabrey lived up to her nickname 

Mabrey “Money” Mabrey finished seventh in the WNBA in three-pointers made (98 in 40 games) during the regular season. The 28-year-old is maintaining her hot hand in the postseason. 

In the Sun’s 73-70 victory over the Lynx, Mabrey scored 20 points and went 6-of-11 from three-point land. She is shooting 42.4% from the three-point line through three playoff games.  

Mabrey’s ability to shoot from three forces defenses to focus on her, creating opportunities for others. This was evident against Minnesota, as Connecticut forwards Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner and guard DiJonai Carrington combined for 40 points.

Lynx forward Napheesa Collier still gives them a chance to win the series

Before the game, Collier was awarded with 2024 Defensive Player of the Year. Even though the Lynx lost, the four-time All-Star showed why she was a deserving winner. 

During the loss, Collier was second on the Lynx in defensive rebounds and had two steals. She also led the team in points scored (19) and went 5-of-5 from the free-throw line.  

The Lynx shot 25% from three against the Sun. Assuming they correct this and Collier keeps thriving, they could rebound in Game 2 on Tuesday.