Dominique Malonga #14 of the Seattle Storm and A'ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces vie for a rebound 

Seattle Storm v Las Vegas Aces - Game Three

Jackie Young #0 of the Las Vegas Aces shoots the go-ahead basket against Nneka Ogwumike #3, Ezi Magbegor #13 and Gabby Williams #5 of the Seattle Storm

Chelsea Gray #12 of the Las Vegas Aces celebrates with teammates after her team's 74-73 victory against the Seattle Storm

 Skylar Diggins #4 of the Seattle Storm looks on against the Las Vegas Aces

A'ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces celebrates during the game against the Seattle Storm

Nneka Ogwumike #3 and Gabby Williams #5 of the Seattle Storm plays defense during the game against the Las Vegas Aces 

Allisha Gray #15 of the Atlanta Dream is introduced prior to game three

Indiana Fever v Atlanta Dream - Game Three

Kelsey Mitchell #0 of the Indiana Fever handles the ball

Naz Hillmon #00 of the Atlanta Dream has this shot blocked by Aerial Powers #23 of the Indiana Fever

Rhyne Howard #10 of the Atlanta Dream celebrates during the game against the Indiana Fever

Lexie Hull #10 of the Indiana Fever and Jordin Canada #3 of the Atlanta Dream look on during first quarter

Natasha Howard #6 of the Indiana Fever celebrates after winning game three in the WNBA Playoffs

2025 Playoffs

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		<h2>Gallery Block</h2>
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Photo Gallery: 2025 WNBA Playoffs, First Round (9/18/2025)

Betting + Odds

The 2025 WNBA Playoffs are off to a hot start, with dominating wins and nail-biting finishes. The Minnesota Lynx wasted no time, sweeping the Golden State Valkyries to advance to the semifinals, while the Indiana Fever pulled off an upset to knock out the Atlanta Dream. The Las Vegas Aces edged the Seattle Storm in a thrilling Game 3 that came down to the final seconds, and the New York Liberty and Phoenix Mercury will close out Round 1 with a deciding Game 3 on Friday.
Let’s break down the latest <a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/basketball/wnba">WNBA Finals odds,</a> preview Friday and Sunday’s matchups, and highlight my best bets on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Stay locked into the playoffs with game previews, best bets, and predictions all postseason long on <a href="https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/">DraftKingsNetwork.com!</a>
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<a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/basketball/wnba?category=team-futures&amp;subcategory=champion">2025 WNBA Finals Odds</a>
The Favorite: MIN Lynx (-130)
The favorite to win the Finals coming into the postseason hasn’t changed one bit, with the Lynx (-130) holding strong. Minnesota opened with a 101–72 blowout over Golden State before facing real resistance in Game 2, when the Valkyries built a 17-point lead in the third quarter. But the Lynx showed why they’re the top seed, powering back in the fourth with the balance, depth, and relentlessness that has defined their season to secure the sweep. Backed by the league’s best offense and defense, Minnesota looks every bit like a team built for another championship run.
The Aces (+170), meanwhile, remain right in the hunt. A’ja Wilson is playing beyond MVP level, pouring in nearly 40 points in Thursday’s elimination win. Jackie Young is averaging 21.5 points this postseason, while Jewell Lloyd continues to light it up as a scoring threat of her own.
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WNBA Best Bets and Weekend Preview
New York Liberty at Phoenix Mercury — Friday, September 19th, 9:00 PM ET
The Liberty and Mercury split the first two games in very different fashion. New York escaped with a 76-69 overtime win in Game 1 behind big nights from Natasha Cloud and Breanna Stewart, though turnovers nearly cost them late. Phoenix answered in Game 2, dominating from the second quarter on and rolling to an 86-60 win as Alyssa Thomas, Satou Sabally, Kahleah Copper, DeWanna Bonner, and Kathryn Westbeld all hit double figures. Stewart’s lingering knee issue was evident, and New York’s offense never found a rhythm.
That sets up a decisive Game 3 on Friday in New York. I’m leaning toward the Mercury here — their balanced scoring, defensive intensity, and ability to ride momentum from their hot shooting in Game 2 give them the edge. On the other side, I’m fading Breanna Stewart; her knee looks too limiting for New York to overcome in a win-or-go-home spot. With Phoenix surging and New York searching for answers, the Mercury feel like the better play to advance.
Lean: PHO -2.5
<a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/basketball/wnba?category=player-points&amp;subcategory=points-o-u">PICK: Breanna Stewart Under 13.5 Points (-120)</a>
Indiana Fever at Las Vegas Aces — Sunday, September 21st, 3 PM ET
The Indiana Fever showed grit in their first-round series with Atlanta, bouncing back from a rough Game 1 to dominate Game 2 behind Aliyah Boston’s inside presence and Kelsey Mitchell’s scoring. Mitchell stayed hot with 24 points in Game 3, while Boston’s go-ahead bucket sealed the upset and gave Indiana its first playoff series win in a decade. A tough Round 2 matchup now awaits.
The Aces punched their ticket to the semis with a thrilling 74–73 Game 3 win over Seattle, capped by Jackie Young’s clutch putback with 12 seconds left. A’ja Wilson has been unstoppable, averaging 29.3 points and 8.6 rebounds in Round 1, highlighted by a 38-point Game 3. Young’s consistency — double figures in 12 straight games — combined with Chelsea Gray’s playmaking and Wilson’s dominance makes Las Vegas a daunting opponent for anyone.
With the Aces proving to be dominant at home, I&#8217;m leaning towards the two-time champs to pull out a Game 1 W on Sunday.
Lean: LV ML
<a href="%20Jackie%20Young%20Over%2015.5%20Points%20(-120)">PICK: Jackie Young Over 15.5 Points (-120)</a>
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All odds and lines provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and are subject to change.
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2025 WNBA Playoffs: Updated Finals Odds, Best Bets on DraftKings Sportsbook

AP Recap

LAS VEGAS (AP) — A’ja Wilson scored 38 points to tie a playoff career high, <a class="Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement" href="https://x.com/LVAces/status/1968885139502420165" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-gtm-enhancement-style="LinkEnhancementA">Jackie Young had a go-ahead follow shot with 12.4 seconds left</a> and the Las Vegas Aces beat the Seattle Storm 74-73 on Thursday night to secure a spot in the WNBA semifinals.
Wilson, who had 25 points in the second half, had a layup roll off the rim with 25 seconds left and <a class="Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement" href="https://x.com/espn/status/1968884610193903826" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-gtm-enhancement-style="LinkEnhancementA">Erica Wheeler raced the other way</a> on a 2-on-1 break with Skylar Diggins. Wheeler pulled up in the lane to sink a jumper to give Seattle a 73-72 lead with 18 seconds remaining.
Wilson missed another shot, but Young was there for the putback. After a timeout to get to midcourt, Wheeler had a good look from the free throw line that hit off the back rim and Seattle could not get off another shot before the buzzer.
Las Vegas secured its seventh consecutive semifinal appearance. The second-seeded Aces advance to play on Sunday against No. 6 <a class="Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement" href="https://apnews.com/article/fever-dream-score-6f4823e740c39c107689b3487377633a" data-gtm-enhancement-style="LinkEnhancementA">Indiana, which eliminated Atlanta earlier</a>.
Young finished with 14 points and Chelsea Gray had 12 points and eight assists for Las Vegas. Wilson, who was 14 of 26 from the field and 10 of 11 at the line, scored 30-plus points in a playoff game for the sixth time in her career — tied for the second-most in WNBA history.
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Nneka Ogwumike scored 14 of her 16 points in the second half for Seattle. Wheeler also scored 16 and Diggins added 13.
Diggins made a wide-open 3-pointer from the corner with 1:14 remaining to give Seattle a 71-70 lead, its first since it was 24-23. After a timeout, Wilson made a shot in the lane to regain the lead.
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Game Recap: Seattle Storm vs. Las Vegas Aces (First Round, Game 3)

First Round Top Plays

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Top Plays of the Day, 9/18/25

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Highlights From Chelsea Gray 8-Assist Game

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A'ja Wilson with 38 Points vs. Seattle Storm

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Top Plays of the Day, 09/18/2025

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Las Vegas Aces vs. Seattle Storm - Game Highlights

Awards

NEW YORK, Sept. 18, 2025 – Minnesota Lynx forward Alanna Smith and Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson have been named the 2025 Kia WNBA Co-Defensive Players of the Year, the WNBA announced today. This is the first Kia WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Award for Smith, and the third for Wilson (2022, 2023).
Smith and Wilson received 29 votes each from a national panel of 72 sportswriters and broadcasters. Seattle Storm guard Gabby Williams finished in second place with nine votes, Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas was third with three votes, and Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier was fourth with two votes.
This marks the first time in league history that the award has been shared by multiple players.
Smith, in her seventh WNBA season, started all 42 games she appeared in for Minnesota and averaged 26.6 minutes per game. A 2024 WNBA All-Defensive Second Team selection, Smith was instrumental in leading the Lynx to the No. 1 seed in the WNBA Playoffs presented by Google.
Anchoring the league’s top-ranked defense, Smith powered Minnesota to a league-best 97.5 defensive rating. She finished second overall in combined steals and blocks (135), ranked third in both blocks per game (1.9) and total blocks (80), and tied for 10th in total steals (55).
Drafted eighth overall in 2019, Smith has developed into a defensive cornerstone for the Lynx, helping lead the team to the semifinals following a 2-0 series victory against the Golden State Valkyries in the first round.
Wilson, in her eighth season, started all 40 games she appeared in for Las Vegas while averaging 31.2 minutes per game. She helped the Aces secure the No. 2 seed in the WNBA Playoffs following a 16-game win streak to close the regular season. A three-time All-Defensive First Team honoree, Wilson now adds a third Kia WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award to her decorated trophy case.
Wilson led the WNBA in blocks per game (2.3), total rebounds (407), defensive rebounds (316), and combined steals and blocks (156). She also ranked second in total blocks (92) and rebounds per game (10.2). Demonstrating her all-around defensive impact, Wilson ranked third in total steals (64) and fourth in steals per game (1.6).
Already one of the most dominant two-way players in league history, Wilson also delivered on the offensive end in 2025, leading the WNBA in total points (937), points per game (23.4), field goals made (332), and free throws made (248).
Behind the efforts of Smith and Wilson, Minnesota and Las Vegas have earned the top two seeds in the WNBA Playoffs presented by Google.
In honor of being named the 2025 Kia WNBA Co-Defensive Players of the Year, Smith and Wilson will each receive $5,150 and a trophy designed to commemorate the achievement.
Below are the voting results for the 2025 Kia WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Award and a list of past recipients.
2025 KIA WNBA DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR VOTING RESULTS
<table style="border-collapse: collapse;width: 100%;height: 144px">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 33.3333%;height: 24px">Player</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%;height: 24px">Team</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%;height: 24px">Votes</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 33.3333%;height: 24px">Alanna Smith</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%;height: 24px">Minnesota Lynx</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%;height: 24px">29</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 33.3333%;height: 24px">A’ja Wilson</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%;height: 24px">Las Vegas Aces</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%;height: 24px">29</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 33.3333%;height: 24px">Gabby Williams</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%;height: 24px">Seattle Storm</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%;height: 24px">9</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 33.3333%;height: 24px">Alyssa Thomas</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%;height: 24px">Phoenix Mercury</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%;height: 24px">3</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 33.3333%;height: 24px">Napheesa Collier</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%;height: 24px">Minnesota Lynx</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%;height: 24px">2</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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KIA WNBA DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS
1997 – Teresa Weatherspoon, New York
1998 – Teresa Weatherspoon, New York
1999 – Yolanda Griffith, Sacramento
2000 – Sheryl Swoopes, Houston
2001 – Debbie Black, Miami
2002 – Sheryl Swoopes, Houston
2003 – Sheryl Swoopes, Houston
2004 – Lisa Leslie, Los Angeles
2005 – Tamika Catchings, Indiana
2006 – Tamika Catchings, Indiana
2007 – Lauren Jackson, Seattle
2008 – Lisa Leslie, Los Angeles
2009 – Tamika Catchings, Indiana
2010 – Tamika Catchings, Indiana
2011 – Sylvia Fowles, Chicago
2012 – Tamika Catchings, Indiana
2013 – Sylvia Fowles, Chicago
2014 – Brittney Griner, Phoenix
2015 – Brittney Griner, Phoenix
2016 – Sylvia Fowles, Minnesota
2017 – Alana Beard, Los Angeles
2018 – Alana Beard, Los Angeles
2019 – Natasha Howard, Seattle
2020 – Candace Parker, Los Angeles
2021 – Sylvia Fowles, Minnesota
2022 – A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas
2023 – A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas
2024 – Napheesa Collier, Minnesota
2025 – Alanna Smith, Minnesota (Co-Winner)
2025 – A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas (Co-Winner)
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About Kia America
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys. Kia is recognized as one of the TIME World&#8217;s Most Sustainable Companies of 2024. Kia serves as the &#8220;Official Automotive Partner&#8221; of the WNBA and NBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America*. 
For media information, including photography, visit <a href="http://www.kiamedia.com">www.kiamedia.com</a>. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__http:/www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert__;!!PMETyfE!LQ_AWgu_xS8m2ZdpIVOeFIM6CjzB7GXan16p-xQBBSMFDqSqBaxovepbT109Px9yCDy8QlykRUjGqeA$">www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert</a> 
* Select trims of the 2025 all-electric EV6 and EV9 all-electric three-row SUV, Sportage (excludes HEV and PHEV models), Sorento (excludes HEV and PHEV models), and Telluride are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

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Minnesota Lynx's Alanna Smith and Las Vegas Aces’ A'ja Wilson Named 2025 Kia WNBA Co-Defensive Players of the Year

Lexie Hull #10 of the Indiana Fever showing emotion during the game vs. the Atlanta Dream. 

Atlanta Dream v Indiana Fever - Game Two

Odyssey Sims #1 of the Indiana Fever attempts a lay up vs. the Atlanta Dream. 

The t-shirt that the Indiana Fever is giving away at the stadium during Round 1 Game 2.

Kelsey Mitchell #0 of the Indiana Fever attempts a shot vs. the Atlanta Dream.

Rhyne Howard #10 of the Atlanta Dream attempts a shot vs. the Indiana Fever.

Jordin Canada #3 of the Atlanta Dream attempts a shot vs. the Indiana Fever.

Allisha Gray #15 of the Atlanta Dream attempts a shot vs. the Indiana Fever.

Naz Hillmon #00 of the Atlanta Dream attempts a shot vs. the Indiana Fever.

Erica Wheeler #17 of the Seattle Storm showing emotion after Game 2 vs. the Las Vegas Aces.

Las Vegas Aces v Seattle Storm - Game Two

Ezi Magbegor #13 of the Seattle Storm looking to pass vs. the Las Vegas Aces.

Skylar Diggins #4 of the Seattle Storm showing emotion after Game 2 vs. the Las Vegas Aces.

A'ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces blocks a shot vs. the Seattle Storm.

A'ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces pauses for a moment before the game against the Seattle Storm at Climate Pledge Arena. 

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