The 2024 playoffs will be the final season to use the format that the WNBA Board of Governors approved prior to the 2022 season (starting in 2025, a best of seven WNBA finals will be adopted). In November 2021, the WNBA Board of Governors formalized a new playoff system that will structure the 2022 playoffs onward. The new playoff format scraps the single-elimination games of the first two rounds in favor of a best-of-3 quarterfinal round. As a result, all eight playoff teams, seeded according to overall regular season record regardless of conference (1 vs. 8, 2 vs. 7, 3 vs. 6, 4 vs. 5), will begin postseason play in the first round. In the first round series, the higher seeded team will host games 1 and 2, and the lower seeded team will host game 3 if necessary. In the semifinal round, no reseeding will take place, which means the winners of the 1 vs. 8 series will be paired with the winner of the 4 vs. 5 series as will the winners of the 2 vs. 7 and 3 vs. 6 series. The semifinal and final rounds will remain best-of-5 series in which the higher seeded team hosts games 1, 2 and (if necessary) 5 while the lower seeded team hosts games 3 and (if necessary) 4.[3]
The top-seeded New York Liberty played the eighth-seeded Atlanta Dream in the first playoff series. The Liberty entered the post-season as the top overall seed after finishing two games ahead of the Minnesota Lynx during the regular season. The Liberty finished 7–3 in their final ten games of the season. The Dream secured a playoff spot after defeating the Liberty on the last day of the season. The Dream finished 5–5 in their final ten games of the season. During the regular season, the teams played three times, with the Liberty winning three times.
Game 1
In game one of the series, the Liberty got off to a hot start at home, winning the first quarter 29–16. They did not let up in the second quarter, winning 19–14 and taking a fifteen-point lead into halftime. The Liberty continued their winning ways in the third quarter, taking the frame 21–19. The Dream mounted a comeback in the fourth quarter, winning 20–14, but they were too far behind and the Liberty won game one by fourteen points. The Liberty had four players score in double figures, and were led by Leonie Fiebich with twenty-one points. Breanna Stewart was not far behind with twenty, Sabrina Ionescu added seventeen, and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton scored ten. Stewart added eleven rebounds to finish with a double-double. The Dream only had two players in double figures, led by Rhyne Howard with fourteen, and Tina Charles added twelve.
Barclays Center Attendance: 12,115 Referees: Amy Bonner Jeff Wooten Isaac Barnett Biniam Maru
Game 2
Facing elimination, the Atlanta Dream started off Game Two well, winning the first quarter 28–19. However, the Liberty chipped away at the lead and won quarter two 24–20. The Dream took a five-point lead into halftime. The Liberty came out strong after the break and won the third quarter 22–16 to take a two-point lead into the final frame. There they continued their strong play and finished the game with a 26–18 win in the fourth quarter. The Liberty won the game by nine points and took the series two games to one. The Liberty had three players score in double figures, and were led by Sabrina Ionescu with thirty-six points. Jonquel Jones added twenty points and Breanna Stewart rounded out the double-digit scorers with thirteen. Jones recorded thirteen rebounds to have a double-double. The Dream also had three players in double figures, and were led by Allisha Gray with twenty-six points. Rhyne Howard added nineteen points and Tina Charles had fourteen points.
Barclays Center Attendance: 11,003 Referees: Roy Gulbeyan Gina Cross Fatou Cissoko-Stephens Biniam Maru
(2) Minnesota Lynx vs. (7) Phoenix Mercury
In the second playoff series, the second-seed Minnesota Lynx played the seventh-seed Phoenix Mercury. Minnesota finished two games out of first place during the regular season, and defeated eventual first seed New York on September 15. Minnesota enters the series after going 8–2 in their last ten games. Phoenix finished four games ahead of the eighth seed and only one game out of being the sixth seed. They struggled to end the season, finishing with a 3–7 record in their final ten games. The Western Conference teams played four times in the regular season, with Minnesota winning three times.
Game 1
The Minnesota Lynx started Game One at home in dominating fashion, winning the first quarter 32–19. The second quarter was much closer, but Minnesota again won, this time 24–23. Minnesota took a fourteen-point lead into halftime. The Mercury came out strong in the third quarter, winning 27–21. The Mercury won the fourth quarter 26–25, but their comeback was not enough to overcome the halftime defect and Minnesota won Game One by seven points. The Lynx had four players score in double figures and were led by Napheesa Collier who scored thirty-eight points. Kayla McBride scored twenty points, Bridget Carleton added twelve, and Myisha Hines-Allen finished with ten from the bench. Phoenix also had four players score in double digits and were led by Natasha Cloud with thirty-three points. Diana Taurasi scored twenty-one, Kahleah Copper added sixteen, and Brittney Griner had ten points. Cloud finished with ten assists to record a double-double.
Target Center Attendance: 8,524 Referees: Maj Forsberg Tim Greene Charles Watson Teresa Stuck
Game 2
Facing elimination in Game Two, the Phoenix Mercury started strongly and won the first quarter 25–21. However, their run did not last long, as the Lynx came back to win quarter two 28–22 and take a two point lead into halftime. The Mercury struggled after half and lost quarter three 27–17. Quarter four was an even affair, finishing with the Lynx winning 25–24. The Lynx won the game by thirteen points and the series two games to zero. The Lynx had all five of their starters score in double figures and were led by Napheesa Collier who scored forty-two points to tie the WNBA playoff record for points in a game.[12]Kayla McBride added fifteen points, Bridget Carleton and Alanna Smith both scored twelve points, and Courtney Williams added eleven. Phoenix also had five players score in double figures and were led by Brittney Griner with twenty-four points. Natasha Cloud scored sixteen points, Kahleah Copper scored thirteen points, Natasha Mack added twelve points from the bench, and Diana Taurasi scored ten points. Cloud finished with ten assists to record her second double-double in the series.
The third-seed Connecticut Sun played the sixth-seed Indiana Fever in the third playoff series. The Sun entered the postseason as the third seed for the third straight season. They finished the regular season one game ahead of the fourth-seeded Aces and two games behind the second-seed Lynx. They finished the season 6–4 in their final ten games. The Fever entered the postseason for the first time in seven years. They were five games behind the fifth-seed Storm and one game ahead of the seventh-seed Mercury. They also finished the season 6–4 in their final 10 games. The two Eastern Conference foes played four times during the regular season with the Sun winning three times to the Fever's one win.
Game 1
Game One started off as a close affair, as Connecticut won the first quarter 23–20. Connecticut carried their momentum into the second quarter and won it 23–19, to take a seven-point lead into halftime. Connecticut proved the stronger team after halftime and won the third quarter 22–19. However, the most lopsided quarter was the fourth, which Connecticut won 25–12 to win Game One by a twenty-four point margin. Connecticut had four players score in double-digits and were led by Marina Mabrey with twenty-seven points. DeWanna Bonner was not far behind with twenty-two points, DiJonai Carrington scored fourteen, and ended with twelve. The Fever also had four players score in double digits and were led by Kelsey Mitchell with twenty-one points. Aliyah Boston scored seventeen points, Damiris Dantas added twelve points off the bench, and Caitlin Clark scored eleven. Thomas added ten rebound and thirteen assists to record her fourth playoff triple-double. Boston added eleven rebounds to record a double-double in her playoff debut.
Mohegan Sun Arena Attendance: 8,910 Referees: Roy Gulbeyan Fatou Cissoko-Stephens Jenna Reneau Marcy Williams
Game 2
The first quarter of game two was a low scoring affair, with the Sun winning 17–14. Scoring picked up slightly in the second quarter and the Sun won the second frame 24–20, and took a seven-point lead into halftime. Quarter three was again a close affair, and the Sun came out on top 20–18. Facing elimination and a nine-point defect, the Fever won the final frame, but only 29–26, which was not enough to win the game. Connecticut won game two by six points and the series two games to zero. Five of the seven players who saw minutes in the game for the Sun scored in double figures. They were led by Alyssa Thomas who scored nineteen points. Marina Mabrey scored seventeen points, DeWanna Bonner added fifteen and DiJonai Carrington and Veronica Burton both added ten. Thomas had thirteen assists to record a double-double. The Fever had three players score in double figures and were led by Caitlin Clark who scored twenty-five points. Kelsey Mitchell scored seventeen points and Aliyah Boston scored sixteen points. Boston added nineteen rebounds for her second double-double in the series.
Mohegan Sun Arena Attendance: 8,910 Referees: Angelica Suffren Jeff Wooten Isaac Barnett Marcy Williams
(4) Las Vegas Aces vs. (5) Seattle Storm
The final first round series saw the fourth-seed Las Vegas Aces play the fifth-seed Seattle Storm. The two time defending champions Aces finished fourth in the regular season, one game behind the third-seed Sun, and two games ahead of their playoff opponents. The Aces enter the series after going 9–1 in their last ten games, with their only loss coming at first-seed New York. The Storm enter the post season after finishing two games behind the Aces and five games ahead of the sixth-seed Fever. They finished 6–4 in their final 10 games, but did win five of their last six. The Western Conference foes played four times during the regular season, with the Aces winning three times and the Storm winning once.
Game 1
Seattle started Game One strongly on the road, winning the quarter 18–9. Las Vegas came back in the second quarter to win 29–24, however it was not enough to overcome the defect from quarter one and Seattle took a four point lead into halftime. Vegas came out of the half and cut into that lead, winning the third quarter 26–23, to cut Seattle's lead to one point heading into the fourth quarter. The Aces dominated the fourth quarter, holding Seattle to just two points, and won the quarter 14–2. The Aces took game one 78–67. Las Vegas had four players score in double figures, led by A'ja Wilson with twenty-one points. Tiffany Hayes scored twenty points off the bench, Chelsea Gray scored sixteen points, and Jackie Young added twelve. Seattle also had four players score in double figures and were led by Skylar Diggins-Smith with sixteen points. Gabby Williams scored fourteen points, Nneka Ogwumike added thirteen, and Jordan Horston scored ten off the bench. Ogwuimke recorded ten rebounds to have a double-double in the game.
Michelob Ultra Arena Attendance: 10,369 Referees: Eric Brewton Tiara Cruse Angel Kent Clare Aubry
Game 2
Seattle faced elimination in Game Two and started slowly, with the Aces winning the first quarter 30–20. The second quarter was much lower scoring and Seattle ate into the Aces' lead. Seattle won the quarter 18–15 and the Aces took a seven-point lead into halftime. The lower scoring continued after the half, with the Storm winning the third quarter 19–17 and cutting the overall lead to five points. However, the Aces finished strong and won the forth quarter 21–19. Therefore, they won the game by seven points and the series two games to zero. The Aces had three players score in double figures and were led by Kelsey Plum who scored twenty-nine points. A'ja Wilson was not far behind with twenty-four points and Chelsea Gray scored twelve points. Wilson added thirteen rebounds to record a double-double. The Storm had four players in double figures, and were led by Gabby Williams with twenty points. Nneka Ogwumike scored sixteen points, Ezi Magbegor added fourteen, and Skylar Diggins-Smith scored thirteen. Ogwumike added ten rebounds and Diggins-Smith had ten assists to each record a double-double.
Michelob Ultra Arena Attendance: 10,370 Referees: Maj Forsberg Tim Greene Randy Richardson Clare Aubry
Semifinals
(1) New York Liberty vs. (4) Las Vegas Aces
The top seed New York Liberty and fourth seed Las Vegas Aces faced-off in the first semifinal series, which was a re-match of the 2023 WNBA Finals. Both teams came in having swept their first round matchups. The Liberty won their two games by a combined twenty-three points over the eighth-seed Atlanta Dream and the Aces won their two games by a combined twenty-one points over the fifth-seed Seattle Storm. The teams met three times during the regular season, and the Liberty won all three games and two of the games were hosted in Las Vegas.
Game 1
Game one in New York started with the Liberty winning the first quarter 28–21. The second quarter became closer as the Liberty won 20–17 to take a ten-point lead into halftime. The Aces came out of the halftime break strongly and won the third quarter 24–23. Their comeback stalled in the low-scoring fourth quarter, where the Liberty prevailed 16–15 and took Game one by ten points. The Liberty had three players finish in double figures, and were led by Breanna Stewart with thirty-four points. Sabrina Ionescu added twenty-one points, and Jonquel Jones finished with thirteen points. Jones recorded twelve rebounds to achieve her second double-double of these playoffs. The Aces also had three players score in double figures, and were led by Kelsey Plum with twenty-four points. A'ja Wilson added twenty-one points, and Jackie Young scored seventeen points.
Barclays Center Attendance: 14,015 Referees: Eric Brewton Gina Cross Angelica Suffren Kevin Fahy
Game 2
The Aces started strongly after losing game one, and won the first quarter of game two 27–22. The second quarter turned out to be quite the opposite story, as the Liberty won 24–13 and took a six-point lead into halftime. Quarter three was a tight battle, and the Liberty prevailed 23–22. The Aces mounted a comeback and won quarter four 22–19, but it was not enough as they lost game two by four points. The Liberty took a commanding 2–0 series lead, winning both of the first two games in New York. The Liberty had four players score in double figures and were led by Sabrina Ionescu with twenty-four points. Breanna Stewart added fifteen points, Jonquel Jones scored fourteen, and Courtney Vandersloot scored twelve points. The Aces had five players score in double figures and were led by A'ja Wilson with twenty-four points. Jackie Young scored seventeen points, Chelsea Gray added fourteen, Alysha Clark scored thirteen points, and Tiffany Hayes scored ten points from the bench.
Barclays Center Attendance: 14,321 Referees: Maj Forsberg Jeff Wooten Randy Richardson Teresa Stuck
Game 3
The Las Vegas Aces faced elimination as the series moved to Las Vegas for Game Three. The Aces used the home court advantage to take a slight lead in quarter one, winning 26–23. The second quarter ended with the two teams tied, 26–26. The Aces took a slight three-point lead into halftime and the game appeared poised on a knife's edge. However, that was until the Aces dominated the third quarter, winning 21–6. The Liberty won the final frame 26–22, but it was not enough to overcome their third quarter loss. The Aces staved off elimination and won the game by fourteen points. The Aces had five players score in double figures and were led by Jackie Young who scored twenty-four points. Kelsey Plum scored twenty points, A'ja Wilson added nineteen, Tiffany Hayes scored eleven from the bench, and Chelsea Gray scored ten. Wilson added fourteen rebounds to record her first double-double of the series. The Liberty only had three players score in double figures, and were led by Breanna Stewart with nineteen points. Jonquel Jones added eleven points, and Leonie Fiebich scored ten.
Michelob Ultra Arena Attendance: 10,369 Referees: Roy Gulbeyan Tiara Cruse Jenna Reneau Angel Kent
Game 4
The Aces faced another elimination game at home in game four. The first quarter was fairly even and the Liberty won the quarter 23–19. The game continued to be close in the second quarter, and the Aces prevailed 19–18. The Liberty took a three-point advantage into halftime. The third quarter was a low scoring affair with the Aces coming out on top 13–12 and headed into the fourth trailing by two with their season on the line. In the fourth quarter, the Liberty found their offensive groove and dominated the quarter 23–11. The Liberty took game four on the road by fourteen-points and won the series three games to one. The Liberty had four players score in double figures, and were led by Sabrina Ionescu who scored twenty-two points. Breanna Stewart scored nineteen points, Jonquel Jones added fourteen, and Leonie Fiebich scored eleven. Stewart also had fourteen rebounds to record her first double-double of the series. The Aces had three players score in double figures, and were led by A'ja Wilson who scored nineteen points. Kelsey Plum scored seventeen points and Tiffany Hayes scored eleven points off the bench. Wilson grabbed ten rebounds to finish with a double-double.
Michelob Ultra Arena Attendance: 10,374 Referees: Maj Forsberg Tim Greene Jeff Wooten Fatou Cissoko-Stephens
(2) Minnesota Lynx vs. (3) Connecticut Sun
The second seed Minnesota Lynx and third seed Connecticut Sun faced-off in the second semifinal series. Both teams entered the series having swept their first round matchups. The Lynx won their two games by a combined twenty points over the seventh-seed Phoenix Mercury and the Sun won their two games by a combined thirty point margin over the sixth-seed Indiana Fever. The teams met three times during the regular season, with the Sun winning two games and the Lynx winning one game. All of their regular season matchups were decided by five points or fewer.
Game 1
Game one was a back and forth affair where Connecticut started strong first quarter on the road, winning the quarter 23–16. The Lynx made a comeback in the second quarter and won 22–19. The Sun took a three-point lead into the half on the road. The Lynx came out of halftime and won the third quarter 24–15 to take a six-point lead into the final frame. The Sun played strong defense in a low scoring fourth quarter and won 16–8. The late surge allowed the Sun to win Game one by three points. The Sun had four players score in double figures, and were led by Marina Mabrey who scored twenty points. Alyssa Thomas added seventeen points, DiJonai Carrington scored thirteen points, and DeWanna Bonner scored ten points. Bonner and Thomas added eleven and ten rebounds respectively to record double-doubles. The Lynx had three players score in double figures, and were led by Napheesa Collier with nineteen points. Bridget Carleton scored seventeen points, and Kayla McBride scored twelve points.
Target Center Attendance: 8,506 Referees: Roy Gulbeyan Maj Forsberg Angel Kent Teresa Stuck
Game 2
Game two started with a low scoring quarter, which was won by the Sun 10–9. The scoring picked up in the second quarter, and the Lynx won the quarter 24–20 to take a three-point lead into halftime. The game continued to be close after halftime with the Lynx winning the third quarter 22–19. The Sun mounted a comeback in the fourth quarter, winning 21–19, but it was not enough to overcome the Lynx. The Lynx won game two by four points to level the series at one game a piece. The Lynx had three players score in double figures, and were led by Courtney Williams who scored seventeen points. Alanna Smith added twelve points and Kayla McBride scored eleven points. Napheesa Collier missed out on a double-double by one point as she scored nine points and had twelve rebounds. The Sun had four players score in double figures, and were led by Alyssa Thomas who scored eighteen points. DeWanna Bonner scored seventeen points, Marina Mabrey added fifteen points, and DiJonai Carrington scored fourteen points. Thomas added ten rebounds to record a double-double.
Pts:Alyssa Thomas (18) Rebs: Alyssa Thomas (10) Asts: Alyssa Thomas (7)
Target Center Attendance: 8,796 Referees: Gina Cross Tim Greene Isaac Barnett Jenna Reneau
Game 3
Game three moved the series to Connecticut, but the Lynx took the initial momentum in the game, winning the first quarter 23–16. The Lynx kept their momentum in the second quarter, winning 25–20 to take a commanding twelve-point lead into halftime. The third quarter was closer than the first two, but the Lynx prevailed again, winning 20–18. The Sun mounted a comeback after facing a fourteen-point defect heading into the fourth quarter. They won the fourth 27–22 but it was not enough to overcome the defect. The Lynx won Game Three by eleven points and led the series two games to one. The Lynx had four players score in double figures, and were led by Napheesa Collier who scored twenty-six points. Courtney Williams added sixteen points, Kayla McBride scored thirteen, and Bridget Carleton scored twelve. Collier also had eleven rebounds to record her first double-double of the series. The Sun had all five starters score in double figures, but only one other player scored points. They were led by Brionna Jones who scored twenty-one points. DeWanna Bonner added sixteen points, Marina Mabrey added fourteen points, and DiJonai Carrington and Alyssa Thomas both scored thirteen points.
Mohegan Sun Arena Attendance: 8,268 Referees: Eric Brewton Jeff Wooten Fatou Cissoko-Stephens
Game 4
The Connecticut Sun faced elimination at home in Game Four, and again got off to a slow start. The Lynx won the first quarter 22–15. The second quarter was a high-scoring affair and ended with the teams each scoring 28 points. The Lynx held their seven-point lead going into halftime. The Sun returned from the half and upped their defensive game, only allowing thirteen points in the third quarter, and won 25–13. They took a five-point lead into the fourth, where they continued their strong play, winning the quarter 24–19. The Sun won Game Four by ten points to stave off elimination. The Sun had five players score in double figures, and were led by Tyasha Harris who scored twenty points. DeWanna Bonner and Alyssa Thomas each scored eighteen points, DiJonai Carrington scored fifteen points, and Marina Mabrey scored ten. Thomas had eleven assists to finish with her third double-double of the series. The Lynx had three players score in double figures, and were led by Napheesa Collier who scored twenty-nine points. Natisha Hiedeman scored sixteen points off the bench, and Courtney Williams scored eleven points. Collier had thirteen rebounds to finish with her second double-double of the series.
Mohegan Sun Arena Attendance: 7,849 Referees: Angelica Suffren Tiara Cruse Isaac Barnett Randy Richardson
Game 5
In a winner-take all Game Five, the Lynx used their home court advantage to storm out to a 31–18 first quarter win. The Lynx kept the momentum going in the second quarter, winning 22–16. They took a nineteen-point lead into halftime. In a low-scoring third quarter, the Sun eked out 14–12 win to cut the lead to seventeen. The Sun mounted a comeback in the fourth quarter, winning the quarter 29–23. However, it was not enough as the Lynx comfortably won Game Five by eleven points and took the series three games to two. The Lynx had only three player score in double figures, and were led by Napheesa Collier who scored twenty-seven points. Courtney Williams scored twenty-four points and Kayla McBride added nineteen points. Collier also recorded eleven rebounds to finish with her third double-double of the series. The Sun had four players score in double figures and were led by DiJonai Carrington who scored seventeen points. Brionna Jones scored sixteen points, DeWanna Bonner added fourteen, and Tyasha Harris scored twelve off the bench. Carrington and Jones recorded twelve and ten rebound respectively to earn double-doubles.
