Key Highlights from WNBA Opening Night: Standout Performances by Collier and Plum
Basketball/Sports

Key Highlights from WNBA Opening Night: Standout Performances by Collier and Plum

The opening night of the 2025 WNBA season featured impressive debuts and dramatic moments, including Napheesa Collier's stellar performance and Kelsey Plum's record-setting game.

After a long, yet thrilling winter packed with major trades and surprising free-agent moves, the 2025 WNBA season made its long-awaited debut on Friday, impressing fans with the opening night action. We witnessed an upset victory in D.C., an MVP-caliber display, Paige Bueckers’ inaugural game, alongside a historic performance from a new star of the Los Angeles Sparks.

Here is a summary of the results:

  • Minnesota Lynx 99 defeated Dallas Wings 84
  • Washington Mystics 94 defeated Atlanta Dream 90
  • Los Angeles Sparks 84 bested Golden State Valkyries 67

Collier’s Impact

Napheesa Collier is returning from the best season of her career, where she was the MVP runner-up and Defensive Player of the Year, contributing to the Lynx’s record-setting 30 wins and a finals appearance. Last night, she dominated the game, scoring 34 points, securing four rebounds, and distributing four assists, including an 18-point spree in the third quarter that ensured the Lynx’s victory.

Watch her highlight performance

Rookie Highlights: Bueckers’ First Game

As the top overall pick of the 2025 WNBA Draft, Paige Bueckers had her debut with the Dallas Wings against her native Minnesota Lynx. Despite the anticipation, the game was a mixed bag for her as she shared: “I have room to grow.” Bueckers ended up with 10 points and seven rebounds.

Sparks Spoil Valkyries Inaugural Match

The Golden State Valkyries, the league’s latest expansion team, officially launched after two years of waiting to suit up in front of a full house at Chase Center. Although the ambiance was exhilarating, they struggled against the Sparks, who dominated the game led by Kelsey Plum, who scored 37 points, making her the first in WNBA history to attain at least 35 points, five assists, and five steals in a game.

Upcoming Matches

Looking ahead, more season-openers are scheduled for Saturday, including a showdown between the last three champions with the Las Vegas Aces visiting the New York Liberty. Join us as the excitement of the new season continues!

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