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ATLANTA ― Could the Minnesota Lynx and Atlanta Dream meet again in the 2025 WNBA playoffs? Thursday’s down-to-the-wire rematch, where the Dream won, 75-73, seems to suggest so.
On Thursday, at Gateway Center Arena, the Lynx were in the middle of another signature takeover. If you’re unfamiliar with Minnesota’s game, it’s the kind where they punish the other team from the perimeter with back-breaking 3-balls when the defense is too late. Then, the Lynx follow up on their reign of terror by gliding through the paint like gazelles in an open field. It’s the kind of elite basketball that makes opposing fans weep like babies and has helped propel Minnesota to a league-best 28-7 record.
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Despite not having forward and MVP candidate Napheesa Collier, who was out due to injury, the Lynx were up 60-54 at the start of the fourth quarter, and commanded the floor. But it was short-lived. Another MVP hopeful, guard Allisha Gray, sank a corner three that turned into a four-point play, cutting into Minnesota’s lead. Gateway erupted with thunderous cheers, and like the best sports movie you’ve ever seen, perfectly timed “MVP” chants rang out as Gray stepped to the line for a free throw.
With just three weeks until the postseason, this game had WNBA playoff preview written all over it.
Minnesota and Atlanta have played three times this season, and each matchup has been won by five points or less. However, nothing felt quite like a heavyweight title fight quite like Thursday’s contest. This was hoops, folks.
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There were two MVP candidates in the building, two Sixth Player of the Year frontrunners (Lynx guard Natisha Hiedeman and Dream forward Naz Hillmon) and six All-Stars among the two squads. Not to mention, forward Alanna Smith, who had three steals and two blocks, is heavily in the mix for Defensive Player of the Year consideration, and Smith, Atlanta guard Rhyne Howard, Gray and Collier also have cases for making the All-WNBA defensive teams. (See what I mean? This was a colossal meeting of the best teams in the league and top players, and it was only *checks notes* August 21.)
If the games are this good mere weeks away from the postseason, hold on to your hats, people. The WNBA playoffs will be a ride.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Lynx, Dream rematch was perfect 2025 WNBA playoffs preview
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