WNBA: Storm, Sun take Game 1 of first round

The GIST: The playoffs are here and they’ve already brought upsets, highlight reel plays and plenty of fun. Just imagine what could be in store when the best-of-three first-round series continue this weekend.

Last night’s Game 1s: Alyssa Thomas warned us the No. 3 Connecticut Sun were hungry — and last night, they feasted, topping the No. 6 Dallas Wings 93–68 thanks to 19 points from reigning MVP Jonquel Jones.

• Dallas, who were playing without top scorer Arike Ogunbowale (pronounced uh-REE-kay OH-goon-buh-WALL-ay) due to an abdominal injury, will need some extra bounce to stay in contention this Sunday at 12 p.m. ET (ABC).

• In the late game, Breanna Stewart posted 23 points, anchoring the No. 4 Seattle Storm to a back-and-forth 86–83 win over the No. 5 Washington Mystics. The Storm have home court advantage, but this series seems destined to go all three games. We’ll find out Sunday at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Tomorrow’s Game 2s: After stunning the No. 2 Chicago Sky 98–91at home on Wednesday, the No. 7 NY Liberty are one win away from a trip to the semifinals. Look away, Sky fans — the Game 1 loss marked the most points Chicago has given up in a playoff game since 2016. They’ll look to their defense to step it up at home tomorrow at 12 p.m. ET (ESPN).

• Elsewhere, the No. 8 Phoenix Mercury just can’t catch a break. Already dealing with the absence of Brittney Griner, Diana Taurasi and Skylar Diggins-Smith, Mercury star Shey Peddy was carried off the court during Wednesday’s 79–63 loss to the No. 1 Las Vegas Aces. You truly hate to see it.

• The series odds are in Vegas’ favor, but this Phoenix squad won’t go down without a fight when Game 2 tips off tomorrow at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2.