5 WNBA Stars Whose Injuries Changed the 2025 Postseason Landscape and Led to the Biggest Playoff Surprises

In a shocking turn of events, the 2025 WNBA postseason has been dramatically altered by a series of critical injuries to five star players, leaving fans and analysts alike grappling with the haunting question: what if? The Indiana Fever, once favorites to claim the championship, have been particularly hard hit, with Caitlyn Clark’s mid-July groin injury sidelining the league’s rising superstar. Despite her absence, the Fever managed to reach the semi-finals, but without Clark’s scoring prowess and playmaking ability, their chances against the formidable A’ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces were severely diminished.

Meanwhile, Naphisa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx also faced a devastating setback, spraining her ankle in a crucial moment during game three against the Phoenix Mercury. With the Lynx trailing by just four points, Collier’s injury not only impacted that game but has left the team scrambling in the series, now down 2-1. The stakes are high, and the Lynx must rally to avoid elimination.

The Fever’s Sophie Cunningham, known for her relentless hustle, also fell victim to injury, tearing her MCL in late August. Her absence has stripped the Fever of a key defensive asset, making their playoff run all the more challenging. Similarly, Digi Carrington, another Lynx defender, suffered a midfoot sprain in game two, further complicating Minnesota’s playoff strategy against a tenacious Mercury squad.

Finally, Brianna Stewart of the New York Liberty has battled through her own struggles, playing with a sprained MCL throughout the playoffs. Her compromised performance raises questions about the Liberty’s potential advancement had she been at full strength.

As the postseason unfolds, the ramifications of these injuries loom large, leaving fans to ponder the “what ifs” that could have reshaped the championship landscape. The urgency is palpable, and the stakes have never been higher as teams fight for survival amidst a backdrop of heartbreak and resilience.