The 2025 WNBA playoffs are officially here, and everyone should be keeping an eye on players who could be an x-factor for each team.
When the postseason arrives, the level of play is always elevated. This is the best basketball of the year, and one team will walk away with a championship. Will it be the defending champions, the New York Liberty? Will the Minnesota Lynx get their revenge after their tough 2024 WNBA Finals loss? Will the red-hot Las Vegas Aces win their third championship in four seasons? Or will someone else take the crown?
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Of course, no one knows the answer to those questions now, but as the playoffs unfold, we’ll get closer to figuring out who will provide a spark to lead their team to a ring as they separate themselves. The x-factors, the special players who elevate their game when the pressure is the highest. Lucky for you, we’ve compiled a handy list of athletes who might fit that description.
Here is one x-factor for each WNBA playoff team that could change their franchise’s postseason:
Seattle Storm: Erica Wheeler, guard
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – SEPTEMBER 01: Erica Wheeler #17 of the Seattle Storm dribbles against the Los Angeles Sparks at Climate Pledge Arena on September 01, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
The top five 3-point shooting teams are in the playoffs, and if Seattle, which ranks ninth in that category, wants a chance to compete with the best in the league, it needs to go through Wheeler. She leads the team in made 3-pointers (1.7 per game) and has 14 games where she shot 50 percent or better from 3-point range. The veteran can also hit clutch shots when the Storm need it most. Look no further than her game-winner that sent Seattle to the playoffs.
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Indiana Fever: Lexie Hull, guard
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 05: Lexie Hull #10 of the Indiana Fever passes the ball while defended by Ariel Atkins #7 and Kia Nurse #11 of the Chicago Sky during the first quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on September 05, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) Justin Casterline, Getty Images
Whether coming off the bench or in the starting lineup, Hull is a much-needed spark and one player the Fever have leaned on all season long as the team faced a staggering amount of injuries. Much of the gritty work Hull does won’t show up on the stat sheet ― defensive pressure, forcing jump balls and saving possessions ― but people should pay attention to the stats that do, like timely blocks and steals. Hull finished the regular season in the top 25 in takeaways.
Golden State Valkyries: Iliana Rupert, center
Sep 6, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Valkyries center Iliana Rupert (12) celebrates after a three pointer against the Minnesota Lynx in the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
Any big that can shoot the 3-ball should scare opposing defenses, especially one that shoots a blistering 45 percent from range. Yes, Rupert, who is a center, leads the Valkyries in made shots from behind the line (2.2 per game) and finished third in the WNBA among centers who like to let it fly. Doubt her at your risk. Golden State is 8-3 when Rupert shoots 50 percent or better from her sweet spot.
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New York Liberty: Natasha Cloud, guard
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 09: Natasha Cloud #9 of the New York Liberty dribbles the ball while being guarded by Sug Sutton #1 of the Washington Mystics during the second half at Barclays Center on September 09, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Liberty won 75-66. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images) Ishika Samant, Getty Images
At just around 10 points a game, Cloud had somewhat of a down year scoring-wise, but the Liberty guard makes up for it with her energy on the defensive end. Cloud is a whole menace who isn’t afraid to take a charge, gather loose basketballs or pick the pockets of anyone on the court. It’s her defensive pressure that makes her so lethal. Her intensity has helped New York maintain a 100.3 defensive rating (good for sixth in the league) despite a mountain of team injuries this season.
Phoenix Mercury: Kahleah Copper, guard
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – AUGUST 30: Kahleah Copper #2 of the Phoenix Mercury celebrates after hitting a three-point shot against the New York Liberty during the second half of the WNBA game at PHX Arena on August 30, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Mercury defeated the Liberty 80-63. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) Christian Petersen, Getty Images
Copper missed 10-plus games this year due to several injuries. As a result, she had a down year by her standards. However, when consistently healthy, Copper is still one of the best guards in the league and has zero issues dropping buckets or being an opposing team’s worst nightmare defensively. Over the last 15 games of the season, Copper averaged 15 points on 41 percent shooting and 1.1 steals per contest.
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Atlanta Dream: Brittney Griner, center
COLLEGE PARK, GEORGIA – AUGUST 27: Brittney Griner #42 of the Atlanta Dream turns to the basket against the Las Vegas Aces during the fourth quarter at Gateway Center Arena on August 27, 2025 in College Park, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images
Griner is another player whose injuries did not help her production this season. However, since coming off the bench for the Dream, Griner had six games in double figures and five games with two or more blocks. Griner ultimately finished the season ranked sixth in blocks per game. If Atlanta can get their veteran center to keep up this sort of production, it could be the key to a deep playoff run.
Las Vegas Aces: Jewell Loyd, guard
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 09: Jewell Loyd #24 of the Las Vegas Aces gestures towards teammate Chelsea Gray #12 after a three point basket during the third quarter of a game against the Chicago Sky at T-Mobile Arena on September 09, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images) Ian Maule, Getty Images
Loyd asking Aces coach Becky Hammon to come off the bench earlier this year was a game-changer for Las Vegas. Since July 29, Loyd has averaged 11.3 points on 42 percent from the field and from 3-point land, helping to fuel the Aces’ 15-plus wins to end the season. If she can maintain her improved production, it could help the Aces as they push for their third title in four seasons.
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Minnesota Lynx: Natisha Hiedeman, guard
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 6: Natisha Hiedeman #2 of the Minnesota Lynx takes a free throw in the second half against the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center on September 6, 2025 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kavin Mistry/Getty Images)
As one of the frontrunners for Sixth Player of the Year, Hiedeman is the least surprising x-factor on the list. She’s having the second-best overall year of her career and recently rattled off three consecutive games of 20 points or more in September, including a 20-point double-double. She’s an efficient shooter who’s terrific at 3-point makes. Her stellar production is a large reason why the Lynx’s bench finished the season fourth in points per game (22.4).
This article originally appeared on For The Win: 1 x-factor for each 2025 WNBA playoff team, including Brittney Griner
