The Playmakerz Blog Daily Review

Darnell Sallins

August 26, 2025, 4:30AM

Monday was a buzzing and exciting day in sports. The WNBA Playoff race is race tight, the US Open had a major upset, and the NFL shows hold-ins end a week before the start of the season. Here's what you need to know:

WNBA Action

Playoff Push Intensifies

Starting on Monday all the way through to September 11, there will be WNBA action as we head to the postseason. Monday, we had two games on the docket featuring teams fighting for playoff seeding versus teams looking to play spoiler. The New York Liberty survived the Connecticut Sun 81-79 at home. Breanna Stewart led the way with 19 points and 5 rebounds in her return from injury. Jonquel Jones added 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists.

In game two, the Las Vegas Aces extended their winning streak to 11 with a 79-74 win over the Chicago Sky in Chicago. Jackie Young led the way with 22 points, 7 assists, and 3 steals. A'Ja Wilson added 18 points and 9 rebounds. As a result from Monday night's victory, Aces secured a WNBA playoff spot.

Interesting Stat: The New York Liberty are 33-0 in regular season when Jonquel Jones has a double-double since joining the team in 2023.

Upcoming Matchups:

• Seattle Storm vs. Indiana Fever

• Phoenix Mercury vs. Los Angeles Sparks

US Open Update

Tennis Excitement:

The final major of the year, the US Open is in full swing. Monday was Day Two of the Open as it had a special Sunday start. Monday's action second seed Carlos Alcaraz debut a new haircut and defeat American Reilly Opelka in straight sets. Speaking of Americans, fan-favorite 17th seed France Tiafoe defeated Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka in straight sets.

Women's Side:

Venus Williams made her return to major tennis in a losing effort to 11th seed Karolina Muchova in three sets. It was her first appearance at the Open since 2023 and at the age of 45 gave the New York crowd something to cheer for despite losing.

Upset of the Day:

Unfortunately, Venus Williams wasn't heartbreak for the US crowd. That came earlier in the day on Monday. Sixth seed and American Madison Keys show her earliest exit at Open in the first round. On of the favorite Americans to make a deep run on home turf was ousted in three sets by Mexican Renata Zarazus. A promising start to the year for Keys by winning the Australia Open, ended in stunning fashion with this first round exit.

NFL News

Hold-Ins Ended

A couple of hold-ins in the NFL have ended. First, the Washington Commanders and wide receiver Terry McLaurin have reached a contract extension. The extension is worth three-years, $96 million. This deal will provide quarterback Jayden Daniels with his primary target as the NFL season approaches.

Another hold-in that ended is in Cincinnati. The Cincinnati Bengals and star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson reached a contract deal. The deal will give Hendrickson a $14 million raise for this season, boosting his 2025 salary to $30 million according to sources that told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Monday.