The WNBA’s journey to the playoffs is just around the corner, with the postseason teams starting to finalize.
Let’s examine the updated standings and potential bracket possibilities in the aftermath of the victory.
1. Minnesota Lynx, 33-9**
2. Las Vegas Aces, 28-14 (5 GB)*
3. Atlanta Dream, 28-14 (5 GB)*
4. Phoenix Mercury, 27-15 (6 GB)*
5. New York Liberty, 25-17 (8 GB)*
6. Golden State Valkyries, 23-19 (10 GB)*
7. Indiana Fever, 23-20 (10.5 GB)*
8. Seattle Storm, 22-21 (11.5 GB)
9. Los Angeles Sparks, 20-22 (13 GB)
* Designates qualification for the playoffs
** Designates securing the league’s best overall standing
The Las Vegas Aces bolstered their hopes of clinching the No. 3 seed following their victory against the Chicago Sky on Sunday. Sky standout Angel Reese, initially sidelined for the first half of Sunday’s match, was ultimately unable to participate due to a back ailment, thus smoothing the path for Las Vegas.
A’ja Wilson’s impressive 31-point performance certainly helped.
Seven out of the eight playoff-bound teams have secured their invitations to the postseason, leaving the Seattle Storm and Los Angeles Sparks to contest the final spot.
The Sparks, following their victory over the Dallas Wings on Sunday, are set to clash with the Phoenix Mercury on Tuesday before concluding the regular season against the Aces. A loss on Sunday would have eliminated Los Angeles from playoff eligibility.
The Storm have a single remaining game, a face-off against the Golden State Valkyries on Tuesday.
Regardless of who secures the eighth seed, they’re in for a challenging first-round matchup against the Minnesota Lynx. The Lynx have reigned supreme in the WNBA this season, largely due to MVP-level performances from Napheesa Collier, and it’s difficult to foresee them facing significant obstacles against the No. 8 seed.
As we approach the final week, one of the key narratives revolves around the battle for the second seed. The Aces and Dream currently share the same record, but Las Vegas possesses the tiebreaker due to their undefeated 3-0 record against Atlanta in the regular season.
To secure the No. 2 seed, the Dream must surpass the Aces’ record, rather than simply matching it.
Landing the No. 2 seed would be advantageous, potentially leading to a first-round encounter against the Indiana Fever, who are currently without Caitlin Clark. While the Fever have displayed resilience without Clark for a significant portion of the season, an upset in the first round seems unlikely in her absence.
