The WNBA's sprint toward October picked up considerable intensity during Week 13, with seven teams now secured in the playoffs and only two remaining to compete for the final postseason berth. As the league approaches its mandatory pause for FIBA competition, the playoff race has crystallized dramatically, while individual performances have reached historic proportions.
Minnesota remains atop the league's hierarchy after extending a remarkable winning streak to six games and capturing 16 of its last 17 contests. The Lynx defeated Washington 94-84 despite resting Napheesa Collier, a testament to their depth and consistency. Golden State holds the second-ranked position despite suffering back-to-back losses, while Indiana has surged to third place. Atlanta's climb to fifth reflects the Dream's emergence as one of the league's hottest teams, a trajectory fueled by exceptional individual performances from their star players.
The playoff field took dramatic shape throughout the week. Golden State officially punched its ticket in only its second season of existence, becoming the third team to clinch. Indiana secured the fourth position, Atlanta grabbed the fifth spot, New York claimed the sixth berth, and Washington became the seventh team in after defeating Portland. That leaves Dallas and Portland fighting desperately for the eighth and final position, with the Wings holding a commanding advantage as the week progresses.
Angel Reese delivered performances that will be remembered for years. Against Los Angeles, she recorded 20 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and three steals while shooting a perfect nine-for-nine from the field—a feat that made her the first player in WNBA history to achieve 20 points, 10 rebounds and five assists while maintaining 100 percent shooting accuracy. She followed that almost otherworldly efficiency with a career-high 31 points and 14 rebounds against Phoenix, propelling Atlanta to a 99-89 victory that clinched the Dream's playoff berth.
Kelsey Mitchell has entered the record books with a historic scoring streak. She tallied 37 points against Dallas, extending her consecutive games with at least 20 points to 21, shattering the previous WNBA record. Her explosion on offense continued a remarkable season alongside Caitlin Clark, with the Indiana backcourt now boasting 18 games this season in which both players scored at least 20 points—itself a league record for teammate combinations.
Beyond the records and statistics, the week carried significant narrative weight. Nneka Ogwumike announced her retirement plans following the 2026 season, ending an illustrious career that includes a championship, the 2016 MVP award, Rookie of the Year honors, 11 All-Star selections and her extensive tenure as WNBA president. With Los Angeles eliminated from playoff contention, the final stretch of games will serve as a farewell tour for one of basketball's most respected figures.
The league also celebrated its growth by announcing that the 2027 All-Star Game will take place at Chase Center in San Francisco on July 31, marking the first time the event comes to the Bay Area. The decision reflects Golden State's rapid emergence as a franchise capable of competing at the highest levels while drawing fans and attention to women's basketball.
The immediate future promises drama and consequence. Dallas and Portland face multiple must-win situations in the coming days, with the Wings holding such a substantial advantage that they could eliminate the Fire with a single victory. Games involving these teams carry season-altering weight, particularly the August 25 matchup that could effectively decide the final playoff position. Minnesota continues its mission to lock down the top seed, while several teams jockey for first-round home-court advantage and favorable seeding. With only days remaining before the FIBA break, every game holds heightened significance as teams position themselves for October basketball.
Source: NewsOne | Published: Mon, 24 Aug 2026 21:03:33
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