WNBA Playoff Push
WNBA Resumes Regular-Season Play Following FIBA World Cup Break
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Key Points
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Paige Bueckers averaged 7.3 points, 2.3 assists and one steal per game across Team USA’s six games during its fifth consecutive FIBA World Cup title run.
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The Wings entered the break at 24-16, tied with the New York Liberty and Washington Mystics for sixth place and two games behind the fourth-place Atlanta Dream and Indiana Fever.
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A’ja Wilson was named Western Conference Player of the Month for August, completing a sweep of the conference’s monthly awards during the season.
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The Aces and Storm will play a second game in the two-game series Sunday in Las Vegas, following Thursday’s matchup in Seattle.
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The Sparks entered the Dallas game having covered the spread in nine of their previous 14 games and their final four games before the World Cup break, while Dallas had gone 7-10 against the spread in its previous 17; the Wings also faced injury concerns involving Azzi Fudd, Alanna Smith and Bueckers’ knee.
The WNBA returns from its World Cup break on September 17, 2026, with four games headlining the final playoff push. Bleacher Report reports that the Dallas Wings improved to a secure postseason spot by beating the Los Angeles Sparks 97-77, with star guard Paige Bueckers returning after helping Team USA claim its fifth consecutive FIBA World Cup title. Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Aces—led by Player of the Month A'ja Wilson—visit the struggling Seattle Storm at 10 p.m. ET, while the Atlanta Dream host the Connecticut Sun and the Chicago Sky face the Washington Mystics.
The day marks the resumption of regular-season action after international play halted the league. Four games will determine standings as teams jockey for playoff positioning, with Atlanta heavily favored to extend its recent hot streak. Yahoo Sports noted that Bueckers' knee health remains a concern heading into the matchup against Los Angeles.
Wings Secure Playoff Berth With Dominant Win Over Sparks
Dallas clinched a postseason spot by crushing Los Angeles 97-77, according to Bleacher Report. The Wings entered the break in a three-way tie for sixth place at 24-16, two games behind Atlanta and Indiana. The victory moves them solidly into playoff contention heading into the final stretch.
Paige Bueckers led the charge after averaging 7.3 points and 2.3 assists across six games at the World Cup. Her return gives Dallas a major offensive boost as they fight for seeding. The Los Angeles Sparks had covered the spread in nine of their last 14 games, but couldn't contain the Wings' firepower.
Aces Return with MVP-Caliber Wilson Against Struggling Storm
The Las Vegas Aces bring three World Cup stars to Seattle for a 10 p.m. ET matchup. A'ja Wilson earned Western Conference Player of the Month for August, while Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young also return from international duty. The Aces are headed to the playoffs and hungry to extend their winning ways.
Seattle enters with a dismal 8-32 record and will miss injured guard Katie Lou Samuelson for the final four games. The Storm face an uphill battle against a deep, talent-laden Aces squad. A second meeting between these teams is scheduled for Sunday in Las Vegas, giving Seattle a chance to rebound.
Dream Dominate Eastern Conference With Seven Wins in Nine
Atlanta hosts Connecticut at 7:30 p.m. ET as the league's Eastern Conference leaders. The Dream have won seven of their last nine games and own a massive 35-point victory over the Sun from their previous meeting. They are heavily favored to extend their dominance heading into the playoff race.
The Dream's hot streak has put them in pole position for the top seed in the East. Connecticut will need to play near-perfect basketball to compete with Atlanta's offensive firepower and defensive intensity. The Sun face an uphill challenge in this marquee matchup.
Sky-Mystics Matchup Caps Busy September 17 Slate
The Chicago Sky host the Washington Mystics at 8 p.m. ET as the league's four games wrap up. All contests will be available through WNBA League Pass, with the Aces-Storm game also streaming on Prime Video. The action-packed night sets the tone for the final playoff push.
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