Lynx, Aces Clinch 2 WNBA Playoff Berths as Mystics Open 6-Game Cushion for Final Spot
Updated
Updated · Sports Illustrated · Aug 14
Lynx, Aces Clinch 2 WNBA Playoff Berths as Mystics Open 6-Game Cushion for Final Spot
3 articles · Updated · Sports Illustrated · Aug 14
Summary
Minnesota and Las Vegas have secured playoff spots, with the Lynx first to clinch after a 103-91 win over Dallas in which Kayla McBride hit a record 10 threes.
Eight postseason teams now look largely set because Washington holds a six-game lead over ninth-place Fire for the last berth, while Seattle has already been eliminated.
Minnesota, Golden State, Las Vegas and Indiana were tagged as the clearest contenders, driven by elite profiles such as the Lynx's 115.3 offensive rating and the Valkyries' league-best defense.
Atlanta, New York, Dallas and Washington were cast as pretenders, with concerns centered on shooting, injuries, depth or weak offense despite enough talent to remain dangerous.
With the regular season entering its final stretch, the main uncertainty is no longer who gets in but how the bracket and matchups will shake out.