With the FIBA World Cup underway, the WNBA has paused for a few weeks. Although all eight playoff spots are secured, teams still have much to compete for as the regular season concludes. Once the league resumes, there will be a frantic rush to finalize playoff seeding.
Some teams face a shrinking window to clinch advantageous positions, while others only need to maintain their current momentum. Below, we highlight two teams making significant strides in the rankings and two that still have hurdles to overcome, along with some unexpected developments from recent weeks.
Teams on the Rise
Atlanta Dream
The Dream have surged from seventh to fourth in our power rankings. Recently, Atlanta notched crucial victories over top teams like the Las Vegas Aces and the Minnesota Lynx—the latter being the only team defeated twice this season by Atlanta. With just two remaining games against playoff opponents (both facing the New York Liberty), the Dream aim to lock down a top-four seed and secure home-court advantage. Key players are hitting their stride—Allisha Gray achieved a franchise-first 20+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 5+ made three-pointers in a single game, Angel Reese set a new league record for most double-doubles in one season, and Rhyne Howard has been averaging 21.2 points in the last five games.
Golden State Valkyries
After slipping to third in our last update, the Valkyries have reclaimed the second spot. Golden State avoided a sweep by Minnesota with their first-ever win over the Lynx, showing strength when both starters and bench players contribute. As the playoffs approach, their depth is a formidable asset, with Janelle Salaün and Tiffany Hayes providing strong energy off the bench. Although the top seed is a challenging goal, Golden State trails Minnesota by just two games and benefits from an easier schedule, not facing any more playoff teams while the Lynx still have tough matchups ahead. The Valkyries will be hoping Minnesota stumbles in those contests.
Teams on the Decline
Indiana Fever
The Fever slid from fourth to fifth after consecutive losses to playoff-bound Dallas Wings and New York Liberty. Like Atlanta, Indiana is targeting the No. 4 seed for home court advantage, but their season finale features back-to-back games against the Lynx, making their path tougher but still possible. Their stars, Kelsey Mitchell and Caitlin Clark, have been electrifying lately, averaging a combined 60.4 points over the last three games and showing no signs of slowing as the playoffs approach.
Washington Mystics
Two weeks ago, the Mystics boasted a seven-game winning streak that included wins over five top teams. However, after three recent losses against strong competition, they’ve dropped to seventh in the rankings. Fortunately, they’ve already secured a playoff berth. The Mystics remain a tough opponent, featuring a scrappy young squad with dominant interior players like Kiki Iriafen and Shakira Austin, alongside improving contributors Sonia Citron and Georgia Amoore. This dip is unlikely to cause too much concern among fans.
Surprising Takeaways
Midseason Trades Didn’t Break Through
This season’s trade deadline was relatively quiet, with Kelsey Plum moving from the Los Angeles Sparks to the Phoenix Mercury and Aneesah Morrow going from the Connecticut Sun to the Toronto Tempo in what seemed like last-ditch playoff pursuits. Unfortunately, both players are now out for the season—Morrow with a knee injury after six games, and Plum sidelined due to lingering issues after five games. These setbacks dashed hopes for both Phoenix and Toronto’s playoff pushes and set the stage for intriguing offseason decisions, especially regarding Plum’s future.
DeWanna Bonner’s Championship Quest
Perhaps the most eye-catching news recently involves veteran six-time All-Star DeWanna Bonner. After agreeing to a contract buyout with the Mercury last week, Bonner became a free agent permitted to finish the season with any team. She chose the Atlanta Dream, likely signaling her final season as she chases a third WNBA title. In her debut for Atlanta, she contributed seven points, four rebounds, two assists, and a steal in 17 minutes off the bench. Bonner adds depth, experience, and leadership to a Dream team hungry for its first championship and will be a key player to watch come postseason.
Fan Take:
This update highlights the intense playoff battles shaping up and the impact of veteran leadership returning to the fold, particularly with DeWanna Bonner joining Atlanta. For WNBA fans, it underscores how quickly fortunes can shift and how crucial depth and experience will be in the push for a championship, signaling an exciting close to the season and a dynamic playoff marathon ahead.
Source: winsidr.com
