It feels like the start of the 2026 WNBA season was just yesterday, but the race to the playoffs is heating up with less than 10 games left in the regular season. Three teams have clinched postseason berths: the league-leading Minnesota Lynx, Golden State Valkyries, and Las Vegas Aces.
No one expected the Lynx to be where they are without All-Star forward Napheesa Collier on the court. It goes without saying this team was expected to tread water in the meantime and possibly fight for a playoff spot. Instead, legendary coach Cheryl Reeve has piloted yet another iteration of how not to doubt her capabilities on the dry-erase board and the staff that surrounds her on the sideline. Led by superstar rookie and MVP candidate Olivia Miles, the Lynx haven’t missed a beat and look the best they’ve looked in years.
Tasked with leading the team as the point guard in past iterations, veteran Courtney Williams has returned to her true position as an off guard and has thrived in her new role. The three-time All-Star is averaging the most points per game (14.4) since her first All-Star appearance with the Atlanta Dream in 2021. Though her shot diet hasn’t changed much, her two-point percentage (48.3%) is the highest it’s been since her sophomore season in 2016. A decade ago. A crucial part of that is Miles’ fit with everyone on the roster. For a rookie guard to have the poise she possesses is downright frightening considering the fact that she will only improve from this point forward into the future.
Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob said the goal for the Valkyries was to win a championship in the first five years of existence. Many laughed at his declaration because NBA teams often attempt to buy titles in free agency and via trade. After becoming the first expansion team to reach the playoffs in its first season, the Valkyries are in prime position to make everyone eat their words with only one major acquisition of talent in world-renowned wing Gabby Williams. In her second season with Golden State, Janelle Salaun is averaging 13.1 points per game off the bench and is the front-runner for Sixth Player of the Year. Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase had a case for back-to-back Coach of the Year awards, but that was before Minnesota did the unthinkable this season.
How many times have you heard that the Aces go as far as A’ja Wilson can carry them? The recipe is the same as it’s always been in the desert. The four-time MVP leads the WNBA in points per game (25.9) and is well on her way to a third consecutive scoring title. The last player to win at least three in a row was future Hall of Famer Diana Taurasi. Wilson is also locked into a two-way battle for Most Valuable Player with Olivia Miles. As much credit as Wilson deserves, it feels that running mate All-Star Jackie Young’s contributions are overlooked at times. For example, the veteran is averaging a career-high 18.7 points per game and carries the defense on the wing, defending the best option on the other side. The WNBA is as talented as it’s ever been, but players like Young, who we’re accustomed to being great, shouldn’t be taken for granted.
What a week this has been in the WNBA, but that’s every week this season, isn’t it? From the Las Vegas Aces grinding out two close wins over the red-hot […]
