As the WNBA begins to approach playoffs, many news stories broke out, including clinches, injuries and record-breaking moments.
One of the biggest headlines was the Atlanta Dream signing two-time WNBA champion DeWanna Bonner to a rest-of-season contract on Aug. 27. Bonner joins the Dream after reaching a buyout agreement with the Phoenix Mercury.
The 17-year veteran brings championship experience as one of the most accomplished players to an already stacked team. Bonner is a six-time WNBA All-Star and ranks third on the WNBA’s all-time scoring list.
The Dream also made headlines when Angel Reese broke two WNBA records in their win against the Los Angeles Sparks on Aug. 25. Reese grabbed a single-game record of 26 rebounds and broke the league’s single-season rebounding record with 458 rebounds.
During Atlanta’s loss to the Portland Fire on Aug. 28, Reese received her eighth technical foul of the season, which would have resulted in a one game suspension against the Minnesota Lynx.
However, the WNBA rescinded the technical foul, allowing Reese to play on Aug. 30, recording her 29th double-double of the season in the Dream’s 89-81 win against the Lynx. In this game, Reese broke the record for most double-doubles in a single season previously held by Alyssa Thomas.
Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Aces suffered a major setback when NaLyssa Smith was ruled out for the remainder of the season with a non-contact leg injury against the Toronto Tempo.
She has started all 38 games for the Aces, averaging 11.7 points and 6.4 rebounds per game while leading the WNBA in field-goal percentage at 63.8%. Her absence from the court could have a major impact on Las Vegas’ postseason run.
The Golden State Valkyries also established themselves as one of the league’s top teams with a 28-11 record. The Valkyries defeated the New York Liberty 79-60 on Aug. 27, holding New York to only 30.2% shooting and their lowest score all season.
For the first time since 2023, the Dallas Wings clinched their postseason spot with a 96-78 win over the Portland Fire on Aug. 25. The victory also gave the Wings their 23rd win of the season, which is a franchise record.
This milestone came despite losing rookie Azzi Fudd for the remainder of the season. Fudd, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2026 WNBA Draft, underwent a procedure on her right knee. Her absence is a huge setback for Dallas, however, the Wings secured their playoff spot nonetheless.
With the regular season coming to an end, the postseason is shaping up to be an exciting one.
