The 2024 WNBA season is nearing its grand finale, with only a few games remaining before the playoff picture is crystal clear. While teams like the Indiana Fever, led by Caitlin Clark, have secured their playoff berth, others—like the Chicago Sky—are still clinging to hopes of postseason glory. The battle for the eighth and final playoff spot is intense, with the Sky, Atlanta Dream, and Washington Mystics all trying to punch their ticket to the playoffs.
In this article, we’ll break down the latest WNBA standings, look at clinching scenarios, and dive into what makes Caitlin Clark and the Fever such a must-watch team as they end their eight-year playoff drought.
Updated WNBA Playoff Standings (As of Sept. 9, 2024)
| Rank | Team | W-L | Win Pct. | GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | x – New York Liberty | 29-6 | .829 | — |
| 2 | x – Minnesota Lynx | 26-9 | .743 | 3 |
| 3 | x – Connecticut Sun | 25-10 | .714 | 4 |
| 4 | x – Las Vegas Aces | 22-13 | .629 | 7 |
| 5 | x – Seattle Storm | 21-14 | .600 | 8 |
| 6 | x – Indiana Fever | 19-17 | .528 | 10.5 |
| 7 | x – Phoenix Mercury | 17-19 | .472 | 12.5 |
| 8 | Chicago Sky | 13-22 | .371 | 16 |
| — | Atlanta Dream | 12-23 | .343 | 17 |
| — | Washington Mystics | 11-24 | .314 | 18 |
| — | Dallas Wings | 9-26 | .257 | 20 |
| — | Los Angeles Sparks | 7-28 | .200 | 22 |
x: Clinched playoffs
Eliminated from WNBA playoff contention: Dallas Wings, Los Angeles Sparks
With the standings coming into focus, the Liberty and Lynx are leading the pack with impressive win percentages, while the Fever are finally in playoff territory. But let’s not forget the battle at the bottom. The Chicago Sky are teetering on the edge of elimination, while the Atlanta Dream and Washington Mystics are waiting for them to slip.
As we all know, in sports, it’s not about how you start—it’s about how you finish. The Sky have a crucial stretch ahead to lock in that coveted No. 8 seed. But can they do it?
WNBA Playoff Tiebreakers: Where the Drama Unfolds
Let’s not beat around the bush—the WNBA’s tiebreaker system is more complicated than trying to figure out Caitlin Clark’s next move on the court (and trust me, she’s got moves). Here’s how it works:
- Head-to-Head Record: Pretty straightforward—who won more games in the regular season when they faced off.
- Conference Win Percentage: If the teams are from the same conference, whoever performed better against their own conference gets the nod.
- Winning Percentage Against .500+ Teams: This tiebreaker rewards teams that have performed well against the league’s top dogs.
- Point Differential: It’s not just about winning, but by how much. If you’ve been blowing teams out, this tiebreaker could be your golden ticket.
- Coin Toss: Yes, we’re still flipping coins in professional sports.
For ties involving more than two teams, these tiebreakers remain largely the same but with some additional complications thrown in. Essentially, it’s organized chaos, and we’re here for it.
Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever: A Force to Be Reckoned With
Now, let’s talk about Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever. Clark has brought a different vibe to this franchise, one that has struggled for years to regain its footing. With a playoff spot clinched, thanks to their victory on September 3, the Fever have ended an eight-year postseason drought.
Caitlin Clark, the WNBA’s rising superstar, has been nothing short of phenomenal this season. With her on the floor, the Fever have found themselves in the thick of the playoff race, and she’s playing some of her best basketball at the right time.
For context, Clark’s playing style is reminiscent of Allen Iverson, with slick crossovers, fearless drives to the rim, and, most importantly, a never-say-die attitude. Just like Iverson, she’s carried her team on her back—often using one of Iverson’s old plays as her go-to move (and doing it with a little extra flair, of course).
Here’s a look at the remaining schedule for Caitlin Clark and the Fever:
Indiana Fever Remaining Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, Sept. 11 | vs. Aces | 7 p.m. | NBA TV |
| Friday, Sept. 13 | vs. Aces | 7:30 p.m. | ION |
| Sunday, Sept. 15 | vs. Wings | 3 p.m. | NBA TV |
| Thursday, Sept. 19 | at Mystics | 7 p.m. | Prime Video |
The Fever have some tough matchups ahead, with back-to-back games against the Las Vegas Aces, one of the league’s elite teams. However, if there’s one thing we’ve learned about Clark, it’s that she loves the big stage. Expect some fireworks.
Chicago Sky: The Last Dance?
Meanwhile, the Chicago Sky are hanging on by a thread. They’ve got six games left, and each one is more crucial than the last. With the Dream and Mystics breathing down their necks, the Sky need to stay focused and avoid any slip-ups.
Here’s a breakdown of their upcoming games:
Chicago Sky Remaining Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, Sept. 11 | vs. Mystics | 8 p.m. | — |
| Friday, Sept. 13 | at Lynx | 7:30 p.m. | ION |
| Sunday, Sept. 15 | vs. Mercury | 6 p.m. | — |
| Tuesday, Sept. 17 | at Dream | 7:30 p.m. | — |
| Thursday, Sept. 19 | at Sun | 7 p.m. | — |
The game against the Mystics on Wednesday could be a pivotal moment. If they lose, the Mystics will draw even closer in the standings, making the Sky’s path to the playoffs even rockier. But hey, no pressure, right?
The Playoff Race Heats Up
As the regular season winds down, the race for the playoffs is tighter than ever. While teams like the Liberty, Lynx, and Sun are looking ahead to the postseason, the Sky, Dream, and Mystics are fighting for survival. With every game potentially deciding their fate, we’re in for a dramatic finish.
Expect nail-biters, clutch performances, and more than a few surprises as these teams battle it out. For Caitlin Clark and the Fever, the pressure is off—they’re in. But for the Sky, every game is a must-win, and the margin for error is slimmer than ever.
