As the 2024 WNBA season winds down, things are heating up faster than a summer court with playoff implications looming large. With fewer than five games remaining, teams are clawing for the final spots, and the postseason picture is starting to clarify. While Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever have clinched a playoff berth for the first time in eight years, the Chicago Sky, Washington Mystics, and Atlanta Dream are tangled in an intense battle for the last coveted playoff spot.
Before we dive deeper, let’s break down the standings, the playoff scenarios, and what these final games mean. Strap in—this postseason race is anything but dull!
Updated WNBA Standings as of September 15, 2024
| Rank | Team | W-L | Win Pct. | GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | x – New York Liberty | 31-7 | .816 | — |
| 2. | x – Minnesota Lynx | 29-9 | .763 | 2 |
| 3. | x – Connecticut Sun | 27-11 | .711 | 4 |
| 4. | x – Las Vegas Aces | 25-13 | .658 | 6 |
| 5. | x – Seattle Storm | 24-14 | .632 | 7 |
| 6. | x – Indiana Fever | 20-19 | .513 | 11.5 |
| 7. | x – Phoenix Mercury | 18-20 | .474 | 13 |
| 8. | Washington Mystics | 13-25 | .342 | 18 |
| — | Chicago Sky | 13-25 | .342 | 18 |
| — | Atlanta Dream | 13-25 | .342 | 18 |
| — | Dallas Wings | 9-30 | .231 | 22.5 |
| — | Los Angeles Sparks | 7-31 | .184 | 24 |
X: Clinched playoffs
Eliminated from WNBA playoff contention: Dallas Wings, Los Angeles Sparks
Indiana Fever: Caitlin Clark’s Impact
Let’s talk about the Fever. Indiana clinched their playoff spot on September 3rd, a major milestone for the franchise. After eight long years of postseason drought, Caitlin Clark has played a significant role in this team’s turnaround. Her relentless scoring, floor vision, and leadership are propelling Indiana into the playoffs.
Clark’s impressive play has brought back that familiar Iverson-esque vibe, and Indiana’s fans couldn’t be more thrilled. It’s as if she’s found a time machine and swiped Allen Iverson’s crossover while adding her own flair.
Here’s a look at Indiana’s remaining regular season schedule:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, Sept. 19 | at Mystics | 7 p.m. | Prime Video |
It’s worth noting that while Clark’s name is synonymous with highlights, her consistency throughout the season is what’s truly made the difference. That said, don’t be surprised if she pulls off some jaw-dropping moves in the playoffs.
Chicago Sky: Clinging to Hope
Chicago Sky fans are sweating bullets right now, and not because of the Midwest humidity. At 13-25, the Sky are clinging onto a thread of hope, fighting tooth and nail for the last playoff spot. With only two games left, every shot, turnover, and defensive stop becomes critical. The Sky, Mystics, and Dream are all tied with the same record, but Washington holds the edge with a 2-1 head-to-head advantage over Chicago.
Here’s Chicago’s remaining schedule:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, Sept. 17 | at Dream | 7:30 p.m. | WNBA League Pass |
| Thursday, Sept. 19 | at Sun | 7 p.m. | WNBA League Pass |
Fun Fact: The last time the Sky were this close to the playoffs, their fans started wearing T-shirts that said, “Keep the Sky High!” Will they need to make another batch, or is it time to say, “The Sky’s the Limit (for now)?”
The Tiebreaker Drama: A Game of Inches
With teams like the Mystics, Sky, and Dream tied for the eighth spot, it all comes down to tiebreakers. The WNBA has some fascinating, albeit headache-inducing, rules in place for situations like this. Here’s a breakdown of how the league handles playoff ties:
WNBA Tiebreakers:
- Better record in head-to-head games
- Better winning percentage within own conference
- Better winning percentage against all teams with a .500 or better record at the end of the season
- Better point differential in head-to-head games
- Coin toss (Yes, it can actually come down to a literal coin flip! Imagine that level of drama!)
For multi-team ties, the formula is just as wild:
- Winning percentage among all head-to-head games involving tied teams
- Conference-based record if all teams are from the same conference
- Better point differential in games involving tied teams
- If all else fails: Flip that coin!
While it’s thrilling for us, can you imagine being a coach knowing that all your hard work might be undone by a single flip of George Washington’s silver face? Talk about pressure!
Final Countdown: What’s on the Line
With only days left in the regular season, here’s the remaining schedule for playoff-bound teams and those battling for their lives:
Tuesday, Sept. 17:
| Game | Time (ET) | TV Channel |
|---|---|---|
| Lynx at Sun | 7 p.m. | WNBA League Pass |
| Liberty at Mystics | 7 p.m. | NBA TV |
| Sky at Dream | 7:30 p.m. | WNBA League Pass |
| Aces at Storm | 10 p.m. | NBA TV |
| Mercury at Sparks | 7:30 p.m. | CBS Sports Network |
Thursday, Sept. 19:
| Game | Time (ET) | TV Channel |
|---|---|---|
| Sky at Sun | 7 p.m. | WNBA League Pass |
| Dream at Liberty | 7 p.m. | NBA TV |
| Fever at Mystics | 7 p.m. | Prime Video |
| Sparks at Lynx | 8 p.m. | WNBA League Pass |
| Wings at Aces | 10 p.m. | WNBA League Pass |
| Storm at Mercury | 10 p.m. | WNBA League Pass |
What to Watch for:
- The Liberty’s Dominance: They’ve already clinched the top seed, but will they rest their stars or tune-up for the playoffs? Either way, every Caitlin Clark fan is hoping she’ll get a crack at them in the postseason.
- The Sky-Dream Showdown: This matchup is huge. The loser could find themselves eliminated by the end of the week, so expect a high-stakes thriller.
- The Fever’s Magic: Will Clark and the Fever carry their late-season momentum into a deep playoff run? You wouldn’t want to bet against her.
Conclusion
The WNBA playoff race is reaching a fever pitch (pun fully intended). With one week left in the regular season, the stakes couldn’t be higher for teams vying for a postseason spot. The Indiana Fever and Caitlin Clark are already in, making history by ending their eight-year playoff drought. But the Sky, Mystics, and Dream are still battling it out, and it’s anyone’s game.
One thing’s for sure: This final stretch of games will have fans glued to their screens, biting their nails, and refreshing the standings page like their life depends on it. Who will emerge victorious? Time will tell, and if luck doesn’t decide it, a coin toss just might.
Stay tuned—it’s going to be an epic finish!