Las Vegas Aces Defeat Connecticut Sun 101-78 Behind Jackie Young

The Chicago Sky had already come painfully close to beating the New York Liberty twice this season. On Tuesday night, Natasha Cloud made sure the third meeting ended differently. Cloud erupted for a career-high 35 points , adding nine rebounds and six assists as the Sky defeated the New York Liberty 93-86 in Chicago. Kamilla Cardoso added 17 points and 12 rebounds as the Sky survived New York's fourth-quarter comeback and improved to 14-22 . Chicago had lost its first two meetings with New York this season by exactly one point each. This time, even after surrendering a 13-point advantage and briefly falling behind late, the Sky found an answer. Cloud provided it. Natasha Cloud Takes Over Against the Liberty Cloud delivered the best scoring performance of her career when Chicago needed it most. She finished 13-for-21 from the field , connected on four of eight three-point attempts and made five of six free throws. Her final line of 35 points, nine rebounds and six assists reflected much more than a hot shooting night. She was involved throughout Chicago's offense and ultimately became its closer. Cloud had already scored 16 points with four three-pointers in the first half , helping Chicago establish control before halftime. But her biggest baskets came after New York had erased that advantage. Chicago Builds a Double-Digit Halftime Lead The Sky began creating separation during the second quarter. Cloud knocked down a three-pointer, and Courtney Vandersloot followed with one from a similar area as Chicago put together a 9-0 run . By halftime, the Sky had established an 11-point advantage . Chicago's offense wasn't dependent solely on Cloud. Azura Stevens had already provided an early spark, scoring 10 points in the opening quarter , while the Sky found opportunities cutting toward the basket and from the perimeter. The lead eventually grew to 13 points during the third quarter. Against a Liberty team with enough offensive talent to erase deficits quickly, however, 13 was not enough to put the game away. Jonquel Jones Leaves With an Ankle Injury New York suffered an important setback early in the game. Jonquel Jones appeared to injure her left ankle with 3:30 remaining in the first quarter while battling for position inside. She did not return. The supplied sources do not provide a diagnosis or timetable for Jones, so the severity of the injury was not immediately established. Her absence left the Liberty without an important interior presence for most of the night. New York still managed to mount a major comeback. Rebecca Allen Sparks New York's Rally The Liberty began cutting into Chicago's lead during the third quarter. Rebecca Allen scored all 14 of her points after halftime , including three three-pointers during the third period. Her perimeter shooting helped reduce what had been a 13-point Chicago advantage to five. Sabrina Ionescu also began making an impact. Ionescu intercepted a pass and converted at the other end as New York continued building momentum. She eventually finished with 18 points and 12 assists , recording a double-double while helping organize the Liberty's comeback. Chicago still carried an eight-point advantage into the fourth. New York wasn't finished. Breanna Stewart Helps Bring the Liberty Back Breanna Stewart led New York with 22 points and played a major role in the fourth-quarter rally. As Chicago's advantage disappeared, Stewart connected from three-point range to bring the Liberty within one. New York then created another opportunity defensively. Stewart came up with a steal, and the possession eventually ended with Marine Johannes hitting a three-pointer with 2:09 remaining . For the first time since New York had led 24-23 , the Liberty were back in front. The score was 84-83 . After trailing by as many as 13, New York had completed the comeback. Now Chicago needed to respond. Natasha Cloud Answers Immediately Cloud did not allow New York's lead to last. With 1:17 remaining , she reached her preferred area around the free-throw line and connected on a jumper. The basket gave Chicago an 86-84 advantage and pushed Cloud beyond her previous career high of 31 points. It was exactly the type of possession Chicago had failed to consistently produce in its previous close losses to New York. The Sky needed a basket. Their leading scorer created one. New York then missed a three-pointer, giving Chicago an opportunity to extend the lead. Kamilla Cardoso Delivers the Dagger Cloud had already done the scoring damage herself. This time, she created for someone else. With less than a minute remaining, Cloud found Kamilla Cardoso inside. Cardoso converted in the lane with 39.9 seconds remaining , increasing Chicago's advantage and putting New York in a much more difficult position. Cardoso finished with 17 points and 12 rebounds , giving Chicago an important double-double alongside Cloud's career night. Her late basket was especially significant because the Liberty had spent most of the second half fighting their way back into the game. Once New York finally grabbed the lead, Chicago immediately took it away. Cardoso helped make sure the Liberty never reclaimed it. Cloud Closes the Game at the Free-Throw Line New York's comeback effectively ended at the foul line. Cloud went 4-for-4 on free throws during the final 20 seconds , preventing the Liberty from creating another realistic opportunity to take control. Stewart scored with 7.1 seconds remaining , but by then Chicago had already established the separation it needed. The Liberty had gone from taking an 84-83 lead with 2:09 remaining to being held without another point until the final seconds. Chicago had finally finished the job. A Different Ending for the Sky The context made the victory especially meaningful. Chicago had lost both previous meetings with New York this season by one point . Tuesday appeared capable of producing another painful finish. The Sky led by 13. The Liberty rallied. New York took the lead with slightly more than two minutes remaining. Instead of allowing another close game against the Liberty to slip away, Chicago executed. Cloud made the go-ahead jumper. Cardoso scored inside. Cloud converted the late free throws. This time, Chicago was the team making the decisive plays. Sabrina Ionescu's Double-Double Isn't Enough Ionescu's 18 points and 12 assists gave New York an important combination of scoring and playmaking. Together with Stewart's 22 points and Allen's second-half shooting, it gave the Liberty enough offense to erase the double-digit deficit. But New York could not finish the comeback. After Johannes' three-pointer created the 84-83 advantage, the Liberty failed to score on their next several possessions. Against a player having the type of night Cloud was having, those empty trips became decisive. Chicago Gets the Close Win It Had Been Missing The 93-86 victory was defined by Chicago's response after losing control of its lead. Cloud's 35 points will understandably receive most of the attention, but the closing sequence demonstrated why the performance mattered beyond the career-high number. She scored when New York had finally taken the lead. She found Cardoso for another critical basket. Then she made four consecutive free throws to close the game. Chicago didn't simply beat New York because Cloud scored 35. The Sky won because their best player delivered at the exact moment the game threatened to become another narrow loss to the Liberty. New York fell to 22-15 , while Chicago improved to 14-22 . The Liberty next host Indiana on Saturday, and the Sky remain home to face Golden State on Friday. For Chicago, Tuesday's result provided a satisfying reversal. Two one-point losses had defined the season series. In the third meeting, Cloud made sure the Sky finally got their win. 

The Dallas Wings needed a breakthrough. Arike Ogunbowale and Jessica Shepard delivered it. Ogunbowale erupted for a season-high 32 points , Shepard produced a career-high 26 , and the Wings defeated the Indiana Fever 91-85 Thursday night in Dallas. The victory ended Indiana's five-game winning streak and gave the Wings a much-needed result after winning only three of their previous 11 games. The matchup featured Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, but neither former No. 1 overall pick controlled the night offensively. Instead, Dallas leaned on Ogunbowale and Shepard before creating the separation it needed in the second half. Indiana still had a historic performance of its own. Kelsey Mitchell scored 37 points and established a new WNBA record with her 21st consecutive 20-point game. Dallas Wings Answer Indiana's Strong Start Indiana entered the game with momentum and initially looked ready to extend its winning streak. Mitchell scored nine points in the opening quarter , helping the Fever build a four-point advantage. But Dallas remained close enough to prevent Indiana from establishing control. Mitchell continued attacking during the second quarter, scoring another 12 points and reaching halftime with 21. Dallas kept answering. By halftime, the teams were tied 42-42 , setting up a second half in which the Wings would finally begin creating separation. Arike Ogunbowale Delivers Her Best Scoring Night of the Season Ogunbowale provided the offensive production Dallas needed. The Wings guard scored a season-high 32 points , giving Dallas a reliable scorer on a night when Bueckers struggled to find her usual efficiency. That production was particularly valuable given the circumstances. Dallas entered Thursday having won just three times in 11 games since completing a six-game winning streak earlier in the season. The Wings needed someone capable of consistently generating offense against an Indiana team that had won five straight. Ogunbowale became that player. Rather than allowing the game to become defined solely by the Clark-Bueckers matchup, she made herself the centerpiece of Dallas' attack. Jessica Shepard Produces a Career Night Ogunbowale wasn't carrying Dallas alone. Jessica Shepard scored a career-high 26 points , while adding eight rebounds and four assists . Her versatility created another problem for Indiana. Shepard could finish possessions herself, contribute on the glass and keep the offense moving as a passer. Her production became especially important as Dallas began taking control during the second half. Ogunbowale and Shepard combined for 58 of the Wings' 91 points . On a night when Bueckers scored only 13, Dallas needed that kind of production elsewhere. The Wings got it. Kelsey Mitchell Makes WNBA History Indiana may have lost the game, but Mitchell produced the night's biggest individual milestone. She scored 37 points , tying her season high and finishing only one point shy of her career best. Mitchell made four three-pointers and converted all 15 of her free-throw attempts . More importantly, she reached at least 20 points for the 21st consecutive game . That established a new WNBA record, breaking the previous mark Mitchell had shared with A'ja Wilson. Mitchell secured the record before halftime. With only seconds remaining in the second quarter, she converted a layup to reach 21 points. The achievement was only one of several milestones. Her 37 points increased her season total to 912 , surpassing her own Fever single-season scoring record of 890 points from 2025. She also became the fourth player in league history to score at least 900 points in a season . Mitchell's 139th career 20-point game also moved her past Tamika Catchings for the most such performances in Fever history. The image on page 3 of the supplied material appropriately centers Mitchell, reflecting how significant her record-setting performance was even in defeat. Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers Both Struggle From the Field The matchup naturally attracted attention because it featured Clark and Bueckers. Six days earlier, both guards had scored 29 points when Indiana defeated Dallas 98-87. The rematch unfolded very differently. Clark finished with 10 points and nine assists , while Bueckers recorded 13 points and eight assists . Together, they shot only 9-for-31 from the field . Neither player needed to dominate for the game to remain compelling. Bueckers continued creating for teammates despite her shooting struggles, while Clark came within one assist of a double-double. The difference was that Dallas received enough scoring elsewhere to overcome Bueckers' quiet night. Indiana could not say the same about Clark. Awak Kuier Protects the Rim Dallas also received an enormous defensive contribution from Awak Kuier . Kuier finished with 11 points, eight rebounds and a career-high seven blocks . Five of those blocks came before halftime, already matching her previous career best from 2021. Her rim protection gave the Wings something their scoring numbers alone could not provide: a way to disrupt Indiana around the basket. With Mitchell scoring relentlessly from the perimeter and free-throw line, Dallas needed defensive contributions elsewhere. Kuier provided them. Wings Take Control After Halftime The game was tied at 42 entering the second half. Dallas then produced its best sustained stretch. The Wings outscored Indiana 24-19 in the third quarter , taking a 66-61 advantage into the fourth. Instead of allowing Indiana to immediately erase the deficit, Dallas expanded it. With Bueckers beginning the fourth quarter on the bench, Shepard and Alysha Clark helped the Wings maintain their momentum. Odyssey Sims later converted two free throws, and when Bueckers returned, she knocked down a jumper that gave Dallas its first 10-point advantage at 74-64 . For a Wings team that had struggled to turn competitive performances into victories, the sequence mattered. Dallas created separation and then protected it. Makayla Timpson Records Her First Double-Double Indiana received another encouraging performance from Makayla Timpson . The rookie finished with 11 points and 12 rebounds , recording the first double-double of her WNBA career. Her work on the glass gave Indiana additional possessions and provided some interior support on a night when much of the offensive burden fell on Mitchell. It wasn't enough to complete the comeback, but it represented another positive development for the Fever's rotation. Fever Miss Their First Chance at a Franchise Wins Record Indiana entered Thursday with 24 victories , matching its franchise record from the previous season. A win in Dallas would have established a new single-season high. Instead, the Fever remained at 24-13 after having their five-game winning streak snapped. Indiana still has opportunities to establish the record, but Dallas prevented the celebration from happening on its home floor. The Fever were scheduled to continue their road trip with games against New York and Chicago. Dallas Responds Without Azzi Fudd The victory also came immediately after difficult personnel news for the Wings. According to the supplied material, Dallas had announced that Azzi Fudd would miss the remainder of the season to undergo arthroscopic surgery on her right knee. Losing the No. 1 overall pick created another challenge for a Dallas team already trying to regain momentum. Against Indiana, the Wings responded with one of their stronger performances. Ogunbowale delivered a season high. Shepard established a career high. Kuier established a career high in blocks. And Dallas beat a Fever team that had entered the night riding five consecutive victories. Dallas Gets the Win It Needed The 91-85 final score tells only part of the story. Dallas won despite Bueckers having an inefficient shooting night. The Wings survived Mitchell's 37-point explosion. They held Clark to 10 points, protected the rim behind Kuier and received 58 combined points from Ogunbowale and Shepard. For Indiana, Mitchell's historic night provided plenty to celebrate individually, but the Fever couldn't turn her scoring performance into their sixth consecutive victory. For Dallas, this was exactly the kind of result the Wings needed. They didn't require Bueckers to score 30. They needed other players to take control. Ogunbowale and Shepard did precisely that, powering the Wings to a 91-85 victory over the Fever and giving Dallas an important win during a difficult stretch of its season.

The Washington Mystics continue to make their home court one of the toughest places to win in the WNBA. Behind double-doubles from Kiki Iriafen and Shakira Austin , Washington defeated the Toronto Tempo 93-82 Wednesday night, extending its home winning streak to eight games. Iriafen led the Mystics with 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Austin added 11 points and 10 boards as Washington dominated the glass and created the separation it needed during a decisive second quarter. The victory improved Washington to 21-14 and kept the Mystics moving in the right direction as the postseason approaches. For Toronto, the loss carried much heavier consequences. The expansion Tempo fell to 10-25, suffered their 12th consecutive defeat and were eliminated from playoff contention in their inaugural season. Kiki Iriafen Controls the Game Inside Iriafen was at the center of Washington's success. The forward scored a game-high 21 points on 8-for-12 shooting while collecting 13 rebounds. It was her 15th double-double of the season , another example of the consistent interior production she has provided for the Mystics. Her impact was especially important because Washington established one of its clearest advantages on the glass. The Mystics outrebounded Toronto 43-27 , repeatedly preventing the Tempo from extending possessions while creating additional opportunities for themselves. According to the supplied coverage, Washington also held a commanding 23-7 advantage in second-chance points . In an 11-point game, those extra possessions mattered. Shakira Austin Adds Another Double-Double Iriafen wasn't controlling the interior alone. Shakira Austin finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds , recording her 16th double-double of the season . The combination of Austin and Iriafen gave Washington 23 rebounds between them, nearly matching Toronto's entire team total of 27. Their production also allowed the Mystics to continue attacking close to the basket. Washington finished with 38 points in the paint , narrowly missing what would have been a 12th consecutive game with at least 40. That interior consistency has become an important part of Washington's identity. A 12-0 Run Changes the Game Toronto remained competitive during the opening quarter. The second quarter was completely different. Washington opened the period with a 12-0 run while Toronto missed its first five shots. The surge gave the Mystics a 37-24 advantage and immediately placed the short-handed Tempo in a difficult position. Washington ultimately won the second quarter 22-9 and carried a 47-33 lead into halftime . Toronto's nine points represented a franchise low for scoring in a single quarter, according to the supplied coverage. For a team already playing without several important contributors, overcoming a 14-point halftime deficit became an enormous challenge. Michaela Onyenwere Stretches the Floor While Iriafen and Austin controlled the interior, Michaela Onyenwere punished Toronto from the perimeter. Onyenwere finished with 14 points and four three-pointers . Her most important stretch came midway through the third quarter. Onyenwere connected on threes during consecutive possessions, extending Washington's advantage to 60-42 . The back-to-back shots helped prevent Toronto from generating the type of immediate second-half run it needed to seriously threaten the Mystics' lead. That combination made Washington difficult to defend. Collapse toward Iriafen and Austin, and the Mystics could attack from the perimeter. Stay attached to the shooters, and Washington's frontcourt had room to operate inside. Sonia Citron Keeps the Offense Moving Sonia Citron provided another productive all-around performance. Citron finished with 13 points and six assists , giving Washington another creator capable of generating offense without dominating the basketball. Her playmaking helped the Mystics maintain their balance. Washington didn't need a 30-point scorer to defeat Toronto. Instead, the Mystics received production from multiple areas of the rotation while consistently creating high-value opportunities around the basket and off second chances. That balance allowed Washington to maintain control even when Toronto attempted to respond. Toronto Entered Severely Short-Handed The Tempo faced a difficult assignment before the game even started. Toronto was playing the second game of a back-to-back after facing Indiana the previous night, and several major contributors were unavailable. The supplied sources identify Marina Mabrey, Brittney Sykes and Nyara Sabally among Toronto's top scorers who did not play. Additional coverage in the uploaded document reports that Maria Conde was also sidelined, leaving the Tempo without four important players. Washington took advantage of those absences, particularly around the basket. But Toronto still received encouraging production from some of its younger players. Kiki Rice Produces a Career Night Kiki Rice gave Toronto one of its brightest performances despite the loss. The rookie led the Tempo with a career-high 19 points , according to the supplied coverage. Aneesah Morrow added 13 points and eight rebounds , helping Toronto remain competitive after Washington's dominant second quarter. For a team entering the developmental portion of its inaugural season, those individual performances still matter. Toronto's postseason hopes are gone, but the remaining schedule provides an opportunity to evaluate which young players can become meaningful parts of the franchise's future. Rebounding Separates Washington From Toronto The clearest difference between the teams was visible on the glass. Washington's 43-27 rebounding advantage created a substantial possession advantage, and the Mystics turned those opportunities into a 23-7 edge in second-chance scoring . Those numbers help explain how Washington remained comfortably ahead despite Toronto scoring 82 points. The Mystics weren't simply making shots. They were earning additional opportunities whenever shots didn't fall. Iriafen and Austin were responsible for much of that advantage, and their ability to control rebounds prevented Toronto from consistently turning defensive stops into transition opportunities. Eight Straight Home Wins for the Mystics Wednesday's victory extended Washington's home winning streak to eight consecutive games . That consistency becomes increasingly valuable as the regular season enters its final stretch. Washington has developed a recognizable formula during its strongest performances: control the paint, dominate the glass, generate second opportunities and receive balanced scoring around its frontcourt. Against Toronto, every part of that formula appeared. The Mystics didn't need a dramatic finish because they created separation early enough to avoid one. Toronto Tempo Eliminated From Playoff Contention The loss officially ended Toronto's postseason hopes. At 10-25 , the Tempo were eliminated from playoff contention during their inaugural WNBA season and extended their losing streak to 12 games . That does not make the remaining schedule meaningless. For an expansion franchise, the final games can become an extended evaluation period. Players such as Rice and Morrow can receive meaningful opportunities while the organization gathers information for its second season. But Wednesday demonstrated the challenge Toronto faces when its roster is depleted. Washington's size, rebounding and depth proved too much to overcome. Washington Keeps Building Toward the Postseason The Mystics will face a significantly different challenge next when they remain home to play the Minnesota Lynx , while Toronto returns home to face Portland. Minnesota will provide Washington with an opportunity to measure its recent progress against one of the WNBA's strongest teams. The Mystics enter that matchup with momentum. They have won eight consecutive games at home. Iriafen and Austin continue producing double-doubles. Washington's frontcourt remains difficult to handle on the glass, and the supporting cast is providing enough perimeter scoring to prevent opponents from simply packing the paint. Against Toronto, those strengths produced a 93-82 victory . For the Tempo, it officially closed the door on the playoffs. For Washington, it represented another step toward them.

The Minnesota Lynx arrived in San Francisco with the WNBA's best record and delivered another reminder of why they remain the team everyone is chasing. Minnesota defeated the Golden State Valkyries 77-66 Wednesday night at Chase Center, snapping Golden State's six-game winning streak and handing the Valkyries only their second loss in 17 games. Olivia Miles and Kayla McBride scored 20 points apiece , while Napheesa Collier added 18 points and eight rebounds as the Lynx controlled the game early and prevented Golden State from completing a second-half comeback. The victory improved Minnesota to 30-7 , extended its winning streak to five games, and continued its remarkable run against Western Conference opponents. But the night also brought concern for the Lynx after Miles left the game with a left ankle injury during the fourth quarter. Minnesota Lynx Take Control Early Golden State entered the matchup as one of the hottest teams in the league. Minnesota never allowed the Valkyries to look comfortable. Golden State shot just 4-for-17 in the first quarter , including 1-for-6 from three-point range. The offensive problems became even more severe during the second period, when the Valkyries opened just 1-for-12 from the field. Minnesota capitalized. The Lynx opened the second quarter with seven unanswered points and eventually stretched their advantage to 35-18 . By halftime, Minnesota led 41-26 . Against a Golden State team that had lost only once in its previous 16 games, the Lynx had established a 15-point advantage before the Valkyries could find any meaningful offensive rhythm. Olivia Miles Delivers Before Leaving With Ankle Injury Miles was one of the primary reasons Minnesota controlled the game. The rookie guard scored 20 points on 8-for-10 shooting , while adding seven assists and five rebounds . Her efficiency gave the Lynx a reliable offensive creator against one of the WNBA's strongest teams. Her night, however, ended prematurely. Miles injured her left ankle midway through the fourth quarter after stepping on teammate Napheesa Collier's foot. She left the floor and briefly went to the locker room before later returning to Minnesota's bench area. The supplied source does not provide a final diagnosis or timetable for her return, so the extent of the injury was not established in the immediate aftermath of the game. For Minnesota, Miles' status becomes an important storyline after an otherwise impressive road victory. Kayla McBride Helps Finish the Job With Miles unavailable late, Minnesota still had plenty of experience on the floor. McBride finished with 20 points and delivered one of the game's defining shots during the closing stretch. Her late three-pointer helped prevent Golden State from turning its comeback attempt into a one-possession game. After making the shot at Chase Center, McBride celebrated with the familiar "night night" gesture associated with Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry. The moment fit the situation. Golden State had spent much of the second half trying to erase Minnesota's advantage. McBride helped make sure the comeback never reached completion. Napheesa Collier Provides Another Steady Performance While Miles and McBride shared the scoring lead, Napheesa Collier continued supplying the consistency Minnesota has come to expect. Collier recorded 18 points and eight rebounds , giving the Lynx three players with at least 18 points. That balance proved particularly important against a Valkyries team capable of creating momentum through its defense. Minnesota did not need one scorer to carry the offense. Instead, Miles attacked efficiently, McBride provided perimeter scoring, and Collier remained productive throughout the matchup. Golden State Valkyries Finally Find Life in the Fourth The Valkyries' first half made a comeback extremely difficult. Golden State started the game 5-for-27 from the field and finished the first half just 7-for-37 overall . The Valkyries were also only 2-for-14 from three-point range before halftime. Still, they did not disappear. Janelle Salaün connected on a three-pointer early in the fourth quarter to reduce Minnesota's advantage to 54-44 . She followed with a free throw and later a layup that brought Golden State within 54-47 with 8:18 remaining . What had once been a 17-point Minnesota lead was suddenly down to seven. The sellout crowd had reason to believe another Valkyries comeback might be developing. Minnesota responded before it could happen. Golden State Could Not Get the Defensive Stops It Needed Golden State has built much of its success around using defense to create offense. Against Minnesota, that formula never fully developed. The Valkyries managed to reduce the deficit during the fourth quarter, but they could not consistently stop the Lynx once the game tightened. That prevented Golden State from turning its improved offense into a complete comeback. Minnesota's experienced scorers repeatedly found answers, ensuring the Valkyries could never completely erase the damage from their difficult first half. Veronica Burton Leads the Valkyries Veronica Burton provided Golden State's most productive performance with 14 points and seven assists . Leading scorer Gabby Williams , however, endured a difficult shooting night. Williams finished with 10 points on 4-for-15 shooting , including a 1-for-7 start as Golden State struggled to generate offense during the first half. The Valkyries needed more offensive production against a Minnesota team with multiple proven scorers. On Wednesday, it never arrived consistently enough. Minnesota Continues Its Dominance Over Golden State The victory extended an unusual one-sided trend between two of the league's best teams. Golden State has yet to defeat Minnesota in seven meetings , according to the supplied game recap. That history includes the Lynx sweeping the expansion Valkyries during the opening round of the 2025 playoffs. Minnesota had also defeated Golden State twice earlier in the 2026 regular season, including an 81-75 victory on June 19 and an 87-84 win on June 4 . For all of Golden State's success against the rest of the league, Minnesota remains the matchup it has been unable to solve. Valkyries' Six-Game Winning Streak Comes to an End Wednesday's loss should be viewed within the larger context of Golden State's impressive season. The Valkyries entered the night having won six consecutive games and 15 of their previous 16. They had already secured a playoff berth with a 78-70 victory over Dallas on Monday. Golden State fell to 25-10 , but one loss does not erase the momentum that carried the team into the matchup. The concern is how difficult Minnesota continues to make life for the Valkyries. Against most opponents, Golden State's defense generates enough energy to unlock its offense. Against the Lynx, the Valkyries never established that rhythm. Lynx Strengthen Their Position Atop the WNBA Minnesota's victory was its fifth straight and 15th in 16 games , pushing the league-leading Lynx to 30 victories. Minnesota also improved to 11-1 on the road against Western Conference opponents . Those numbers reinforce what Wednesday's performance demonstrated. The Lynx can win against elite opponents away from home. They can establish control early. They can withstand comeback attempts. And they have multiple players capable of delivering when a game tightens. Minnesota will next visit Washington, while Golden State travels to Chicago. The biggest question for the Lynx will be the health of Miles. But on Wednesday night, before her early exit, she helped Minnesota establish exactly the kind of advantage the WNBA's best team knows how to protect. The 77-66 victory over the Golden State Valkyries ended one of the league's hottest winning streaks and strengthened Minnesota's position atop the standings. For Golden State, it also reinforced a challenge that remains unresolved: The Valkyries have beaten nearly everyone lately.  They still haven't figured out the Lynx.

The Portland Fire needed nearly every point of the lead they built Friday night. Behind a career performance from Holly Winterburn , Portland survived a furious Seattle comeback to defeat the Seattle Storm 84-82 , completing a four-game season sweep of its Pacific Northwest rival. Winterburn scored a career-high 20 points off the bench, while Bridget Carleton, Carla Leite and Megan DiLeo each added 14 as Portland improved to 14-20 . The Fire once held a 16-point second-half advantage and appeared positioned for a comfortable finish. Instead, turnovers, missed opportunities and Seattle's late defensive pressure turned the closing minutes into a battle that was not decided until the Storm's potential game-winning shot failed to fall at the buzzer. Portland escaped with the victory. But the way the Fire built their advantage—and nearly surrendered it—made this much more than a routine win. Holly Winterburn Changes the Game Off the Bench Winterburn entered Friday with only 49 career WNBA points . She nearly scored half that total in one night. The guard came off the bench midway through the first quarter and immediately changed Portland's offense. With the Fire holding a narrow 10-9 advantage, Winterburn attacked the basket, created opportunities in transition and provided an unexpected scoring burst. She scored 16 points during the first quarter alone , matching Seattle's entire team total for the period. The video recap included in the supplied material shows Winterburn beginning the game 6-for-6 from the field , including a steal and finish followed later by an and-one opportunity. By halftime, she had scored 18. Winterburn eventually finished with 20 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals in approximately 21 minutes , shooting 8-for-14 from the field. For a player only recently beginning to establish herself within Portland's regular rotation, it was a breakthrough performance. Portland Builds a Double-Digit Halftime Lead Winterburn's early explosion allowed Portland to establish control. The Fire led 48-36 at halftime , combining Winterburn's scoring with perimeter production from Carleton and contributions throughout the rotation. Carleton finished with 14 points and nine rebounds , narrowly missing a double-double. Leite and DiLeo also scored 14 points apiece , giving Portland four players with at least 14 points. The balanced production helped the Fire build their advantage even after Winterburn's scoring slowed following her spectacular opening quarter. At one point during the second half, Portland's lead reached 16 points . The game appeared to be moving toward another Fire victory over Seattle. Then the Storm began fighting back. Seattle Turns Portland's Mistakes Into a Comeback Portland's biggest problem was not simply missed shots. It was giving Seattle additional opportunities. The Fire committed 15 turnovers , and the Storm converted those mistakes into 28 points . Seattle committed 12 turnovers of its own, but Portland managed only 12 points from them. That 16-point difference in points off turnovers became critical. Seattle shot only 33.3% from the field , according to the supplied coverage, yet remained close enough to threaten Portland because the Storm repeatedly generated easier opportunities after Fire mistakes. Seattle used a 9-0 run during the third quarter to begin seriously reducing the deficit. The Storm entered the fourth trailing 62-54 . Portland still controlled the scoreboard. It no longer controlled the momentum. Awa Fam Provides a Major Spark for Seattle Rookie Awa Fam became one of the biggest reasons Seattle stayed alive. Fam scored a team-high 20 points and grabbed nine rebounds off the bench , delivering one of the strongest performances of her young career. Her fourth-quarter three-pointer helped reduce Portland's advantage as Seattle continued applying pressure. Ezi Magbegor added 13 points , while Jordan Horston recorded 12 points and 11 rebounds . Jade Melbourne also scored 12. Seattle's bench energy and defensive pressure transformed what had looked like a comfortable Portland victory into another close finish between the regional rivals. Portland's Offense Goes Cold at the Worst Time Karlie Samuelson connected on Portland's 12th three-pointer with 5:20 remaining , giving the Fire a 79-66 advantage . That should have provided Portland with enough separation to close the game comfortably. Instead, the Fire stopped making shots. Portland did not record another field goal until Emily Engstler converted a driving layup with 2:07 remaining , pushing the score to 82-75. Seattle took advantage of the drought. The Storm produced another major fourth-quarter run and continued cutting into a lead that had once appeared secure. The Fire were suddenly trying to survive rather than pulling away. Dominique Malonga Struggles but Still Impacts the Finish Seattle's leading scorer, Dominique Malonga , endured an unusually difficult shooting night. Malonga entered the game averaging 17.4 points but finished with nine points on 3-for-15 shooting . She still found other ways to contribute. Malonga grabbed 12 rebounds , and one of those boards became crucial during Seattle's final comeback attempt. After Fam missed a late three-pointer, Malonga secured the rebound and found Natisha Hiedeman , who connected from beyond the arc with 6.2 seconds remaining . Suddenly, Portland's advantage had been reduced to 83-82 . The game that once featured a 16-point Fire lead was down to a single point. Missed Free Throws Give Seattle One Final Chance Portland had an opportunity to eliminate the drama from the free-throw line. Leite entered the game as an 89% free-throw shooter , but she went only 2-for-4 from the line during the final 15 seconds . Those misses kept Seattle alive. After Hiedeman's late three, Portland added another point at the line to establish the final 84-82 margin. Seattle still had one final possession. The Storm got the ball to Hiedeman for a potential game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer. Her attempt struck the backboard and missed. Portland had survived. Fire Complete a Four-Game Sweep of Seattle The victory gave Portland something significant beyond another entry in the win column. The Fire completed a 4-0 season sweep of Seattle . For two franchises positioned to develop a natural Pacific Northwest rivalry, controlling the inaugural season series gives Portland early bragging rights. The games have also demonstrated how competitive that rivalry can become. Friday's matchup came down to the final shot despite Portland holding double-digit advantages during multiple stretches. Seattle never stopped challenging. Portland never completely put the Storm away. Winning Ugly Still Counts The Fire can celebrate the result without ignoring what nearly went wrong. Portland committed 15 turnovers. Those mistakes became 28 Seattle points. The Fire struggled to score during the closing minutes and missed free throws that could have ended the game earlier. A 13-point advantage with just over five minutes remaining became a one-point game with seconds left. Those are issues Portland will want to address. But developing teams also need to learn how to survive nights when execution becomes imperfect. The Fire did that Friday. A Breakthrough Night for Holly Winterburn The final score was Portland 84, Seattle 82 , but Winterburn's performance may carry significance beyond one victory. She entered with limited WNBA scoring experience and produced 16 first-quarter points almost immediately after checking into the game. She finished with career highs while contributing as a scorer, rebounder, facilitator and defender. That type of unexpected production can change a rotation. Portland will next travel to face Phoenix, while Seattle remains home to play Chicago. The Fire will undoubtedly want a cleaner finish in their next close game. For Friday night, however, they had enough. Winterburn supplied the early explosion. Portland built the lead. Seattle produced the comeback.  And when the final shot came off the backboard, the Fire walked away with an 84-82 victory and a four-game season sweep of the Storm.

The Indiana Fever needed their stars to deliver in a game with postseason implications, and Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell answered the call.  Indiana defeated the Dallas Wings 98-87 Friday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, overcoming a three-point deficit entering the fourth quarter with a decisive closing performance. Clark finished with 29 points and 10 assists , Boston produced another double-double, and Mitchell extended her record-setting scoring streak as the Fever earned their 22nd victory of the season . The win was Indiana's eighth in its last 10 games and moved the Fever ahead of Atlanta for the No. 4 position in the postseason race at the time of the game. More importantly, Indiana showed once again that it can respond when a close game demands its best basketball late. Dallas Wings Challenge Indiana Early The Fever opened with a narrow 17-15 first-quarter advantage , but Dallas refused to allow Indiana to establish early control. '' Paige Bueckers and the Wings increased the pressure during the second quarter, eventually carrying a two-point advantage into halftime. Indiana received seven second-quarter points from Clark, but Dallas remained effective enough offensively to take the lead into the break. The game remained close after halftime. Instead of one team creating separation, the third quarter developed into a showcase between two of the league's premier guards. Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers Trade Baskets Clark and Bueckers became the center of attention during a highly competitive third quarter. Bueckers repeatedly answered Indiana's scoring while Clark produced her most explosive stretch of the game. The Fever star scored 16 points in the third quarter according to the AP account , while Indiana's own postgame notes credit her with 17 in the period. Both sources agree that her third-quarter scoring was central to keeping the Fever within striking distance. Dallas still entered the fourth quarter ahead 66-63 . Bueckers eventually finished with 29 points, six rebounds and six assists , leading a Wings offense that also received 20 points from Arike Ogunbowale. For three quarters, Dallas had an answer. The fourth was different. Indiana Takes Control in the Fourth Quarter The Fever completely changed the game to begin the final period. Indiana opened the fourth with a 15-2 run , transforming a three-point deficit into a 78-68 advantage . Clark capped the surge with a three-pointer as the Fever suddenly went from chasing Dallas to controlling the game. The Wings attempted one more response and reduced the deficit to five. Indiana answered again. The Fever scored four consecutive points to rebuild their advantage to 82-73 with 4:37 remaining , and Dallas nev er recovered. The sequence demonstrated the difference between playing well for stretches and finishing a game. Indiana finished. Aliyah Boston Takes Over Inside Clark provided the third-quarter scoring explosion, but Aliyah Boston became one of Indiana's biggest difference-makers during the fourth. Boston scored 10 of her 16 points in the final period while controlling the interior as Indiana pulled away. She also finished with a double-double, with the supplied sources crediting her with at least 10 rebounds. The performance gave Boston her 51st career double-double and 10th of the season according to Indiana's postgame notes. Her fourth-quarter production gave the Fever exactly what they needed. Dallas had spent much of the night dealing with Clark and Mitchell on the perimeter. Once Boston began consistently producing inside, the Wings had another problem to solve. They never found the answer. Caitlin Clark Reaches 700 Career Assists Clark's 29-point performance came with another collection of significant milestones. Her 10 assists pushed her to 700 for her career , and according to Indiana's postgame notes, she became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach that total, accomplishing it in her 83rd career game . Clark also recorded her 20th career game with at least 20 points and 10 assists , which the supplied sources identify as the most in league history. The performance marked her third consecutive game with at least 20 points and 10 assists, tying the league record for the longest such streak. Her 29 points also moved her past Candice Dupree into ninth place on the Fever's career scoring list , according to Indiana's game notes. Those milestones added historical significance to a performance Indiana needed in the standings. Kelsey Mitchell Extends Her Historic Scoring Streak Kelsey Mitchell continued one of the most consistent scoring runs in WNBA history. Mitchell finished with 23 points , giving her 18 consecutive games with at least 20 points . That extended her WNBA single-season record and moved her within two games of A'ja Wilson's overall league record of 20 consecutive 20-point performances. It was also Mitchell's 26th 20-point game of the season and her 49th consecutive game scoring in double figures. The Fever no longer need Mitchell to dominate every possession to benefit from her scoring. Her consistency forces defenses to account for her throughout the game, creating additional space for Clark, Boston and Indiana's supporting players. Ty Harris Provides the Unexpected Spark One of Indiana's most important performances came from a player who had barely contributed offensively in recent games. Ty Harris entered Friday having gone six consecutive games without making a field goal. Against Dallas, she couldn't miss. Harris finished with 15 points by going 5-for-5 from three-point range , establishing a career high for made threes in a game. Indiana's postgame notes indicate she became only the fourth player in Fever history to have a perfect shooting night while making at least five three-pointers. Her shooting became particularly valuable late, helping Indiana prevent Dallas from mounting another comeback after the Fever had seized control. On a night dominated by established stars, Harris supplied the type of supporting performance that can determine important games. Fever Reach 22 Wins Indiana's victory improved the team to 22-12 and continued one of the strongest stretches of its season. The 22 victories also tied the second-highest single-season win total in Fever franchise history , matching the totals from 2009 and 2012. Indiana's franchise record is 24 wins, established in 2025. The Fever reached 22 victories with 10 regular-season games remaining according to the supplied postgame notes, putting another franchise benchmark within reach. But the standings remained the more immediate concern. Indiana's eighth victory in 10 games gave the Fever a half-game advantage over Atlanta for the No. 4 postseason position at the conclusion of Friday's game. Dallas Wings Lose Ground in the Playoff Race The loss was costly for Dallas. The Wings dropped seven of their previous 10 games and slipped into a tie with Washington for seventh place in the postseason race according to the supplied game recap. Bueckers' 29-point performance gave Dallas an opportunity to win. Ogunbowale's 20 points provided another proven scoring option. But the Wings could not withstand Indiana's fourth-quarter attack. When the Fever increased their defensive intensity and began receiving production from Clark, Boston and Harris simultaneously, Dallas lost control of a game it had led entering the final period. Indiana's Stars Deliver When the Game Matters Most The Fever's 98-87 victory over the Dallas Wings was ultimately defined by timing. Clark took control during the third quarter. Boston dominated stretches of the fourth. Mitchell continued her historic scoring consistency. Harris delivered five three-pointers without a miss. Together, those performances turned a 66-63 fourth-quarter deficit into an 11-point victory. That is the type of response Indiana will need as games become increasingly important. The Fever have already demonstrated that they possess elite individual talent. Friday provided another example of what happens when that talent produces at the same time. Indiana next travels to Atlanta, while Dallas returns home for its next matchup. For the Fever, the postseason race remains unfinished. But with 22 victories, eight wins in their last 10 games, and Clark, Boston and Mitchell producing at a high level, Indiana continues to strengthen its position at exactly the right time.

The Washington Mystics arrived in Las Vegas as one of the hottest teams in the WNBA. The Aces brought that run to an end. Behind 26 points and 13 rebounds from A'ja Wilson and 25 points and eight assists from Jackie Young , Las Vegas defeated Washington 86-76 Tuesday night, snapping the Mystics' seven-game winning streak. The Aces improved to 23-11 , while Washington fell to 19-13 after suffering its first loss since July 18. Washington continued to dominate several areas that had fueled its recent success, including rebounding and interior scoring. But Las Vegas remained composed, received major performances from its stars, and finally created meaningful separation during the fourth quarter. A'ja Wilson Delivers Another Dominant Performance Wilson once again demonstrated why she remains at the center of everything Las Vegas does. The Aces star finished with 26 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks , recording her 17th double-double of the season . Her combination of scoring, rebounding and rim protection gave Washington problems on both ends of the floor. Against a Mystics team that has consistently controlled the paint and the glass, Wilson's presence became especially important. Washington still won the overall rebounding battle, but Wilson ensured Las Vegas had an interior answer whenever the Mystics threatened to establish complete control. Jackie Young Gives the Mystics Another Problem Stopping Wilson was difficult enough. Washington also had to deal with Jackie Young . Young scored 25 points and distributed eight assists , giving Las Vegas another primary offensive creator alongside Wilson. Her performance also produced a significant career milestone. Young reached at least 4,000 career points and 1,000 assists in her 275th game , making her the seventh-fastest player in WNBA history to reach both marks. The combination of Wilson and Young accounted for 51 of Las Vegas' 86 points . That star production ultimately gave the Aces enough offense to withstand Washington's advantages elsewhere. Washington Continues to Control the Glass The final score does not fully reflect everything the Mystics did well. Washington outrebounded Las Vegas 41-30 , marking the Mystics' WNBA-leading 16th game with at least 40 rebounds this season . That advantage has become one of Washington's clearest identities. The Mystics also outscored Las Vegas 42-28 in the paint , continuing their ability to generate offense close to the basket. It was Washington's ninth consecutive game with at least 40 points in the paint . Even against one of the league's strongest teams, Washington did not abandon the approach that produced its seven-game winning streak. The difference was that Las Vegas found ways to overcome it. Shakira Austin's Strong Run Continues Shakira Austin remained Washington's most productive scorer. Austin finished with 20 points, eight rebounds, two steals and a block , extending one of the strongest stretches of her career. She has now recorded at least 15 points and five rebounds in 12 consecutive games , matching the longest single-season streak in Mystics franchise history. The performance came shortly after Austin was named the WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week, and her production against Las Vegas showed that her recent success has not been limited to favorable matchups. Even in defeat, Austin continued to give Washington reliable production inside. Kiki Iriafen Reaches Another Career Milestone Washington also received another double-double from Kiki Iriafen . Iriafen recorded 15 points and 13 rebounds , giving her 14 double-doubles this season and 30 for her career . At just 22 years old, Iriafen became only the second player in WNBA history to record 30 point-rebound double-doubles before turning 23 , according to Washington's game recap. Her rebounding was a major reason the Mystics maintained such a significant advantage on the glass. Alongside Austin, Iriafen continues to give Washington a young frontcourt capable of challenging established teams inside. Sonia Citron Adds 19 Points Sonia Citron provided another productive performance with 19 points and seven rebounds . It was Citron's ninth game of the season with at least 15 points and five rebounds , adding another strong outing to Washington's young core. Austin, Citron and Iriafen combined for 54 of Washington's 76 points . That production kept the Mystics competitive, but Las Vegas ultimately received more help around its leading scorers. Chelsea Gray added 12 points , while NaLyssa Smith finished with 11 points and 11 rebounds for the Aces. Betnijah Laney-Hamilton Makes Her Mystics Debut The game also marked the Washington debut of Betnijah Laney-Hamilton . Laney-Hamilton scored six points in her first appearance for the Mystics. Her addition gives Washington another experienced option as the team prepares for the final portion of the regular season and a potential postseason run. One game is far too early to determine exactly how she will fit into the rotation, but her debut represented an important development for a Mystics team already playing some of its best basketball of the season. Las Vegas Creates Separation in the Fourth Quarter Washington remained within striking distance for much of the night. The Aces did not establish their first double-digit advantage until the fourth quarter. With 5:32 remaining , Smith converted a layup that pushed Las Vegas ahead 73-63 . That basket represented an important turning point. Washington had spent much of the game staying close through rebounding, interior scoring and production from its young core. Once Las Vegas created a double-digit cushion late, however, the Mystics could not generate the run necessary to erase it. The Aces protected their advantage and closed out the 10-point victory. Washington's Seven-Game Winning Streak Ends The loss ended an impressive stretch for the Mystics. Washington had not lost since July 18 against Golden State , winning seven consecutive games before arriving in Las Vegas. The streak helped establish the Mystics as one of the league's hottest teams and strengthened their position entering the final weeks of the regular season. Tuesday's loss does not erase that progress. Washington still outrebounded Las Vegas by 11 and scored 14 more points in the paint. Austin, Iriafen and Citron all delivered productive performances against a team sitting at 23-11. But the Aces demonstrated how difficult it is to defeat an experienced contender when its biggest stars perform at the same time. Mystics Get an Immediate Chance at Revenge Washington will not have to wait long for another opportunity. The Mystics and Aces are scheduled to meet again Thursday night in Las Vegas , giving Washington an immediate chance to respond. That rematch should provide another valuable test. The Mystics already know they can control the rebounding battle and score effectively inside against Las Vegas. The challenge will be finding a way to turn those advantages into enough points to overcome Wilson, Young and the rest of the Aces' experienced rotation. For Las Vegas, Tuesday's 86-76 victory demonstrated the value of star power and late-game execution. For Washington, the seven-game winning streak is over. But the performance also showed that the strengths behind that streak—rebounding, interior scoring and production from a rapidly developing young core—remain very much intact.