The win capped a dramatic turnaround for a team that finished 10-34 last season and 9-31 during the 2024 campaign. The victory also eliminated the Fire from playoff contention, as they fell to 15-23 on the season.
The Wings’ 23rd win of the season set a franchise record and solidified their place as the eighth and final team to qualify for the playoffs. Their 96-78 victory over the Fire, fueled by Paige Bueckers‘ 22 points and 11 assists, ensured they would return to the postseason after a three-year absence. The win also eliminated the Fire from playoff contention, as they fell to 15-23 on the season.
A Dramatic Turnaround
The Wings’ resurgence began with the 2025 and 2026 WNBA drafts, where they selected UConn stars Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd. Bueckers, the rookie of the year, has become a cornerstone of the team, earning All-WNBA Second Team honors in her debut season. Her leadership, combined with the veteran presence of Jessica Shepard and Arike Ogunbowale, has transformed the Wings into a playoff contender.
Source 1 highlights the team’s historic turnaround, noting their 2024 and last season finishes of 9-31 and 10-34, respectively. The 2026 season’s 23 wins represent the most in franchise history since relocating to Dallas in 2016.
Updated 2026 WNBA Playoffs Bracket Picture and Standings After
Game Highlights and Key Performers
Bueckers led the charge with 22 points and 11 assists, while Jessica Shepard added 21 points and nine rebounds. Arike Ogunbowale contributed 17 points, and Awak Kuier recorded 12 points, 12 rebounds, and five blocks. The Wings’ balanced attack saw all five starters score at least 10 points, a testament to their depth and cohesion.
Source 2 details the game’s pivotal moments, including Bueckers’ 23rd 20-point game of the season and Shepard’s double-double performance. The Wings’ defense also played a critical role, holding the Fire to 78 points and limiting their scoring opportunities. Portland’s Bridget Carleton and Karlie Samuelson each scored 14 points, but their efforts were not enough to overcome the Wings’ dominance. Emily Engstler added 12 points and a career-high 15 rebounds for the Fire.
Playoff Implications and Future Outlook
The Wings will face the Minnesota Lynx in the first round of the playoffs if the current seeding holds, according to Source 1. The Lynx, who hold the best record in the league, are on pace for the No. 1 seed. However, the Wings’ recent success and Bueckers’ leadership make them a dangerous opponent in the postseason.
Paige Bueckers et les Wings sécurisent la dernière place
With five regular-season games remaining, the Wings aim to improve their seeding. Their final game of the season will be against the Seattle Storm on September 23, with the playoffs set to begin on September 27. Source 4 notes that the Wings are a threat to anyone in the playoffs due to their superstar like Bueckers and solid supporting cast.
What This Means for the WNBA
The Wings’ playoff return underscores the WNBA’s competitive balance and the impact of strategic draft choices. Their success story, from a struggling team to a playoff contender, reflects the league’s ability to foster growth and development. The 2026 playoffs will feature eight teams, including the Minnesota Lynx, Golden State Valkyries, Las Vegas Aces, Atlanta Dream, Indiana Fever, New York Liberty, Washington Mystics, and the Wings, as listed in Source 3.
For fans, the Wings’ resurgence adds excitement to the final stretch of the regular season. With the playoffs approaching, the Wings’ journey from rebuild to contender will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
The Wings’ 23-16 record entering the final five games of the regular season is the best in franchise history since relocating to Dallas in 2016. The team’s victory on August 25 was their 23rd of the season, surpassing previous records. The game was a showcase of team depth, with five starters scoring at least 10 points, including Alanna Smith’s 10 points. The Wings’ dominance was evident from the start, as they led 50-37 at halftime and extended their advantage in the third quarter with a 15-4 run.
Wings clinch final WNBA playoff spot with win over
The Minnesota Lynx, who hold the best record in the league, are on pace for the No. 1 seed. However, they fell to the Golden State Valkyries on Monday, which could impact their seeding. The Wings, currently in eighth place, have a chance to climb the standings if they win their remaining games. Their final regular-season game against the Storm on September 23 will be critical in determining their playoff positioning.
The 2026 WNBA playoffs will begin on September 27, with the first round featuring the eighth seed facing the first seed. If the current standings hold, the Wings would face the Lynx in the first round. The Lynx’s strong performance this season has positioned them as the top team, but the Wings’ recent success and Bueckers’ ability to take over games make them a formidable opponent.
The Wings’ journey to the playoffs has been marked by key contributions from both young stars and veterans. Ogunbowale and Fudd have also played crucial roles, with Ogunbowale averaging 14.5 points per game and Fudd providing shooting from beyond the arc.
The team’s success has been attributed to strategic draft picks and effective coaching. The selection of Bueckers and Fudd has provided the Wings with a dynamic backcourt, while the veteran leadership of Ogunbowale and Shepard has stabilized the roster. The combination of youth and experience has created a balanced team capable of competing with the league’s top contenders.
As the regular season nears its conclusion, the Wings are focused on securing a better seeding in the playoffs. Their remaining games will be crucial in determining their path, and fans are eager to see how the team performs in the postseason. The Wings’ ability to overcome past struggles and reach the playoffs is a testament to their resilience and determination.
