Dallas Wings Secure Playoff Spot, Ending Two-Year Drought

The Dallas Wings clinched a WNBA playoff berth for the first time since 2023 with a 96-78 victory over the Portland Fire. They currently hold the eighth seed and would face the Minnesota Lynx in the first round. The Wings improved from a 10-34 record last season, led by Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd.

The Wings' dramatic rise stems from consecutive first overall picks used on UConn's backcourt. Paige Bueckers, the 2025 Rookie of the Year and two-time All-Star, has anchored the offense while drawing heavy defensive attention. Azzi Fudd, selected first in 2026, provides elite three-point shooting alongside her former college teammate, giving Dallas a dynamic young core.

Veteran contributions have proven equally vital. Arike Ogunbowale and Jessica Shepard each average over 14 points, with Shepard delivering consistent double-double production inside. That interior presence balances an otherwise perimeter-heavy attack, making the Wings difficult to defend. As the eighth seed, Dallas would face Minnesota, the league's top team, in the first round.