Playoff Clinch and Key Performances
The Dallas Wings secured their place in the 2026 WNBA Playoffs with a 96-78 victory over the Portland Fire on Tuesday night at the College Park Center in Arlington, Texas. This win clinched the eighth and final playoff spot, eliminating the Fire from postseason contention. It marks the Wings' first playoff appearance since 2023.[S1][S2]
Paige Bueckers led the team with 22 points and 11 assists, while Jessica Shepard contributed 21 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. Arike Ogunbowale added 17 points, and Awak Kuier recorded a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds, plus five blocks. All five starters scored in double figures, with Bueckers and Ogunbowale each hitting three of the team's 11 three-pointers.[S1][S3]
Franchise Record and Turnaround
Tuesday's win was the Wings' 22nd of the season, setting a franchise record for regular-season victories. With a 23-16 record and five games remaining, the team has already surpassed its previous best. This success follows a dramatic turnaround from a 10-34 record last season and 9-31 in 2024, when they had the first overall pick in both the 2025 and 2026 drafts.[S1][S2][S3]
The Wings used those picks to select UConn guards Paige Bueckers in 2025 and Azzi Fudd in 2026. Bueckers won Rookie of the Year and has been an All-Star in her second season, remaining in MVP discussions. Fudd has provided shooting from the wing, while veterans Ogunbowale and Shepard have offered leadership and consistent scoring, each averaging over 14 points per game.[S2]
Playoff Picture and Upcoming Games
The Wings currently sit in eighth place in the standings, which would match them against the first-seeded Minnesota Lynx in the first round if the playoff picture holds. However, their opponent won't be determined until the regular season concludes. Dallas has five games left, with the final one scheduled for Sept. 23 against the Seattle Storm.[S1][S2]
The 2026 WNBA Playoffs are set to start on Sept. 27. Prior to that, the Wings face Connecticut at home on Sunday, and Portland travels to Atlanta on Friday. Although Dallas is ahead of schedule, they're considered a threat because Bueckers can dominate games and has strong support around her.[S1][S3][S2]
