Who Ran The WNBA This Week: Week 13

Week 13 felt like the point where the 2026 WNBA season officially started turning toward October. Seven teams have now clinched postseason spots, only Dallas and Portland remain alive for the final berth, and the teams already safely in are beginning to turn their attention toward seeding and home-court advantage.

At the top, not much has changed. The Minnesota Lynx remain the standard, sitting at No. 1 in the official WNBA Week 13 Power Rankings after extending their winning streak to six games and winning 16 of their last 17. Golden State remains second despite consecutive losses, while Indiana jumped to No. 3 and Atlanta climbed two spots to fifth. There’s also a little extra urgency surrounding the next few days, as this is the WNBA’s final week of action before the league pauses for the FIBA break.

But Week 13 was about much more than the standings. Angel Reese put together one of the most efficient performances the league has ever seen and followed it with a career high. Kelsey Mitchell made WNBA history. Nneka Ogwumike announced the end is coming for a legendary career. And with the playoff field nearly complete, every game involving Dallas and Portland suddenly carries season-altering weight.

TEAMS & PLAYERS TO HIGHLIGHT THIS WEEK

Kelsey Mitchell

Kelsey Mitchell’s scoring tear has officially reached historic territory. Mitchell exploded for 37 points against Dallas on August 20, giving her 21 (the current number is 23) consecutive games with at least 20 points and setting a new WNBA record. Indiana’s backcourt as a whole continues to cook. Mitchell and Caitlin Clark have now recorded 18 games this season in which both scored at least 20 points, another WNBA record for teammates.

Minnesota Lynx

While everybody below Minnesota jockeys for playoff positioning, the Lynx keep doing what they’ve done all season: win. Minnesota has won six straight and 16 of its last 17, including a 94-84 victory over Washington despite Napheesa Collier sitting out. Rookie Olivia Miles has been a huge reason why. Her play has pushed her firmly into the MVP conversation, giving her a chance to join Candace Parker as one of the rare rookies to capture the league’s biggest individual award.

Angel Reese

She started with 20 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and three steals on a perfect 9-for-9 shooting in Atlanta’s win over Los Angeles. Reese became the first player in WNBA history to record 20 points, 10 rebounds and five assists while shooting 100% from the field. Somehow, she followed that up with an even bigger scoring night. Reese dropped a career-high 31 points with 14 rebounds and four steals against Phoenix, helping Atlanta clinch its playoff berth with a 99-89 victory.

STORYLINES OF THE WEEK

The Playoff Field Is Almost Set

Week 13 cleared up nearly the entire postseason picture. Golden State became the third team to punch its ticket, continuing an impressive start for a franchise that has now reached the playoffs in each of its first two seasons. Indiana followed as the fourth team in, Atlanta became No. 5 with its victory over Phoenix , and New York also secured its place. Washington became the seventh team to clinch following its 105-100 win over Portland combined with Chicago’s loss to Indiana. That leaves Dallas and Portland fighting for the eighth and final berth, with the Wings holding a significant advantage entering the new week.

Nneka Ogwumike Is Calling It A Career

One of the defining players of her generation is preparing to walk away. Nneka Ogwumike announced that she will retire following the 2026 season, ending a career that includes a WNBA championship, 2016 MVP, Rookie of the Year, 11 All-Star selections and years of leadership as WNBA president. The Sparks have already been eliminated from postseason contention, meaning the final stretch of the season will double as a farewell tour for one of the most respected players the league has ever seen.

WNBA All-Star Is Coming To The Bay

Golden State’s rapid rise continues to pay dividends away from the court too. The WNBA announced that the 2027 All-Star Game will be held at Chase Center in San Francisco on July 31, marking the first time the event has come to the Bay Area. The 3-point contest and Shooting Stars competition will take place the previous night.

DeWanna Bonner Gets A Chance To Chase Another Ring

The Phoenix Mercury and DeWanna Bonner agreed to a contract buyout after Phoenix was officially eliminated from playoff contention. The move allows the 17-year veteran to sign with a contender and potentially pursue a third WNBA championship. Mercury general manager Nick U’Ren specifically said the organization wanted to give Bonner an opportunity to chase another title in what could be her final postseason.

BEST GAMES OF THE LAST WEEK

Valkyries 78, Wings 70 — August 17

Golden State officially punched its playoff ticket behind a strong performance from Gabby Williams, who finished with 23 points and seven rebounds. Paige Bueckers scored 21 for Dallas and Arike Ogunbowale added 17, but the Wings couldn’t prevent the Valkyries from becoming the third team to secure a postseason spot.

Fever 101, Tempo 95 — August 18

Indiana’s three stars once again powered the offense. Caitlin Clark finished with 24 points and seven assists, Kelsey Mitchell poured in 29 and Aliyah Boston added 16 points and six rebounds. Marina Mabrey led five Toronto players in double figures with 22.

Wings 91, Fever 85 — August 20

Mitchell went off for 37 points, but Dallas spoiled her record-setting night. Ogunbowale responded with a season-high 32 points, while Jessica Shepard finished with 26 points and eight rebounds. Paige Beckers and Caitlin Clark both struggled shooting the ball, but Dallas did enough to end Indiana’s five-game winning streak.

Sky 73, Valkyries 70 — August 21

Sydney Taylor did it again. The undrafted rookie knocked down a game-winning 3-pointer with 0.6 seconds remaining, her second game-winner of the season, to lift Chicago past Golden State. Natasha Cloud led the Sky with 17 points, seven rebounds and four assists, while Kamilla Cardoso posted 14 points and 10 rebounds.

Tempo 82, Fire 79 — August 21

The league’s two newest franchises gave us a thriller. Toronto entered without Marina Mabrey and lost Brittney Sykes early, but Isabelle Harrison stepped up with 25 points and 10 rebounds. Kiki Rice continued her strong rookie campaign with 19, while Justė Jocytė added 15 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Bridget Carleton led Portland with 18. More importantly for Toronto, the victory snapped a 12-game losing streak, giving the Tempo their first win since July.

Liberty 109, Fever 102 — August 22

Indiana’s big three all cleared 20 points — Mitchell scored 25, Boston had 22 and Clark finished with 21 points and seven assists — but New York had too much firepower. Breanna Stewart posted 22 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, Jonquel Jones had 19 and 10, and Leonie Fiebich made quite the return from foot surgery. After missing 16 games, Fiebich produced 20 points, five rebounds and five assists in her first game.

Mystics 105, Fire 100 — August 23

With massive playoff implications hanging over this one, both teams played like their seasons depended on it. Shakira Austin delivered a career-high 31 points and 10 rebounds, Kiki Iriafen added 18 and 10 and Sonia Citron chipped in 14 points and sox assists as Washington rallied from 14 down. Portland countered with 27 points and 11 assists from Carla Leite, 23 from Emily Engstler, 21 from Megan DiLeo and 18 from Bridget Carleton. Washington’s win helped clinch the Mystics’ first playoff appearance since 2023 while pushing Portland even closer to elimination.

GAMES TO LOOK FORWARD TO THIS UPCOMING WEEK

Valkyries vs. Lynx — August 24

No. 1 versus No. 2 in the WNBA’s latest Power Rankings. Minnesota can further tighten its grip on the league’s best record, while Golden State needs to get back on track after consecutive losses.

Fire vs. Wings — August 25

This is essentially a playoff game. Dallas clinches the eighth and final postseason berth with a win, while Portland needs a victory to keep its shrinking playoff hopes alive. The Wings enter the week 5.5 games ahead of the Fire with six games remaining.

Valkyries vs. Liberty — August 27

Both teams are already in, but that doesn’t make this one meaningless. Golden State is fighting to hold onto the No. 2 seed while New York remains in the crowded race for first-round home-court advantage.

Fire vs. Dream — August 28

The significance of this game could skyrocket if Portland manages to beat Dallas first. The Fire would still be fighting for their season, while Atlanta has plenty to play for as it battles for seeding and a potential home series in the first round.

Lynx vs. Dream — August 30

Minnesota has separated itself from most of the league, but Atlanta has been one of the hottest teams around. With the Dream moving up the standings and the Lynx trying to lock down No. 1, this could be one of Sunday’s best matchups.

Valkyries vs. Fire — August 30

If Portland somehow survives Dallas and Atlanta, the road doesn’t get any easier. Golden State will likely still be fighting positioning near the top of the standings, making this another potentially massive game for both teams.

Sun vs. Wings — August 30

If Dallas loses to Portland earlier in the week, this could become another opportunity for the Wings to officially secure the final berth. There’s also a very real chance Dallas has already clinched by then depending on Portland’s results, but either way, every game matters until that eighth spot is officially spoken for.