The Los Angeles Sparks have emerged as strong contenders in the WNBA playoff race after a remarkable turnaround this season. Following a shaky 6-14 start and expectations that the team was still rebuilding, the Sparks have surged with five consecutive wins, including a critical road victory over defending champions, the New York Liberty, secured by Rickea Jackson’s buzzer-beater.

Now just one game shy of the final playoff spot, Los Angeles has demonstrated resilience and improved performance that signals a potential postseason berth is within reach. Driving this turnaround is Kelsey Plum, who is having a career-best season, averaging 20.1 points per game while setting personal highs in assists (5.9), steals (1.5), rebounds (3.2), and free-throw accuracy (91.7%). Plum’s elevated free throw attempts per game and strong three-point shooting percentage of 37.7% have made her a versatile offensive threat.

Key Contributors Fueling the Sparks’ Surge

Alongside Plum, fellow players Dearica Hamby and Rickea Jackson have delivered outstanding performances, possibly their best yet, contributing significantly to the team’s success. Additionally, the Sparks anticipate a boost in their defense soon, with No. 2 overall 2024 draft pick Cameron Brink cleared to return following an ACL injury last season. Brink’s prior season showed promise with averages of 7.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.3 blocks, and 1.1 steals in 22 minutes per game, which could strengthen a defense currently ranked near the bottom of the league.

The schedule also favors Los Angeles, with five of their next seven games played at home. They trail the Washington Mystics by a single game for the last playoff spot, but hold an edge with a 2-0 record against them, positioning themselves well for the final stretch.

Atlanta Dream Impress with Road Resilience and Balanced Scoring

The Atlanta Dream have stood out recently, posting a 3-2 record over their last five games—all played away from home. Wins against top teams like Phoenix, which boasts the league’s third-best record, and Minnesota, the league leader, showcase Atlanta’s growing strength. On Sunday, Atlanta edged out Minnesota despite Napheesa Collier’s 32 points, with Brittney Griner leading the Dream with 22 points.

Atlanta thrives on its deep scoring options, as five players—Griner, Allisha Gray, Brionna Jones, Rhyne Howard, and Jordin Canada—each average double figures in points. Their effective offense and solid defense, ranking fourth in offensive rating (107.5) and defensive rating (101.3), make them a formidable presence heading into the playoffs.

Kelsey Mitchell Leads Indiana Fever Despite Injury Setbacks

The Indiana Fever have maintained their playoff positioning despite losing star Caitlin Clark to injury, largely due to All-Star guard Kelsey Mitchell’s outstanding form. Mitchell averaged 28.3 points over three games last week, including a 35-point effort with seven three-pointers against Chicago, signaling her role as the team’s go-to scorer.

With a 14-12 record, Indiana sits in sixth place and is just 1.5 games out of the top four—a position owed in large part to Mitchell’s consistent high-level performances. She has surpassed 20 points in seven of her last eight games, stepping up as the Fever’s offensive leader in the absence of Clark and keeping the team competitive in the playoff race.

“Mitchell hasn’t done it alone, but she has been spectacular. In three games last week, Mitchell averaged 28.3 points per game, thanks in part to 35 points (seven three-pointers) in a win over Chicago.” —Chris, Sports Writer

Playoff Picture Tightens as Teams Fight for Position

With fewer than 20 games remaining this WNBA season, the playoff race is intense. The Los Angeles Sparks’ surprising recent success, paired with the consistent efforts of players like Kelsey Mitchell and Atlanta’s broad talent, have made the postseason chase unpredictable and engaging. Key returning players like Cameron Brink and the sustained form of leaders such as Plum and Mitchell could define which teams secure playoff berths.

As the season progresses, teams with balanced rosters and timely individual performances will likely hold the advantage, making each remaining regular-season game critical in this closely contested playoff push.