WNBA Scores and Game Recaps: Wings Clinch Playoff Berth, Edwards Leads Sun, Mystics Beat Mercury

The WNBA scores and results from August 25, 2026 featured a playoff-clinching victory for the Dallas Wings, a career night from Connecticut Sun forward Aaliyah Edwards and another important road win for the Washington Mystics.

Dallas defeated Portland 96-78 to secure the final spot in the 2026 WNBA Playoffs. Connecticut held off a furious Chicago comeback for an 87-81 victory, while Washington defeated Phoenix 94-84 behind a balanced offensive attack.

Here is a complete look at the WNBA game results, scores, top performers and updated standings from Tuesday, August 25, 2026.

Connecticut Sun 87, Chicago Sky 81

UNCASVILLE, Conn. — Aaliyah Edwards delivered the best scoring performance of her WNBA career Tuesday night, pouring in a career-high 26 points and grabbing 10 rebounds as Connecticut defeated Chicago 87-81.

Edwards shot an efficient 11-of-16 from the field in only 26 minutes, while Diamond Miller added 21 points and Kennedy Burke contributed 19 for the Sun.

Connecticut appeared headed toward an easy victory after building a 78-58 advantage early in the fourth quarter, but Chicago refused to disappear.

The Sky ripped off a 21-4 run and suddenly pulled within 82-79 with 2:20 remaining. Connecticut finally stopped the surge by scoring the next four points, with Edwards providing a crucial block followed by a layup that restored a seven-point cushion.

The victory improved Connecticut to 10-27, while Chicago fell to 15-24.

Turning Point: Chicago had turned a 20-point deficit into a three-point game, but Edwards answered at both ends of the floor. Her late block and ensuing layup stopped the Sky’s momentum and allowed Connecticut to regain control.

Star of the Game: Aaliyah Edwards, Connecticut — 26 points, 10 rebounds. Edwards established a new career scoring high while shooting nearly 69 percent from the floor.

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Dallas Wings 96, Portland Fire 78

ARLINGTON, Texas — The Dallas Wings are officially headed back to the postseason.

Dallas defeated Portland 96-78 Tuesday night to clinch the final berth in the 2026 WNBA Playoffs, sending the Wings to the postseason for the first time since 2023.

Paige Bueckers finished with 22 points and a game-high 11 assists, recording her third points-assists double-double of the season. Jessica Shepard added 21 points, nine rebounds and six assists, while Awak Kuier recorded 12 points, a career-high 12 rebounds, five blocks and three steals.

Dallas established control early, leading 27-21 after the first quarter before taking a 50-37 advantage into halftime. The Wings then opened the third quarter with a 9-2 run and eventually pushed their advantage beyond 20 points.

Portland never got closer than 15 during the fourth quarter.

Dallas shot an impressive 55.1 percent from the field and 45.8 percent from 3-point range while scoring 46 points in the paint. The Wings also collected a season-high 11 steals.

The victory improved Dallas to 23-16, establishing a franchise record for regular-season victories since the team relocated to Dallas. Portland fell to 15-23 and was eliminated from playoff contention.

Turning Point: Dallas’ 9-2 run to begin the third quarter transformed a comfortable halftime advantage into an 18-point lead. Moments later, Bueckers buried a three as the margin surpassed 20 and Portland never seriously threatened again.

Star of the Game: Paige Bueckers, Dallas — 22 points, 11 assists, four rebounds and two steals. Bueckers directed a Wings offense that shot better than 55 percent while helping Dallas secure its first playoff berth since 2023.

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Washington Mystics 94, Phoenix Mercury 84

PHOENIX — Washington continued its strong late-season push Tuesday night, defeating Phoenix 94-84 behind another balanced offensive performance.

Sonia Citron led the Mystics with 19 points and nine assists, while Kiki Iriafen produced 18 points and 10 rebounds for her 17th double-double of the season. Shakira Austin added 16 points.

Washington scored 51 points in the first half, taking a commanding 51-33 advantage into the break after holding Phoenix to only 15 points in the first quarter and 18 in the second.

The Mystics eventually pushed their advantage to 20 points and shot 51.5 percent from the field.

Phoenix made the final score more respectable by winning the fourth quarter 24-17, but Washington’s early advantage proved too large to overcome.

Natasha Mack and Kahleah Copper each scored 19 points for Phoenix.

Washington improved to 23-15, giving the Mystics the second-most regular-season victories in franchise history. Only Washington’s 2019 WNBA championship team, which won 26 regular-season games, has recorded more.

Phoenix dropped to 13-25.

Turning Point: Washington’s first half. The Mystics outscored Phoenix 51-33 over the opening 20 minutes, giving themselves enough breathing room to withstand the Mercury’s fourth-quarter push.

Star of the Game: Sonia Citron, Washington — 19 points and nine assists. Citron nearly recorded a points-assists double-double while directing an offense that shot better than 50 percent.

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WNBA Scores for August 25, 2026

Connecticut Sun 87, Chicago Sky 81

Dallas Wings 96, Portland Fire 78

Washington Mystics 94, Phoenix Mercury 84

WNBA Standings After August 25 Games

Eastern Conference

Atlanta Dream — 25-13

Indiana Fever — 25-14

New York Liberty — 23-15

Washington Mystics — 23-15

Chicago Sky — 15-24

Toronto Tempo — 11-26

Connecticut Sun — 10-27

Western Conference

Minnesota Lynx — 31-8

Golden State Valkyries — 26-11

Las Vegas Aces — 26-13

Dallas Wings — 23-16

Portland Fire — 15-23

Phoenix Mercury — 13-25

Los Angeles Sparks — 13-25

Seattle Storm — 7-31

Standings reflect games completed through Tuesday, August 25, 2026.

2026 WNBA Playoff Field Is Set

Dallas’ victory over Portland carried the biggest postseason implications of Tuesday’s schedule. The Wings clinched the eighth and final playoff berth, while Portland was officially eliminated.

The eight teams that have now secured places in the 2026 WNBA Playoffs are:

Minnesota Lynx
Golden State Valkyries
Las Vegas Aces
Atlanta Dream
Indiana Fever
New York Liberty
Washington Mystics
Dallas Wings

With the eight playoff teams determined, the remaining regular-season games will play an important role in deciding WNBA playoff seeding and first-round matchups.