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0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. The WNBA's playoff field is set thanks to the Dallas Wings' 96-78 victory over the visiting Portland Fire, sending star guard Paige Bueckers to the postseason for the first time.
Dallas joins Minnesota, Golden State, Las Vegas, Atlanta, Indiana , New York and Washington in the postseason. After missing the playoffs in each of the past two seasons, the Wings are back in coach Jose Fernandez's first year with Dallas.
After clinching the final playoff spot, Fernandez opened up on the loss of No. 1 overall pick Azzi Fudd, who suffered a season-ending knee injury just last week.
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"We're missing Azzi, who was our best perimeter defender and how she stretched the floor [on offense]," Fernandez said. "So, we're just a little different now in the way we're playing. I know Azzi was watching this, having the procedure that she [underwent]. After the World Cup break, she'll be back with the team and will enjoy the type of season that we've had."
After the All-Star break, Dallas went through a rough patch, losing seven of nine from July 29 to Aug. 17. But the team bounced back over the past week winning three straight games, including an impressive 91-85 victory over Caitlin Clark and the Fever as the Wings secured a playoff spot.
Dallas will now fight for playoff seeding over the final five games of the season.
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