{
  "id": 9707638,
  "title": "A’Ja Wilson and Aces to face Caitlin Clark and Fever in opening round of WNBA playoffs",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/aja-wilson-and-aces-to-face-caitlin-clark-and-fever-in-opening-round",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-25T05:24:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/basketball/2026/09/25/aja-wilson-and-aces-to-face-caitlin-clark-and-fever-in-opening-round-of-wnba-playoffs"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The WNBA playoffs will feature a star-studded matchup between A’Ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark, thanks to a remarkable comeback by Golden State. Following a 10-point deficit with just three minutes remaining, the Valkyries executed a 14-0 run to defeat the Los Angeles Sparks 76-75, securing their position as the No. 2 seed on the final day of the regular season. This sets the stage for a best-of-three series between the reigning champion Las Vegas Aces and the Fever, beginning on Sunday in Las Vegas. The Aces, boasting three consecutive WNBA championships, triumphed over the Phoenix Mercury 100-82 but were relegated to the No. 3 seed with Golden State's victory. Meanwhile, Indiana fell to the No. 6 seed after a 86-66 loss to Minnesota on Thursday. Golden State will face eighth-seeded Dallas Wings and standout Paige Bueckers in the opening round, while Minnesota claims the top seed for the second consecutive season and will clash with ninth-seeded New York. The Atlanta Dream emerge as the fourth seed after defeating New York on Wednesday night and will confront fifth-seeded Washington. The Mystics secured the fifth seed following their 101-93 victory over Chicago Sky on Thursday night, followed by Indiana's loss to Minnesota. Golden State, along with Indiana, will meet in the opening round, with Golden State hosting Dallas Wings star Paige Bueckers. Minnesota, having clinched the top seed for the second straight year, will face sixth-seeded New York. The Atlanta Dream occupy the fourth seed after defeating New York on Wednesday night, preparing to face Washington in the second round. The Mystics claimed the fifth seed after defeating Chicago Sky 101-93 on Thursday night, following Indiana's defeat to Minnesota. Golden State, along with Indiana, will square off in the opening round, with Golden State hosting Dallas Wings' Paige Bueckers. Minnesota secured the top seed for the second consecutive season and will face New York for the sixth seed. The Atlanta Dream claimed the fourth seed after defeating New York on Wednesday night, preparing to face Washington in the second round. The Mystics secured the fifth seed following their 101-93 triumph over Chicago Sky on Thursday night, following Indiana's loss to Minnesota. Golden State, along with Indiana, will meet in the opening round, with Golden State hosting Dallas Wings' Paige Bueckers. Minnesota secured the top seed for the second consecutive season and will face New York for the sixth seed. The Atlanta Dream secured the fourth seed after defeating New York on Wednesday night, preparing to face Washington in the second round. The Mystics claimed the fifth seed following their 101-93 victory over Chicago Sky on Thursday night, following Indiana's loss to Minnesota.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "A’Ja Wilson’s Golden State defeats Los Angeles Sparks 76-75",
    "Las Vegas Aces, champions, face Fever in opening round",
    "Minnesota secures top seed for second consecutive season"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Aces' drop to third seed and the Fever's sixth seed sets up a best-of-three series matchup against each other in the opening round of the WNBA playoffs.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}