Weekends in the WNBA tend to provide fans with the most entertainment, and Sunday was no different, as only a handful of games are left for each team and not every playoff berth is booked yet. With only one spot remaining to enter the postseason, the Dallas Wings are taking charge of their own fate as they made quick work of bottom-place Seattle Storm thanks to Paige Bueckers’ record night. Meanwhile, reigning champions Las Vegas Aces took a hit on the road with NaLyssa Smith’s apparent injury.

To top it off, the Washington Mystics showed the doubters why they clinched a playoff spot in the first place, overcoming a 14-point deficit in Canada. With records, injuries, and a lot of drama unfolding near the playoffs, let’s take a look at another chaotic WNBA weekend unfold.

Paige Bueckers didn’t need to play a full game to create history

Paige Bueckers’ scoring efficiency has increased since the start of the season, and it was once again on full display during the must-win game against the Storm. Bueckers contributed 32 points in the team’s 92-70 victory, as head coach Jose Fernandez pulled her out of the game after the third quarter.

However, 26 minutes were enough for Bueckers to set two records to add to her ever-growing resume. Since the WNBA introduced quarters in 2006, Bueckers has now become the first player in history to score 32 points without playing a single minute in the fourth quarter. According to ESPN Analytics, this record covers both regular-season and playoff games.

Get the Essentially W Newsletter. Everyday front-court analysis and back-court drama — where the W takes center court.

Secondly, Bueckers joined legends like Maya Moore, Cynthia Cooper, Tamika Catchings, Kristi Toliver, and Stefanie Dolson to finish with a perfect 6-for-6 from the outside the arc. She tied the WNBA record for most made three-pointers in a single game without a single miss.

The College Park Center was at its feet for Bueckers, who is anchoring the team and is on the cusp of leading it to its first playoff since 2023. One more win on Tuesday, and that will do it.

“We want to play every game like it’s a playoff game. But we can’t play like we’re trying to make the playoffs. We have to play to our identity. Obviously the stakes are higher, but when you focus on that you lose sight of where you are in the present,” Bueckers told the media after the game.

While the Seattle Storm have had a hard time in the league this season, rookie Flau’jae Johnson provided them hope and someone the team may consider to build around in the next season. The rookie did not go down without a fight, scoring 23 points and 6 rebounds for the Storm. Bueckers, who has known Johnson from college, had nothing but praise for her after the game.

“[Johnson] has a dog mentality,” Bueckers said. “She’s aggressive. She’s consistent in who she is every single night. Plays both sides of the floor, and she’s a scorer. She was born to score.”

Regardless, every shot from the Wings team felt like it was going to be a swish, and they would hope that is the case when the playoffs eventually begin.

NaLyssa Smith’s injury could have major playoff implications.

The Aces have done almost everything right this season and have deservedly reached the playoffs again. While the Big 3 of A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, and Jackie Young usually do most of the heavy lifting for head coach Becky Hammon’s side, their overall team effort is what has decided crucial games for them. That is why NaLyssa Smith’s injury has consequences added to it, as she has been one of Hammon’s best squad players.

With 3:16 left on the clock in the third quarter, Smith went down, grabbing her knee according to a video from B/R W Sports on Instagram. This unfortunate incident came after she attempted a layup off of a pass from Young. Since it was a non-contact fall, everyone knew the injury could be serious, as Smith landed awkwardly on her left leg before falling to the floor.

Head coach Hammon and the Aces bench wasted no time, immediately rushing towards Smith. Smith was clearly in pain, slapping the hardwood as she clutched at her knee. She did not return for the rest of the game.

“God has his hands on. We’re going to continue to be beside her through the whole process, but it is like Becky (Hammon) says, ‘Man down, man up,’” A’ja Wilson said about her teammate following the game.

Smith is averaging 11.7 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, while shooting 63.8% from the field. The 6’4 forward has started all 38 games for the Aces, playing 24.3 minutes per game and anchoring the frontcourt alongside the four-time MVP. While her stats are obviously exemplary, her ability to provide the Aces with more physicality makes them more equipped and versatile in defense.

The Aces may be hampered if Smith is out for the playoffs. With the likes of the Minnesota Lynx and especially the Indiana Fever becoming the best offensive sides of the season, the Aces need all the overall support possible to win their fourth title in five seasons.

However, for now, only time will tell whether NaLyssa Smith will be fit enough to show up for the defending champions in the playoffs.

The Washington Mystics might be the dark horses in the playoffs

The 22-15 Mystics added another feather to their cap, as they became the seventh team to qualify for the playoffs. Head coach Sydney Johnson’s side showed a lot of heart while trailing 14 points to the Portland Fire, who themselves were trying to push as hard as possible to extend their season till October.

However, following the loss to the Mystics, it would take a miracle for them to grab that last stop, as the Wings are in full control of their destiny.

On Sunday, the Fire struggled with Shakira Austin, who anchored the Mystics with a career-high 31 points and 10 rebounds. Austin has been one of the top performers on her team, winning the Eastern Conference Player of the Week this month.

Kiki Iriafen shot 7-of-11 from the field and finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds for the Mystics. Sonia Citron added 14 points, and Cotie McMahon and Amoore scored 13 apiece, helping Austin along the way to their gritty 105-100 comeback win.

As we near the playoffs, the Mystics are definitely a team to watch, as they have consistently shown they can hang with the best. The Mystics have already won against the Minnesota Lynx, Las Vegas Aces, and Dallas Wings in the regular season.

Following a rough start, the Mystics put together an impressive seven-game winning streak, and despite a few recent losses, still have a positive 7-3 record in their last 10 game.

“The WNBA playoffs are coming back to DC! Congratulations to the entire @WashMystics team, coaches and staff. Not done yet but immensely proud of this organization and thrilled for our fans,” wrote Ted Leonsis, CEO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, in a post on X.

For now, it was a time to celebrate for Johnson and co., as the Mystics reached the postseason for the first time since 2023.