WNBA playoff picture is set after thrilling regular-season finale

The GIST: The WNBA made last night a regular-season finale to remember, with multiple nailbiters and even more broken records capping off an already historic 2024 campaign. Here are the top takeaways before we enter playoff mode on Sunday.

Atlanta Dream clinch eighth and final playoff spot: The Dream had one job ahead of last night’s finale: upset the No. 1 NY Liberty. And they did just that, firing on all cylinders from the jump and topping NY’s starting lineup 78–67. What’s more, Tina Charles notched 10 points and 10 rebounds, making her the league’s new all-time leader in rebounds and double-doubles. Iconic.

• Atlanta’s dub eliminated the Chicago Sky and Washington Mystics, but the ’Stics made history in defeat, overpowering Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever 92–91 in front of the largest crowd in WNBA history.

Connecticut Sun claim the No. 3 seed: Marina Mabrey led the charge against her former team, scoring 12 points to help the Sun top the aforementioned Sky 87–54 and secure the No. 3 seed, a spot they were in danger of losing to the Las Vegas Aces. Up next: a first-round playoff series against the No. 6 Fever, who are making their first postseason appearance since 2016.

The postseason fun begins on Sunday: Count ’em — there are four games scheduled for Sunday’s playoff tip-off, so keep an eye on your inbox for a full Sunday Scroll preview. Just getting started.