WNBA Returns From FIBA Break With Key Wins Shaping Playoff Race

The WNBA returned from a nearly three-week break for the FIBA Women's World Cup on Thursday, September 17, 2026, with four games that significantly impacted the playoff seeding race. The Las Vegas Aces delivered the night's most dominant performance, routing the Seattle Storm 114-77 behind a historic outing from Jackie Young. Young scored a career-high 35 points, including tying the WNBA record for points in a single quarter with 22 in the first period. She shot 8-of-9 from the field, while A'ja Wilson added 29 points for the Aces, who improved to 28-13 and remain 1.5 games behind the second-place Golden State Valkyries. The Storm, led by Flau'jae Johnson's 25 points, fell to 8-33 and have lost five of their last six games. The Washington Mystics also made a strong statement in their return, defeating the Chicago Sky 110-80. Washington capitalized on 16 Chicago turnovers, converting them into 22 points while shooting 55% from the field. Kiki Iriafen and Shakira Austin led the scoring, with all five Mystics starters finishing in double figures. The victory kept Washington, now 24-16, tied with the New York Liberty and Dallas Wings in the standings.