WNBA Playoff Push: Gamecocks to Watch as the Regular Season Winds Down / sportsearchers.com

The WNBA returns from its two-week World Cup break with only four games remaining in the regular season. As teams make their final push toward the playoffs, several former South Carolina Gamecocks are competing for postseason success, while others are looking to finish the year on a strong note. The remaining schedule offers a mix of playoff races, individual milestones, and important player developments.

Atlanta Dream: Gray Leads a Playoff Contender

The Atlanta Dream have already secured a playoff berth and are now focused on earning home-court advantage. With a 26–14 record, Atlanta is tied with the Indiana Fever for fourth place but owns the tiebreaker.

Former Gamecock Allisha Gray has been one of the Dream’s most important contributors, starting all 40 games and averaging 19.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per contest. Her consistent scoring and leadership could be crucial during the postseason.

Madina Okot and Te-Hina Paopao have also contributed to Atlanta’s campaign. Paopao’s three-point shooting provides additional offensive value, while Okot has offered useful minutes off the bench.

The Dream will face Connecticut on Thursday, September 17, before hosting Chicago on Saturday, September 19.

Chicago Sky: Cardoso Looks to Finish Strong

The Chicago Sky have been eliminated from playoff contention, but Kamilla Cardoso still has plenty to play for. The former South Carolina standout has started all 39 games she has played, averaging 14.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game.

Cardoso’s 54.8% field-goal percentage highlights her efficiency around the basket. Her continued improvement throughout the season has been a major positive for Chicago, and the final games provide an opportunity to build confidence and momentum heading into the offseason.

The Sky will play Washington on Thursday before visiting Atlanta on Saturday.

Golden State Valkyries: Amihere Part of a Strong Playoff Team

The Golden State Valkyries have clinched a playoff spot and currently occupy the second seed with a 29–11 record. They are two games behind Minnesota and two games ahead of Las Vegas, although the Aces hold the tiebreaker.

Laeticia Amihere has appeared in 35 games, contributing 3.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks per game. Although her role has primarily come off the bench, her defensive versatility and athleticism can provide valuable depth during the playoffs.

Golden State faces Portland on Friday and Seattle on Saturday.

Indiana Fever: Boston Anchors the Playoff Race

The Indiana Fever are tied with Atlanta at 26–14, but the Dream currently hold the tiebreaker for fourth place. That makes every remaining game especially important as Indiana fights for home-court advantage.

Aliyah Boston has continued to establish herself as a key contributor, averaging 16.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.3 blocks across 36 starts. Her all-around production and improved three-point shooting have made her an important part of Indiana’s success.

Other former Gamecocks on the roster include Tyasha Harris and Raven Johnson, while Bree Hall has seen limited action as a developmental player.

Indiana will visit Toronto on Friday before hosting Washington on Sunday.

Las Vegas, Portland, and Seattle: Different End-of-Season Goals

The Las Vegas Aces remain firmly in the playoff race, sitting at 27–13. A’ja Wilson continues to lead the team with outstanding production, averaging 26.0 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game. Former Gamecock Ta’Niya Latson has also seen action in Las Vegas.

Meanwhile, Portland and Seattle have both been eliminated. Sania Feagin is recovering from a surgically repaired ACL injury and will miss the remainder of the season. Zia Cooke, however, continues to contribute for Seattle, averaging 7.6 points per game.

Overall, the final stretch will be important for both playoff contenders and developing players. For the Gamecocks in the WNBA, the closing games offer a chance to strengthen postseason positioning, demonstrate continued growth, and build momentum for the future.