Back in WNBA action following the Olympic break, teams are now refocusing on the playoff race. The energy has shifted from winning gold with the U.S. Olympic team to competing against each other in the league. Players like A’ja Wilson are ready to chase after a WNBA title after securing the Olympic gold.

A highly anticipated game featured the Las Vegas Aces against the New York Liberty, led by Olympic MVP Wilson and league MVP Breanna Stewart. The Liberty clinched a playoff spot with a 79-67 victory, potentially setting the stage for a rematch of last year’s WNBA Finals. Currently, the Liberty hold the No. 1 seed over the Connecticut Sun.

Teams like the Sun, with players such as DeWanna Bonner and Alyssa Thomas, are also back in action post-Olympics, securing a win over the Dallas Wings. Encounters between former Olympic teammates have become a norm, with players easily transitioning from allies to opponents on the court.

Trash-talking among players adds to the competitive atmosphere, with memories of past plays and games from the Olympics spicing up conversations. Despite the camaraderie built during the Olympics, once back in WNBA mode, the focus shifts back to winning for their respective teams.

The game between the Aces and the Liberty saw New York taking charge after an early Las Vegas lead, ultimately dominating the match. Despite the loss, Wilson emphasized the need to focus on the present and the upcoming games rather than dwelling on the Olympic break. As teams push towards the playoffs, the competition is heating up in the WNBA.