The dashed line on the chart is the pace of the final playoff spot.
Clinch key
x
clinched a playoff place
Turning points
The lead changed hands once.
The Minnesota Lynx trailed by as many as half a game on May 18, 2012.
The Minnesota Lynx took first place for good on May 24, 2012.
The San Antonio Silver Stars won 12 games in a row from June 24, 2012 to August 21, 2012, the longest run of the race. It runs either side of the Olympic break.
The Minnesota Lynx led by as many as 5 games on September 9, 2012.
The top two ended the day within one game of each other on 17 of the 72 days played.
Three teams held first place.
The Minnesota Lynx spent 127 of the season's 129 charted days in first place.