Updated WNBA Playoff Bracket Picture 2026 After Dream, Valkyries Wins

The Atlanta Dream moved one step closer to their first WNBA Finals appearance since 2013 with a statement win over the New York Liberty on Sunday.

The Dream pulled away in the second half to earn a 92-82 victory and take a 1-0 series lead in the WNBA semifinals.

Later in the day, the Golden State Valkyries opened their semifinal series against the reigning champion Las Vegas Aces with a 71-60 win at home with an impressive defensive performance.

After trailing 50-47 at halftime, the Dream exploded with a 32-15 third quarter to put the game out of reach. Atlanta relied on its stifling defense, forcing nine turnovers in the third quarter alone and 19 in the game. 2026 Defensive Player of the Year Angel Reese and veteran guard Jordin Canada combined for nine steals.

On offense, Canada led Atlanta with 25 points while adding four assists. Veteran forward DeWanna Bonner came off the bench to add 23 points and nine rebounds, and Reese chipped in 17 points, seven rebounds and three blocks. The Dream had to play most of the game without star guard Allisha Gray, who suffered a hand injury in the first quarter.

The Liberty opened the fourth quarter on an 8-0 run to cut into the deficit, but it was too little, too late. Star guard Sabrina Ionescu led the way with 27 points, but she shot 10-of-20 from the field and had a team-high five turnovers. Veteran forward Breanna Stewart added 19 points, three steals and three blocks but was limited to just two rebounds.

The Dream won the regular-season series against the Liberty 2-1, so they clearly have figured out the right formula against the 2026 Commissioner's Cup winners.

Atlanta will try to keep the momentum going when the teams return to action in Wednesday's Game 2.

In Sunday's second Game 1, the Valkyries held the high-powered Aces to just 34 percent shooting in their 11-point victory. Star forward A'ja Wilson had 24 points, but she needed 21 shots to get there.

Valkyries star forward Gabby Williams had a game-high 25 points while also adding 11 rebounds and five assists. Kaitlyn Chen had 11 points off the bench and was the only other Golden State player to score in double figures. However, the Valkyries used a dominant rebounding performance to secure the win, with Kiah Stokes leading the way with 14 boards and Kayla Thornton adding 11. Las Vegas was outrebounded 52-25.

After getting swept in the three-game regular-season series, Golden State appears to have figured things out against Las Vegas. The Valkyries will try to take a 2-0 series advantage when they meet in Game 2 on Wednesday.