Four teams entered the WNBA semifinals. Two have taken control. And two are running out of opportunities to do something about it.
The Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries have each won their first two semifinal games, putting both teams one victory away from the 2026 WNBA Finals.
Neither series is over. But heading into Friday’s Game 3 matchups, New York and Las Vegas have no room left for another loss.
Atlanta Isn’t Just Back. Atlanta Is Winning.
The Dream entered the semifinals after sweeping Washington in the opening round. Their next opponent, New York, had just eliminated No. 1 Minnesota in two games.
That made this matchup interesting before either team stepped onto the floor.
Atlanta opened the series with a 92–82 victory on October 4. Three days later, the Dream had to work considerably harder to secure their second win.
Game 2 went into overtime before Atlanta escaped with a 101–98 victory.
Angel Reese and Jordin Canada scored 23 points apiece. Canada also contributed eight assists, while Naz Hillmon delivered the go-ahead basket with 20.8 seconds remaining in overtime.
New York didn’t make it easy.
Breanna Stewart finished with 35 points, including 25 in the first half. The Liberty fought back late in regulation and briefly took the lead during overtime, but Atlanta made the plays it needed to finish.
Now the Dream lead 2–0.
Atlanta hasn’t reached the WNBA Finals since 2013. One more victory changes that.
And considering New York’s first-round upset of Minnesota, the Dream aren’t simply beating another semifinal opponent. They’re beating the team that knocked out the tournament’s top seed.
Golden State Has Flipped the Script on Las Vegas
The Valkyries entered the semifinals with a problem.
Las Vegas had beaten them in all three regular-season meetings.
Golden State entered the series knowing that whatever worked against other opponents hadn’t been enough against the Aces.
Then the playoffs started.
The Valkyries took Game 1 with a 71–60 victory, holding Las Vegas to just 60 points.
Game 2 was a completely different fight.
The Aces pushed Golden State to the final seconds, but the Valkyries held on for an 83–81 win.
Tiffany Hayes scored 21 points off the bench, Gabby Williams added 20, and Veronica Burton delivered one of the biggest shots of the series.
With the game tied late in the fourth quarter, Burton connected on a deep three-pointer to give Golden State the advantage. The Valkyries then survived Las Vegas’ final opportunities, including a blocked shot by Kiah Stokes.
Golden State now leads 2–0.
The Valkyries are in just their second WNBA season, and they’re one win from reaching the Finals.
That’s a remarkable position for a young franchise. But the job isn’t finished.
Las Vegas still has A’ja Wilson, a championship-tested roster, and the opportunity to respond on its home floor.
The Aces need to win Game 3 to keep their season alive.
Two Series, Two Very Different Challenges
Atlanta and Golden State have reached the same position, but their paths have been different.
The Dream have handled a New York team that entered the semifinals with momentum from eliminating Minnesota. Atlanta won the opener comfortably, then proved it could survive a close overtime game.
Golden State has turned a difficult regular-season matchup into a postseason advantage. The Valkyries have beaten Las Vegas with defense, timely scoring, and late-game execution.
For New York and Las Vegas, the situation is much simpler.
Win Friday, or go home.
Both teams would need three consecutive victories to advance. Atlanta and Golden State need only one.
SUI Picks: The Receipts Are Still Coming
Sports UNIllustrated selected Atlanta and Golden State to win their semifinal series.
After going 1–3 with our first-round picks, we’re watching both selections move within one victory of the Finals.
But we’re not grading those picks as wins yet.
A 2–0 lead isn’t a completed series. Until somebody earns that third victory, the picks remain open.
And that’s part of following the postseason honestly. The predictions are already on record. Now the teams have to finish the work.
What’s Next?
Friday, October 9 — Semifinals Game 3
Atlanta Dream at New York Liberty
7:30 PM ET | ESPN2
Atlanta leads 2–0.
Golden State Valkyries at Las Vegas Aces
9:30 PM ET
Golden State leads 2–0.
Both series are best-of-five. Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday, October 11, if necessary.
The WNBA Finals begin October 17.
Two teams are one win away. Two teams are facing elimination.
Friday could decide the championship matchup—or send both series into another round of basketball.
The Finals are within reach. But somebody still has to close the door.
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