The WNBA playoffs advanced with heightened intensity on September 30 as the first round continued to deliver compelling performances and pivotal outcomes. In an early matchup, the Atlanta Dream secured a 93-75 victory over the Washington Mystics, completing a sweep in their best-of-three series. This win marks Atlanta’s return to the semifinals for the first time since 2018, ending a streak of first-round exits over the past three seasons. The Dream are set to face the New York Liberty in the semifinal round beginning Sunday. Atlanta holds a 2-1 regular-season series advantage over New York.

Later in Arlington, Texas, the Dallas Wings forced a decisive third game in their series against the Golden State Valkyries with a 108-100 overtime victory. Dallas guard Arike Ogunbowale was at the center of the comeback, scoring a career-high 45 points, which set a new WNBA postseason single-game scoring record. The Wings also achieved their highest point total against Golden State’s defense all season. The Valkyries had entered the playoffs as the No. 2 seed and have been noted for their defensive strength.

Following the game, Dream guard Jordin Canada highlighted the team’s growing maturity and ability to close out games, contrasting with previous seasons when leads often slipped away. “Basketball is a game of runs,” Canada said, noting the importance of emotional control and valuing possessions as emphasized by their coaching staff. She credited this focus with the team’s progress.

Ogunbowale, a Notre Dame alumna and eight-year veteran, reflected on her performance after a less productive Game 1, in which she scored 10 points on 2-of-7 shooting. “I felt like the first game, I wasn’t aggressive enough,” she said. “I was really passive. I wanted to come out and be aggressive and find my teammates and make myself a scorer, and that’s what I did.” Her standout game against Golden State’s top-ranked defense further solidifies her reputation as one of the league’s premier clutch scorers.

The pivotal Game 3 between Dallas and Golden State will determine which team advances past the first round as both squads look to capitalize on their momentum. Meanwhile, Atlanta prepares to challenge New York in the semifinals, aiming to extend their playoff run beyond the first round.