The WNBA semifinals commenced on October 4 with four teams competing for the championship: defending titleholders Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty, alongside the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries, both aiming for their first title. Despite the differing playoff experience levels, Game 1 results suggested that past success was not decisive.
At State Farm Arena in Atlanta, the No. 4 seed Dream secured a 92-82 victory over the No. 8 Liberty. Meanwhile, the No. 2 seeded Valkyries defeated the Aces 71-60 at San Francisco’s Chase Center.
The Dream’s win hinged largely on their defensive performance, particularly during the third quarter. Trailing 40-37 at halftime, Atlanta unleashed a dominant quarter, outscoring New York 32-15. The Dream forced nine turnovers in that period, nearly all steals, converting them into 16 points—a playoff quarter record since the league adopted the quarter format in 2006. Overall, Atlanta amassed 14 steals from six players, producing 32 points off turnovers, tying another postseason milestone. Guard Jordin Canada credited the team's improved energy and adherence to defensive schemes for the turnaround, emphasizing the importance of transition play in creating separation from the Liberty.
New York struggled with ball security, committing 21 turnovers that led to 32 points for the Dream. Star guard Sabrina Ionescu had an uncharacteristically difficult game with five turnovers and just one assist. The Dream’s defensive impact was led by Canada with five steals, while Angel Reese contributed four steals and four blocks.
The Valkyries were propelled by Gabby Williams, who delivered a standout 25-point, 11-rebound performance. Williams, who previously scored a career-high 36 points in the first round, became the 10th player in WNBA history to log at least 25 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in a playoff game. A French-American with roots in the Bay Area, Williams expressed pride in representing her home community on a prominent stage.
Bench depth continued to be a critical strength for Golden State, which boasts the highest-scoring bench in the league, averaging 35.9 points per game during the season. In Game 1, the Valkyries' reserves contributed 27 points, led by Kaitlyn Chen’s 11, outperforming the Aces’ bench output of seven points. Janelle Salaün, recently named Sixth Player of the Year, is credited with guiding this group. The Aces, facing multiple injuries including NaLyssa Smith, Stephanie Talbot, Dana Evans, and now Jewell Loyd—who left the game with a leg injury—are contending with a significantly thinned rotation. Coach Becky Hammon highlighted rebounding as a principal weakness, noting the Aces were outrebounded 52-25 overall and 17-2 on offensive boards. Former Aces center Kiah Stokes played a pivotal role for Golden State with 14 rebounds, countering the Aces' struggles on the glass.
Atlanta also faced injury concerns after guard Allisha Gray exited Game 1 twice due to a left-hand injury and did not return after the second incident. Gray had been averaging 22 points and 2.5 steals in the playoffs prior to the injury. Veteran DeWanna Bonner stepped into Gray’s role and provided a strong performance off the bench with 23 points and nine rebounds. The Dream emphasized a next-player-up mindset to absorb Gray’s absence.
The playoff series now continues with teams adjusting to injuries and seeking to capitalize on momentum in the best-of-five format.