The second round of the WNBA playoffs brings the postseason closer to the championship, with the remaining contenders facing increased pressure, tighter defensive coverage and less room for mistakes.
Every possession becomes more important as teams battle to advance to the semifinals and keep their title hopes alive.
Semifinal Matchups
Series 1: No. 4 Atlanta Dream vs. No. 8 New York Liberty
Game 1 — Sunday, October 4, 2026
Atlanta swept Washington in the opening round, while New York eliminated top-seeded Minnesota in two games.
The Dream will look to continue their defensive intensity, while the Liberty enter the semifinals after two impressive performances against the Lynx.
Series 2: No. 2 Golden State Valkyries vs. No. 3 Las Vegas Aces
Game 1 — Sunday, October 4, 2026
Golden State advanced after defeating Dallas 77–73 in a decisive Game 3.
Las Vegas advanced by beating Indiana 94–83, led by A’ja Wilson’s 36-point, 10-rebound performance.
The series features Golden State’s postseason momentum against the defending champions’ experience.
Key Players to Watch
Breanna Stewart — New York Liberty
Stewart’s scoring versatility, rebounding and defensive presence will be important as New York faces Atlanta’s physical defense.
Her ability to create shots in half-court possessions could shape the series.
Rhyne Howard — Atlanta Dream
Howard’s perimeter scoring and ability to attack closeouts give Atlanta an important offensive option.
Her production will be a key factor against New York’s defense.
A’ja Wilson — Las Vegas Aces
Wilson enters the semifinals after a 36-point, 10-rebound performance in the deciding first-round game.
Her interior scoring, rebounding and rim protection will be central to Las Vegas’ title defense.
Gabby Williams Golden State Valkyries
Williams scored 19 points in the Valkyries’ series-clinching win over Dallas.
Her defensive versatility, transition play and ability to contribute offensively will be important against Las Vegas.
Three Keys to Each Series
Atlanta Dream vs. New York Liberty
Defensive execution: Atlanta must contest New York’s perimeter shooting while limiting open looks
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Rebounding battle: Second-chance points could become critical in close games.
Late-game composure: Both teams need reliable half-court execution in the final minutes.
Golden State Valkyries vs. Las Vegas Aces
Contain Wilson: Golden State must find ways to challenge Wilson without giving Las Vegas easy opportunities elsewhere.
Perimeter shooting: The Valkyries need consistent outside scoring to stretch the Aces’ defense.
Turnover control: Possession management and transition defense will be important against an experienced Las Vegas team.
The WNBA semifinals feature four teams with different paths to the final four.
Atlanta and New York arrive after first-round sweeps, while Golden State and Las Vegas advanced through deciding third games.
The Dream–Liberty matchup will put Atlanta’s defensive approach against New York’s scoring options.
Meanwhile, the Valkyries–Aces series will feature Golden State’s push for a deep postseason run against Las Vegas’ pursuit of another championship.
With a place in the WNBA Finals on the line, both series will test offensive consistency, defensive discipline, bench contributions and execution under pressure.
The opening games on October 4 will provide the first indication of how these semifinal matchups develop.
Aces in 5
New York in 5
