Updated photo of 2026 WNBA playoff bracket after Dream Eliminate Mystics, Wings Beat Valkyries
The first round of the 2026 WNBA Playoffs continued with two matchups on Wednesday.
Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream began by defeating the Washington Mystics and earning their ticket to the semi-finals.
Dallas Wings guard Arike Ogunbowale then set a new WNBA playoff record with 45 points in a win over the Golden State Valkyries to force Game 3 of their best-of-three series.
Here’s a closer look at Wednesday’s results.
- Atlanta Dream 93, Washington Mystics 75
- Dallas Wings 108, Golden State Valkyries 100
Atlanta Dream 93, Washington Mystics 75
The Dream never trailed at any point in the contest, as they opened the first quarter with a 17-8 lead and maintained a 24-17 advantage heading into the second.
Atlanta went up by double digits to start the second quarter and led 41-28 with just over a minute left in the first half, although the Mystics closed the period on a 7-0 run to stay within striking distance.
Washington still trailed by just six points with less than seven minutes remaining in the third, but the Dream went on a 15-6 run to gain some more breathing room.
After three quarters, Atlanta led 65-58.
The Dream finally pulled away late in the fourth, outscoring Washington 28-17 in the final 10 minutes of action to earn the victory.
Atlanta was efficient offensively in the win, dishing out 23 assists against eight turnovers as a team. The Dream also shut down the Mystics’ offense, collecting 10 steals and four blocks.
Reese finished with 15 points and seven rebounds for Atlanta, while Allisha Gray scored a team-high 22 points on 8-of-18 shooting.
The Dream will now face the New York Liberty in the semi-final.
Dallas Wings 108, Golden State Valkyries 100
The second clash of the day was a hard-fought battle, with neither team holding a double-digit lead at any point in the match.
Dallas owned a 50-45 advantage at halftime, although Golden State outscored the Wings 29-22 in the third quarter to get back in front heading into the fourth.
After several lead changes in the fourth quarter, the Valkyries led by three points with one minute remaining.
With just under five seconds left in the fourth, Ogunbowale hit a game-tying triple to force overtime.
Tensions were high between the two teams over the extra five minutes, as Ogunbowale and Valkyries goalkeeper Tiffany Hayes both committed flagrant fouls during a brief altercation.
With the score tied 100-100 midway through overtime, the Wings closed out the game on an 8-0 run to force Game 3.
Alysha Clark was a key contribution for Dallas in the game, scoring 21 points in 31 minutes off the bench. Paige Bueckers also contributed with 10 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals.
The third game between the Wings and the Valkyries will take place on Friday.
Gn sports
