Canada powers Dream past Liberty in Game 1
The 2026 WNBA semifinals began Sunday with the Atlanta Dream using a dominant third quarter to beat the New York Liberty 92-82. Jordin Canada scored 25 points on 9-of-14 shooting, tied for the third-highest scoring game of her career in the regular season or playoffs, and added four assists and five steals. A 29.2% 3-point shooter in the regular season, she made 4 of 6 from beyond the arc, matching a season high. Atlanta lost Allisha Gray to a hand injury, and her status for the rest of the series is unclear.[S1][S2]
Turnovers decided the game. The Liberty gave the ball away 21 times, tied for their most in a game this season, and the Dream converted those into 32 points, tied for Atlanta's fourth-most this season. The Dream outscored New York 18-0 in fastbreak points in the 10-point win. Sabrina Ionescu led the Liberty with five turnovers, and every New York starter had at least two, as did reserves Han Xu and Marine Johannès. In the third quarter, the Liberty had nine giveaways, seven of which led directly to Dream baskets and 15 Atlanta points; the Dream won the frame 32-15.[S1]
Valkyries' defense smothers Aces in 71-60 win
In the Bay Area, the Golden State Valkyries defended their home court with a 71-60 victory over the reigning champion Las Vegas Aces. The Valkyries shot 37.7% from the field and committed 13 turnovers but still won by double digits. Las Vegas scored 60 points on 33.9% shooting, both season lows. Since the WNBA changed its playoff format in 2016 to take the top eight teams regardless of conference, this was just the 10th time a team held an opponent to 60 or fewer points on 35% or worse shooting.[S1]
The Aces' lack of depth, worsened by Jewell Loyd leaving with a leg injury in the third quarter, allowed the Valkyries to focus on A'ja Wilson, Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray. That trio combined for 51 points on 17-of-50 shooting. On the Aces' first possession, Wilson drove right and put up a floater that Kiah Stokes blocked after leaving Brianna Turner to help. Loyd's status for the rest of the series is also unclear.[S1]
Gray's injury leaves Dream facing uncertainty
Allisha Gray had never reached the semifinals before this season despite seven previous playoff appearances since entering the league in 2017. Her first semifinal game ended early because of an injury to her shooting hand. In the middle of the first quarter, while defending Sabrina Ionescu, Gray deflected a pass and appeared to possibly dislocate a finger on her left hand, though the Dream did not provide an official diagnosis. She went to the locker room and returned early in the third quarter with her fingers taped, but after a poor 3-point attempt she removed the tape and stayed in the game. Late in the second, she made another defensive play on Ionescu but reaggravated the injury and left for good. Dream coach Karl Smesko did not have an update during his postgame press conference, and Gray's status for the remainder of the series is unclear.[S1]
Gray averaged a team-high 19 points in the regular season on her way to a fourth consecutive All-Star appearance. If she cannot play the rest of the series, that would be a major blow for the Dream. All teams have two days off before Game 2 of both series on Wednesday.[S1]
