Meghan L. Hall, USA TODAY Fri, October 16, 2026 at 12:53 PM UTC · 7 min read About Our Ads Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SAN FRANCISCO ― One year after heartbreak, the Atlanta Dream will play for a championship. Their pain fueled an unforgettable run to the WNBA Finals .
In September 2025, a stunned Gateway Arena fell silent after the Indiana Fever pulled off a fourth-quarter comeback, eliminating the then-No. 3 seed Dream in the playoffs. Cheers from the Fever's bench erupted and echoed through the arena after a putback basket with 7.4 seconds remaining put Indiana up by one. The Dream tried to get something going on the next play, but a bad pass led to a brutal steal, sealing the Fever's 87-85 victory.
Atlanta walked off the court to cheers from faithful fans, but the silence from Dream players and the team's staff as they walked back to the locker room was deafening. The pain was palpable. Atlanta's collapse raised questions after one of the organization's best seasons, which included the league's second-best defense and a franchise-record 30 wins. Dream head coach Karl Smesko described the defeat as "devastating," "unfortunate" and "frustrating." But, he was already looking ahead.
"Unfortunately, there's no more opportunities to learn from this year. Our goal this year was to win the championship," Smesko told the media. "Right now, it's kind of deflating because we definitely were expecting that we would have the ability to advance.
"We're here to bring a championship to the Dream. It's gonna be delayed. It's not gonna be denied, but right now it hurts a little bit because I had so much belief in this team."
Dream guard Jordin Canada backed up Smesko, predicting what 2026 could look like.
"We were all bought into coach's vision … what we wanna accomplish here. And like coach said, what's delayed is not denied. Atlanta will be back. I guarantee that," Canada said.
More than 390 days later, the Dream are in the WNBA Finals — which tip off Saturday against the Golden State Valkyries — and on a mission to make good on their promises.
The WNBA semifinals continue with the New York Liberty, Atlanta Dream, Las Vegas Aces and Golden State Valkyries battling for a spot in the Finals. Above, Game 3: Kayla Thornton #5 of the Golden State Valkyries reacts after hitting a 3-pointer against the Las Vegas Aces in the third quarter of Game Three of the 2026 WNBA Playoffs semifinals at Michelob ULTRA Arena on October 09, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Valkyries defeated the Aces 87-77 in overtime to win the series 3-0. (Ethan Miller, Getty Images) Game 3: Kaitlyn Chen #2 of the Golden State Valkyries celebrates after defeating the Las Vegas Aces in Game Three of the 2026 WNBA Playoffs semifinals at Michelob ULTRA Arena on October 09, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller, Getty Images) Game 3: Kiah Stokes #41 of the Golden State Valkyries blocks a shot attempt by A'ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces in the third quarter of Game Three of the 2026 WNBA Playoffs semifinals at Michelob ULTRA Arena on October 09, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller, Getty Images) Game 3: A'ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces drives to the basket against Kiah Stokes #41 of the Golden State Valkyries in the fourth quarter of Game Three of the 2026 WNBA Playoffs semifinals at Michelob ULTRA Arena on October 09, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller, Getty Images) Game 3: Tiffany Hayes #15 and Kaila Charles #6 of the Golden State Valkyries celebrate after defeating the Las Vegas Aces in Game Three of the 2026 WNBA Playoffs semifinals at Michelob ULTRA Arena on October 09, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller, Getty Images) Game 3: Kiah Stokes #41 and Kaila Charles #6 of the Golden State Valkyries huddle with teammates after their 87-77 overtime victory over the Las Vegas Aces in Game Three of the 2026 WNBA Playoffs semifinals at Michelob ULTRA Arena on October 09, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller, Getty Images) Game 3: Gabby Williams #1 and Kaila Charles #6 of the Golden State Valkyries celebrate on the court after the team's 87-77 overtime victory over the Las Vegas Aces in Game Three of the 2026 WNBA Playoffs semifinals at Michelob ULTRA Arena on October 09, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Valkyries won the series 3-0. (Ethan Miller, Getty Images) Game 3: Kayla Thornton #5 of the Golden State Valkyries reacts after making a 3-pointer against the Las Vegas Aces in the third quarter of Game Three of the 2026 WNBA Playoffs semifinals at Michelob ULTRA Arena on October 09, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller, Getty Images) Game 3: Gabby Williams #1 of the Golden State Valkyries celebrates with Veronica Burton #22 after making a 3-pointer against the Las Vegas Aces during overtime of Game Three of the 2026 WNBA Playoffs semifinals at Michelob ULTRA Arena on October 09, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller, Getty Images) Game 3: Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) looks on in the first half during game three of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs against the Golden State Valkyries at Michelob Ultra Arena. (Candice Ward, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Game 3: Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young (0) and Golden State Valkyries guard Tiffany Hayes (15) react in the first half during game three of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at Michelob Ultra Arena. (Candice Ward, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Game 3: Tiffany Hayes #15 of the Golden State Valkyries looks to pass the ball around A'ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces in the first quarter of Game Three of the 2026 WNBA Playoffs semifinals at Michelob ULTRA Arena on October 09, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller, Getty Images) Game 3: Tiffany Hayes #15 of the Golden State Valkyries drives to the basket against Jackie Young #0 of the Las Vegas Aces in the first quarter of Game Three of the 2026 WNBA Playoffs semifinals at Michelob ULTRA Arena on October 09, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller, Getty Images) Game 3: Dana Evans #11 of the Las Vegas Aces drives to the basket against Kaitlyn Chen #2 of the Golden State Valkyries in the first quarter of Game Three of the 2026 WNBA Playoffs semifinals at Michelob ULTRA Arena on October 09, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller, Getty Images) Game 3: Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young (0) brings the ball up the court against the Golden State Valkyries in the first half during game three of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at Michelob Ultra Arena. (Candice Ward, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Game 3: Kaitlyn Chen #2 of the Golden State Valkyries drives to the basket against Dana Evans #11 of the Las Vegas Aces in the first quarter of Game Three of the 2026 WNBA Playoffs semifinals at Michelob ULTRA Arena on October 09, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller, Getty Images) Game 3: Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream and Jonquel Jones #35 of the New York Liberty collide during the second quarter of game three of the SemiFinals of the WNBA Playoffs at Barclays Center on October 09, 2026 in New York City. (Ishika Samant, Getty Images) Game 3: Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream reacts after making a basket during the first quarter of game three of the SemiFinals of the WNBA Playoffs against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center on October 09, 2026 in New York City. (Ishika Samant, Getty Images) Game 3: DeWanna Bonner #24 of the Atlanta Dream reacts after being fouled during the fourth quarter of game three of the SemiFinals of the WNBA Playoffs against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center on October 09, 2026 in New York City. (Ishika Samant, Getty Images) Game 3: Jonquel Jones #35 of the New York Liberty defends DeWanna Bonner #24 of the Atlanta Dream during the fourth quarter of game three of the SemiFinals of the WNBA Playoffs at Barclays Center on October 09, 2026 in New York City. (Ishika Samant, Getty Images) Game 3: Isobel Borlase #20 of the Atlanta Dream drives to the basket against Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty during the fourth quarter of game three of the SemiFinals of the WNBA Playoffs at Barclays Center on October 09, 2026 in New York City. (Ishika Samant, Getty Images) Game 3: Rhyne Howard #10 of the Atlanta Dream separates Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream and Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty during the second quarter of game three of the SemiFinals of the WNBA Playoffs at Barclays Center on October 09, 2026 in New York City. (Ishika Samant, Getty Images) Game 3: Marine Fauthoux #4 of the New York Liberty reacts during the second quarter of game three of the SemiFinals of the WNBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Dream at Barclays Center on October 09, 2026 in New York City. (Ishika Samant, Getty Images) Game 3: Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty drives to the basket against Rhyne Howard #10 of the Atlanta Dream during the first quarter of game three of the SemiFinals of the WNBA Playoffs at Barclays Center on October 09, 2026 in New York City. (Ishika Samant, Getty Images) Game 3: Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream dribbles the ball during the first quarter of game three of the SemiFinals of the WNBA Playoffs against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center on October 09, 2026 in New York City. (Ishika Samant, Getty Images) Game 3: Naz Hillmon #00 of the Atlanta Dream defends Breanna Stewart #30 of the New York Liberty during the first quarter of game three of the SemiFinals of the WNBA Playoffs at Barclays Center on October 09, 2026 in New York City. (Ishika Samant, Getty Images) Game 3: Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream gestures during the first quarter of game three of the SemiFinals of the WNBA Playoffs against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center on October 09, 2026 in New York City. (Ishika Samant, Getty Images) Game 3: Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream reacts after making a basket during the first quarter of game three of the SemiFinals of the WNBA Playoffs against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center on October 09, 2026 in New York City. (Ishika Samant, Getty Images) Game 3: Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty looks to pass during the first quarter of game three of the SemiFinals of the WNBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Dream at Barclays Center on October 09, 2026 in New York City. (Ishika Samant, Getty Images) Game 3: DeWanna Bonner #24 of the Atlanta Dream defends Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty during the first quarter of game three of the SemiFinals of the WNBA Playoffs at Barclays Center on October 09, 2026 in New York City. (Ishika Samant, Getty Images) Game 3: Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream dribbles the ball during the first quarter of game three of the SemiFinals of the WNBA Playoffs against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center on October 09, 2026 in New York City. (Ishika Samant, Getty Images) Game 2: Tiffany Hayes #15 of the Golden State Valkyries goes up for a shot against A'ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces in the second half during Game Two of the Semifinals at Chase Center on October 7, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images) Game 2: Gabby Williams #1 of the Golden State Valkyries reacts after making a three-point shot against the Las Vegas Aces in the second half during Game Two of the Semifinals at Chase Center on October 7, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images) Game 2: Veronica Burton #22 of the Golden State Valkyries reacts after making a three-point shot against the Las Vegas Aces late in the second half during Game Two of the Semifinals at Chase Center on October 7, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images) Game 2: Tiffany Hayes #15 of the Golden State Valkyries drives to the basket on Kalani Brown #20 of the Las Vegas Aces in the second half during Game Two of the Semifinals at Chase Center on October 7, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images) Game 2: A'ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces shoots over Kiah Stokes #41 of the Golden State Valkyries in the first half during Game Two of the Semifinals at Chase Center on October 7, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images) Game 2: Kalani Brown #20 of the Las Vegas Aces goes up to shoot over Aminata Gueye #31 and Veronica Burton #22 of the Golden State Valkyries in the first half during Game Two of the Semifinals at Chase Center on October 7, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images) Game 2: Gabby Williams #1 of the Golden State Valkyries shoots a three-point shot over Kalani Brown #2 of the Las Vegas Aces in the first half during Game Two of the Semifinals at Chase Center on October 7, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images) Game 2: Kiah Stokes #41 of the Golden State Valkyries blocks the shot of Jackie Young #0 of the Las Vegas Aces in the first half during Game Two of the Semifinals at Chase Center on October 7, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images) Game 2: Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) drives in against Golden State Valkyries center Kiah Stokes (41) during the first quarter of game two of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at Chase Center. (Kelley L Cox, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Game 2: Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase claps from the sideline during the first quarter of game two of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs against the Las Vegas Aces at Chase Center. (Kelley L Cox, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Game 2: Golden State Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton (5) scores a three point basket against the Las Vegas Aces during the first quarter of game two of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at Chase Center. (Kelley L Cox, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Game 2: Golden State Valkyries center Kiah Stokes (41) and Las Vegas Aces forward Brianna Turner (21) go up for the ball at tip off game two of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at Chase Center. (Kelley L Cox, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Game 2: Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream celebrates after winning game two of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs against the New York Liberty at State Farm Arena on October 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images) Game 2: Rhyne Howard #10 of the Atlanta Dream shoots over Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty during the second half of game two of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs at State Farm Arena on October 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images) Game 2: Angel Reese #5 and Naz Hillmon #00 of the Atlanta Dream reacts during overtime of game two of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs against the New York Liberty at State Farm Arena on October 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images) Game 2: Rhyne Howard #10 of the Atlanta Dream celebrates scoring while being fouled during the second half of game two of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs against the Atlanta Dream at State Farm Arena on October 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images) Game 2: Jordin Canada #3 of the Atlanta Dream drives against Marine Fauthoux #4 of the New York Liberty during the second half of game two of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs at State Farm Arena on October 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images) Game 2: Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream reacts during the second half of game two of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs against the New York Liberty at State Farm Arena on October 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images) Game 2: Marine Fauthoux #4 of the New York Liberty reacts during the second half of game two of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs against the Atlanta Dream at State Farm Arena on October 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images) Game 2: Atlanta Dream guard Rhyne Howard (10) shoots a three point shot against New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) during the second quarter of game two of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. (Jordan Godfree, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Game 2: Atlanta Dream forward Naz Hillmon (00) looks for the rebound against New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) in the first quarter during game two of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. (Jordan Godfree, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Game 2: Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) attempts a shot against New York Liberty center Han Xu (21) and forward Breanna Stewart (30) during the first quarter during game two of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. (Jordan Godfree, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Game 2: New York Liberty guard Marine Fauthoux (4) during the game against the Atlanta Dream in the second quarter of game two of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. (Jordan Godfree, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Game 2: Atlanta Dream forward Naz Hillmon (00) fights for possession on the ball against New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) during the first quarter during game two of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. (Jordan Godfree, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Game 2: Atlanta Dream guard Isobel Borlase (20), forward Naz Hillmon (00), forward Angel Reese (5), guard Jordin Canada (3), and guard Rhyne Howard (10) in a huddle during the game against the New York Liberty during the first quarter of game two of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. (Jordan Godfree, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Game 2: Breanna Stewart #30 of the New York Liberty drives against Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream during the first half of game two of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs at State Farm Arena on October 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images) Game 2: Jonquel Jones #35 of the New York Liberty blocks the shot of Rhyne Howard #10 of the Atlanta Dream in the first half of game two of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs at State Farm Arena on October 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images) Game 2: Naz Hillmon #00 and Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream celebrates during the first half of game two of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs against the New York Liberty at State Farm Arena on October 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images) Game 2: Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream reacts during the first half of game two of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs against the New York Liberty at State Farm Arena on October 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images) Game 2: Jonquel Jones #35 of the New York Liberty shoots against Rhyne Howard #10 of the Atlanta Dream during the first half of game two of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs at State Farm Arena on October 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images) Game 2: Han Xu #21 of the New York Liberty shoots against Rhyne Howard #10 of the Atlanta Dream during the first half of game two of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs at State Farm Arena on October 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images) Game 2: Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty drives against Rhyne Howard #10 of the Atlanta Dream during the first half of game two of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs at State Farm Arena on October 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images) Game 2: Breanna Stewart #30 of the New York Liberty celebrates during the first half of game against the Atlanta Dream in game two of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs at State Farm Arena on October 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images) Game 2: Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream shoots the ball against Han Xu #21 of the New York Liberty during the first quarter of game two of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs at State Farm Arena on October 7, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Paras Griffin, Getty Images) Game 2: Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty handles the ball against Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream during the first quarter of game two of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs at State Farm Arena on October 7, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Paras Griffin, Getty Images) Game 2: Atlanta Dream guard Jordin Canada (3) dribbles the ball towards the basket against New York Liberty guard Pauline Astier (18) during the first quarter of game two of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. (Jordan Godfree, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Game 2: Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream anticipates the ball against the New York Liberty during the first quarter of game two of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs at State Farm Arena on October 7, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Paras Griffin, Getty Images) Game 2: Rhyne Howard #10 of the Atlanta Dream looks to pass against the New York Liberty during the first quarter of game two of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs at State Farm Arena on October 7, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Paras Griffin, Getty Images) Game 2: Atlanta Dream forward Naz Hillmon (00) attempts to shoot the ball against New York Liberty forward Leonie Fiebich (13) during the first quarter of game two of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. (Jordan Godfree, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Game 2: Atlanta Dream forward Naz Hillmon (00) and forward Angel Reese (5) celebrate a foul called against the New York Liberty during the first quarter of game two of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. (Jordan Godfree, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Game 2: Naz Hillmon #00 of the Atlanta Dream and Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream celebrate against the New York Liberty during the first quarter of game two of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs at State Farm Arena on October 7, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Paras Griffin, Getty Images) Game 1: Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) fouls Golden State Valkyries guard Tiffany Hayes (15) as she drives to the basket during the second quarter of game one of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 4, 2026. (D. Ross Cameron, Imagn Images) Game 1: Golden State Valkyries forward Gabby Williams (1) and Golden State Valkyries center Kiah Stokes (41) combine to block a shot by Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) during the first quarter of game one of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 4, 2026. (D. Ross Cameron, Imagn Images) Game 1: Kaitlyn Chen #2 of the Golden State Valkyries reacts to a made basket in the second quarter against the Las Vegas Aces during the Semifinals Game One at Chase Center on October 4, 2026 in San Francisco. (Kavin Mistry, Getty Images) Game 1: Gabby Williams #1 of the Golden State Valkyries dribbles with the ball in the second quarter against the Las Vegas Aces during the Semifinals Game One at Chase Center on October 4, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Kavin Mistry, Getty Images) Game 1: Aminata Gueye #31 and Kaitlyn Chen #2 of the Golden State Valkyries celebrate a made basket in the third quarter against the Las Vegas Aces during the Semifinals Game One at Chase Center on October 4, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Kavin Mistry, Getty Images) Game 1: A'ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces attempts a jump shot in the third quarter against Gabby Williams #1 of the Golden State Valkyries during the Semifinals Game One at Chase Center on October 4, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Kavin Mistry, Getty Images) Game 1: Tiffany Hayes #15 of the Golden State Valkyries dribbles with the ball against A'ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces in the fourth quarter during the Semifinals Game One at Chase Center on October 4, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Kavin Mistry, Getty Images) Game 1: A'ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces looks on between plays in the fourth quarter against the Golden State Valkyries during the Semifinals Game One at Chase Center on October 4, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Kavin Mistry, Getty Images) Game 1: Kaitlyn Chen #2 of the Golden State Valkyries blocks Mai Yamamoto #18 of the Las Vegas Aces in the fourth quarter during the Semifinals Game One at Chase Center on October 4, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Kavin Mistry, Getty Images) Game 1: Kayla Thornton #5 of the Golden State Valkyries celebrates after a play in the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Aces during the Semifinals Game One at Chase Center on October 4, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Kavin Mistry, Getty Images) Game 1: Golden State Valkyries forward Janelle Salaun (center) is surrounded by her teammates as she is awarded the Sixth Man award for 2026 before game one of the second round of the 2026 WNBA Playoffs against the Las Vegas Aces at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 4, 2026. (D. Ross Cameron, Imagn Images) Game 1: New York Liberty guard Pauline Astier (18) grabs a loose ball past Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (15) in the first quarter during game one of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 4, 2026. (Brett Davis, Imagn Images) Game 1: New York Liberty guard Pauline Astier (18) drives past Atlanta Dream guard Jordin Canada (3) in the first quarter during game one of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 4, 2026. (Brett Davis, Imagn Images) Game 1: New York Liberty center Jonquel Jones (35) and Atlanta Dream guard Rhyne Howard (10) fight for a loose ball in the first quarter during game one of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 4, 2026. (Brett Davis, Imagn Images) Game 1: New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) drives on Atlanta Dream guard Rhyne Howard (10) and guard Isobel Borlase (20) in the first quarter during game one of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 4, 2026. (Brett Davis, Imagn Images) Game 1: Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream drives against Jonquel Jones #35 of the New York Liberty during the first quarter of game one of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs at State Farm Arena on Oct. 4, 2026 in Atlanta. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) Game 1: Naz Hillmon #00 of the Atlanta Dream turns into Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty during the first quarter of game one of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs at State Farm Arena on Oct. 4, 2026 in Atlanta. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) Game 1: New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) drives on Atlanta Dream forward Naz Hillmon (00) in the first quarter during game one of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 4, 2026. (Brett Davis, Imagn Images) Game 1: Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream drives against Han Xu #21 of the New York Liberty during the second quarter of game one of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs at State Farm Arena on October 04, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) Game 1: Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream passes the ball against Sabrina Ionescu #20 and Breanna Stewart #30 of the New York Liberty during the second quarter of game one of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs at State Farm Arena on Oct. 4, 2026 in Atlanta. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) Game 1: DeWanna Bonner #24 of the Atlanta Dream reacts after hitting a three-point basket against the New York Liberty during the fourth quarter of game one of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs at State Farm Arena on October 04, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) Game 1: Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream reacts with Naz Hillmon #00 and Jordin Canada #3 after drawing a foul on a basket against the New York Liberty during the fourth quarter of game one of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs at State Farm Arena on October 04, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) Game 1: Fans react to Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream celebrating in the final seconds of their 92-82 win over the New York Liberty in game one of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs at State Farm Arena on Oct. 4, 2026 in Atlanta. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) Game 1: Angel Reese of the Atlanta Dream is honored for winning the WNBA Kia Defensive Player of the Year award before the Semi-Finals Game 1 against the New York Liberty on Oct. 4, 2026 at State Farm Arena at College Park in Atlanta, Ga. (Paras Griffin, Getty Images) 1 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action The WNBA semifinals continue with the New York Liberty, Atlanta Dream, Las Vegas Aces and Golden State Valkyries battling for a spot in the Finals. Above, Game 3: Kayla Thornton #5 of the Golden State Valkyries reacts after hitting a 3-pointer against the Las Vegas Aces in the third quarter of Game Three of the 2026 WNBA Playoffs semifinals at Michelob ULTRA Arena on October 09, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Valkyries defeated the Aces 87-77 in overtime to win the series 3-0. (Ethan Miller, Getty Images) 1 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action The WNBA semifinals continue with the New York Liberty, Atlanta Dream, Las Vegas Aces and Golden State Valkyries battling for a spot in the Finals. Above, Game 3: Kayla Thornton #5 of the Golden State Valkyries reacts after hitting a 3-pointer against the Las Vegas Aces in the third quarter of Game Three of the 2026 WNBA Playoffs semifinals at Michelob ULTRA Arena on October 09, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Valkyries defeated the Aces 87-77 in overtime to win the series 3-0. (Ethan Miller, Getty Images) 2 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 3: Kaitlyn Chen #2 of the Golden State Valkyries celebrates after defeating the Las Vegas Aces in Game Three of the 2026 WNBA Playoffs semifinals at Michelob ULTRA Arena on October 09, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller, Getty Images) 3 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 3: Kiah Stokes #41 of the Golden State Valkyries blocks a shot attempt by A'ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces in the third quarter of Game Three of the 2026 WNBA Playoffs semifinals at Michelob ULTRA Arena on October 09, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller, Getty Images) 4 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 3: A'ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces drives to the basket against Kiah Stokes #41 of the Golden State Valkyries in the fourth quarter of Game Three of the 2026 WNBA Playoffs semifinals at Michelob ULTRA Arena on October 09, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller, Getty Images) 5 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 3: Tiffany Hayes #15 and Kaila Charles #6 of the Golden State Valkyries celebrate after defeating the Las Vegas Aces in Game Three of the 2026 WNBA Playoffs semifinals at Michelob ULTRA Arena on October 09, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller, Getty Images) 6 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 3: Kiah Stokes #41 and Kaila Charles #6 of the Golden State Valkyries huddle with teammates after their 87-77 overtime victory over the Las Vegas Aces in Game Three of the 2026 WNBA Playoffs semifinals at Michelob ULTRA Arena on October 09, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller, Getty Images) 7 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 3: Gabby Williams #1 and Kaila Charles #6 of the Golden State Valkyries celebrate on the court after the team's 87-77 overtime victory over the Las Vegas Aces in Game Three of the 2026 WNBA Playoffs semifinals at Michelob ULTRA Arena on October 09, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Valkyries won the series 3-0. (Ethan Miller, Getty Images) 8 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 3: Kayla Thornton #5 of the Golden State Valkyries reacts after making a 3-pointer against the Las Vegas Aces in the third quarter of Game Three of the 2026 WNBA Playoffs semifinals at Michelob ULTRA Arena on October 09, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller, Getty Images) 9 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 3: Gabby Williams #1 of the Golden State Valkyries celebrates with Veronica Burton #22 after making a 3-pointer against the Las Vegas Aces during overtime of Game Three of the 2026 WNBA Playoffs semifinals at Michelob ULTRA Arena on October 09, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller, Getty Images) 10 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 3: Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) looks on in the first half during game three of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs against the Golden State Valkyries at Michelob Ultra Arena. (Candice Ward, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 11 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 3: Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young (0) and Golden State Valkyries guard Tiffany Hayes (15) react in the first half during game three of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at Michelob Ultra Arena. (Candice Ward, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 12 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 3: Tiffany Hayes #15 of the Golden State Valkyries looks to pass the ball around A'ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces in the first quarter of Game Three of the 2026 WNBA Playoffs semifinals at Michelob ULTRA Arena on October 09, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller, Getty Images) 13 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 3: Tiffany Hayes #15 of the Golden State Valkyries drives to the basket against Jackie Young #0 of the Las Vegas Aces in the first quarter of Game Three of the 2026 WNBA Playoffs semifinals at Michelob ULTRA Arena on October 09, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller, Getty Images) 14 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 3: Dana Evans #11 of the Las Vegas Aces drives to the basket against Kaitlyn Chen #2 of the Golden State Valkyries in the first quarter of Game Three of the 2026 WNBA Playoffs semifinals at Michelob ULTRA Arena on October 09, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller, Getty Images) 15 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 3: Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young (0) brings the ball up the court against the Golden State Valkyries in the first half during game three of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at Michelob Ultra Arena. (Candice Ward, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 16 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 3: Kaitlyn Chen #2 of the Golden State Valkyries drives to the basket against Dana Evans #11 of the Las Vegas Aces in the first quarter of Game Three of the 2026 WNBA Playoffs semifinals at Michelob ULTRA Arena on October 09, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller, Getty Images) 17 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 3: Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream and Jonquel Jones #35 of the New York Liberty collide during the second quarter of game three of the SemiFinals of the WNBA Playoffs at Barclays Center on October 09, 2026 in New York City. (Ishika Samant, Getty Images) 18 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 3: Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream reacts after making a basket during the first quarter of game three of the SemiFinals of the WNBA Playoffs against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center on October 09, 2026 in New York City. (Ishika Samant, Getty Images) 19 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 3: DeWanna Bonner #24 of the Atlanta Dream reacts after being fouled during the fourth quarter of game three of the SemiFinals of the WNBA Playoffs against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center on October 09, 2026 in New York City. (Ishika Samant, Getty Images) 20 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 3: Jonquel Jones #35 of the New York Liberty defends DeWanna Bonner #24 of the Atlanta Dream during the fourth quarter of game three of the SemiFinals of the WNBA Playoffs at Barclays Center on October 09, 2026 in New York City. (Ishika Samant, Getty Images) 21 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 3: Isobel Borlase #20 of the Atlanta Dream drives to the basket against Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty during the fourth quarter of game three of the SemiFinals of the WNBA Playoffs at Barclays Center on October 09, 2026 in New York City. (Ishika Samant, Getty Images) 22 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 3: Rhyne Howard #10 of the Atlanta Dream separates Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream and Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty during the second quarter of game three of the SemiFinals of the WNBA Playoffs at Barclays Center on October 09, 2026 in New York City. (Ishika Samant, Getty Images) 23 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 3: Marine Fauthoux #4 of the New York Liberty reacts during the second quarter of game three of the SemiFinals of the WNBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Dream at Barclays Center on October 09, 2026 in New York City. (Ishika Samant, Getty Images) 24 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 3: Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty drives to the basket against Rhyne Howard #10 of the Atlanta Dream during the first quarter of game three of the SemiFinals of the WNBA Playoffs at Barclays Center on October 09, 2026 in New York City. (Ishika Samant, Getty Images) 25 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 3: Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream dribbles the ball during the first quarter of game three of the SemiFinals of the WNBA Playoffs against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center on October 09, 2026 in New York City. (Ishika Samant, Getty Images) 26 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 3: Naz Hillmon #00 of the Atlanta Dream defends Breanna Stewart #30 of the New York Liberty during the first quarter of game three of the SemiFinals of the WNBA Playoffs at Barclays Center on October 09, 2026 in New York City. (Ishika Samant, Getty Images) 27 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 3: Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream gestures during the first quarter of game three of the SemiFinals of the WNBA Playoffs against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center on October 09, 2026 in New York City. (Ishika Samant, Getty Images) 28 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 3: Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream reacts after making a basket during the first quarter of game three of the SemiFinals of the WNBA Playoffs against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center on October 09, 2026 in New York City. (Ishika Samant, Getty Images) 29 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 3: Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty looks to pass during the first quarter of game three of the SemiFinals of the WNBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Dream at Barclays Center on October 09, 2026 in New York City. (Ishika Samant, Getty Images) 30 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 3: DeWanna Bonner #24 of the Atlanta Dream defends Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty during the first quarter of game three of the SemiFinals of the WNBA Playoffs at Barclays Center on October 09, 2026 in New York City. (Ishika Samant, Getty Images) 31 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 3: Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream dribbles the ball during the first quarter of game three of the SemiFinals of the WNBA Playoffs against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center on October 09, 2026 in New York City. (Ishika Samant, Getty Images) 32 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 2: Tiffany Hayes #15 of the Golden State Valkyries goes up for a shot against A'ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces in the second half during Game Two of the Semifinals at Chase Center on October 7, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images) 33 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 2: Gabby Williams #1 of the Golden State Valkyries reacts after making a three-point shot against the Las Vegas Aces in the second half during Game Two of the Semifinals at Chase Center on October 7, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images) 34 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 2: Veronica Burton #22 of the Golden State Valkyries reacts after making a three-point shot against the Las Vegas Aces late in the second half during Game Two of the Semifinals at Chase Center on October 7, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images) 35 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 2: Tiffany Hayes #15 of the Golden State Valkyries drives to the basket on Kalani Brown #20 of the Las Vegas Aces in the second half during Game Two of the Semifinals at Chase Center on October 7, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images) 36 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 2: A'ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces shoots over Kiah Stokes #41 of the Golden State Valkyries in the first half during Game Two of the Semifinals at Chase Center on October 7, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images) 37 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 2: Kalani Brown #20 of the Las Vegas Aces goes up to shoot over Aminata Gueye #31 and Veronica Burton #22 of the Golden State Valkyries in the first half during Game Two of the Semifinals at Chase Center on October 7, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images) 38 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 2: Gabby Williams #1 of the Golden State Valkyries shoots a three-point shot over Kalani Brown #2 of the Las Vegas Aces in the first half during Game Two of the Semifinals at Chase Center on October 7, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images) 39 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 2: Kiah Stokes #41 of the Golden State Valkyries blocks the shot of Jackie Young #0 of the Las Vegas Aces in the first half during Game Two of the Semifinals at Chase Center on October 7, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images) 40 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 2: Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) drives in against Golden State Valkyries center Kiah Stokes (41) during the first quarter of game two of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at Chase Center. (Kelley L Cox, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 41 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 2: Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase claps from the sideline during the first quarter of game two of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs against the Las Vegas Aces at Chase Center. (Kelley L Cox, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 42 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 2: Golden State Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton (5) scores a three point basket against the Las Vegas Aces during the first quarter of game two of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at Chase Center. (Kelley L Cox, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 43 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 2: Golden State Valkyries center Kiah Stokes (41) and Las Vegas Aces forward Brianna Turner (21) go up for the ball at tip off game two of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at Chase Center. (Kelley L Cox, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 44 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 2: Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream celebrates after winning game two of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs against the New York Liberty at State Farm Arena on October 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images) 45 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 2: Rhyne Howard #10 of the Atlanta Dream shoots over Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty during the second half of game two of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs at State Farm Arena on October 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images) 46 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 2: Angel Reese #5 and Naz Hillmon #00 of the Atlanta Dream reacts during overtime of game two of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs against the New York Liberty at State Farm Arena on October 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images) 47 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 2: Rhyne Howard #10 of the Atlanta Dream celebrates scoring while being fouled during the second half of game two of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs against the Atlanta Dream at State Farm Arena on October 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images) 48 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 2: Jordin Canada #3 of the Atlanta Dream drives against Marine Fauthoux #4 of the New York Liberty during the second half of game two of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs at State Farm Arena on October 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images) 49 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 2: Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream reacts during the second half of game two of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs against the New York Liberty at State Farm Arena on October 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images) 50 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 2: Marine Fauthoux #4 of the New York Liberty reacts during the second half of game two of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs against the Atlanta Dream at State Farm Arena on October 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images) 51 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 2: Atlanta Dream guard Rhyne Howard (10) shoots a three point shot against New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) during the second quarter of game two of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. (Jordan Godfree, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 52 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 2: Atlanta Dream forward Naz Hillmon (00) looks for the rebound against New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) in the first quarter during game two of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. (Jordan Godfree, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 53 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 2: Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) attempts a shot against New York Liberty center Han Xu (21) and forward Breanna Stewart (30) during the first quarter during game two of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. (Jordan Godfree, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 54 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 2: New York Liberty guard Marine Fauthoux (4) during the game against the Atlanta Dream in the second quarter of game two of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. (Jordan Godfree, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 55 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 2: Atlanta Dream forward Naz Hillmon (00) fights for possession on the ball against New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) during the first quarter during game two of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. (Jordan Godfree, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 56 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 2: Atlanta Dream guard Isobel Borlase (20), forward Naz Hillmon (00), forward Angel Reese (5), guard Jordin Canada (3), and guard Rhyne Howard (10) in a huddle during the game against the New York Liberty during the first quarter of game two of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. (Jordan Godfree, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 57 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 2: Breanna Stewart #30 of the New York Liberty drives against Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream during the first half of game two of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs at State Farm Arena on October 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images) 58 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 2: Jonquel Jones #35 of the New York Liberty blocks the shot of Rhyne Howard #10 of the Atlanta Dream in the first half of game two of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs at State Farm Arena on October 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images) 59 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 2: Naz Hillmon #00 and Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream celebrates during the first half of game two of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs against the New York Liberty at State Farm Arena on October 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images) 60 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 2: Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream reacts during the first half of game two of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs against the New York Liberty at State Farm Arena on October 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images) 61 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 2: Jonquel Jones #35 of the New York Liberty shoots against Rhyne Howard #10 of the Atlanta Dream during the first half of game two of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs at State Farm Arena on October 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images) 62 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 2: Han Xu #21 of the New York Liberty shoots against Rhyne Howard #10 of the Atlanta Dream during the first half of game two of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs at State Farm Arena on October 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images) 63 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 2: Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty drives against Rhyne Howard #10 of the Atlanta Dream during the first half of game two of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs at State Farm Arena on October 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images) 64 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 2: Breanna Stewart #30 of the New York Liberty celebrates during the first half of game against the Atlanta Dream in game two of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs at State Farm Arena on October 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images) 65 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 2: Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream shoots the ball against Han Xu #21 of the New York Liberty during the first quarter of game two of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs at State Farm Arena on October 7, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Paras Griffin, Getty Images) 66 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 2: Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty handles the ball against Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream during the first quarter of game two of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs at State Farm Arena on October 7, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Paras Griffin, Getty Images) 67 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 2: Atlanta Dream guard Jordin Canada (3) dribbles the ball towards the basket against New York Liberty guard Pauline Astier (18) during the first quarter of game two of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. (Jordan Godfree, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 68 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 2: Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream anticipates the ball against the New York Liberty during the first quarter of game two of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs at State Farm Arena on October 7, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Paras Griffin, Getty Images) 69 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 2: Rhyne Howard #10 of the Atlanta Dream looks to pass against the New York Liberty during the first quarter of game two of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs at State Farm Arena on October 7, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Paras Griffin, Getty Images) 70 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 2: Atlanta Dream forward Naz Hillmon (00) attempts to shoot the ball against New York Liberty forward Leonie Fiebich (13) during the first quarter of game two of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. (Jordan Godfree, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 71 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 2: Atlanta Dream forward Naz Hillmon (00) and forward Angel Reese (5) celebrate a foul called against the New York Liberty during the first quarter of game two of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. (Jordan Godfree, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 72 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 2: Naz Hillmon #00 of the Atlanta Dream and Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream celebrate against the New York Liberty during the first quarter of game two of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs at State Farm Arena on October 7, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Paras Griffin, Getty Images) 73 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 1: Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) fouls Golden State Valkyries guard Tiffany Hayes (15) as she drives to the basket during the second quarter of game one of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 4, 2026. (D. Ross Cameron, Imagn Images) 74 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 1: Golden State Valkyries forward Gabby Williams (1) and Golden State Valkyries center Kiah Stokes (41) combine to block a shot by Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) during the first quarter of game one of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 4, 2026. (D. Ross Cameron, Imagn Images) 75 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 1: Kaitlyn Chen #2 of the Golden State Valkyries reacts to a made basket in the second quarter against the Las Vegas Aces during the Semifinals Game One at Chase Center on October 4, 2026 in San Francisco. (Kavin Mistry, Getty Images) 76 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 1: Gabby Williams #1 of the Golden State Valkyries dribbles with the ball in the second quarter against the Las Vegas Aces during the Semifinals Game One at Chase Center on October 4, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Kavin Mistry, Getty Images) 77 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 1: Aminata Gueye #31 and Kaitlyn Chen #2 of the Golden State Valkyries celebrate a made basket in the third quarter against the Las Vegas Aces during the Semifinals Game One at Chase Center on October 4, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Kavin Mistry, Getty Images) 78 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 1: A'ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces attempts a jump shot in the third quarter against Gabby Williams #1 of the Golden State Valkyries during the Semifinals Game One at Chase Center on October 4, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Kavin Mistry, Getty Images) 79 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 1: Tiffany Hayes #15 of the Golden State Valkyries dribbles with the ball against A'ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces in the fourth quarter during the Semifinals Game One at Chase Center on October 4, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Kavin Mistry, Getty Images) 80 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 1: A'ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces looks on between plays in the fourth quarter against the Golden State Valkyries during the Semifinals Game One at Chase Center on October 4, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Kavin Mistry, Getty Images) 81 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 1: Kaitlyn Chen #2 of the Golden State Valkyries blocks Mai Yamamoto #18 of the Las Vegas Aces in the fourth quarter during the Semifinals Game One at Chase Center on October 4, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Kavin Mistry, Getty Images) 82 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 1: Kayla Thornton #5 of the Golden State Valkyries celebrates after a play in the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Aces during the Semifinals Game One at Chase Center on October 4, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Kavin Mistry, Getty Images) 83 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 1: Golden State Valkyries forward Janelle Salaun (center) is surrounded by her teammates as she is awarded the Sixth Man award for 2026 before game one of the second round of the 2026 WNBA Playoffs against the Las Vegas Aces at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 4, 2026. (D. Ross Cameron, Imagn Images) 84 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 1: New York Liberty guard Pauline Astier (18) grabs a loose ball past Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (15) in the first quarter during game one of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 4, 2026. (Brett Davis, Imagn Images) 85 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 1: New York Liberty guard Pauline Astier (18) drives past Atlanta Dream guard Jordin Canada (3) in the first quarter during game one of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 4, 2026. (Brett Davis, Imagn Images) 86 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 1: New York Liberty center Jonquel Jones (35) and Atlanta Dream guard Rhyne Howard (10) fight for a loose ball in the first quarter during game one of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 4, 2026. (Brett Davis, Imagn Images) 87 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 1: New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) drives on Atlanta Dream guard Rhyne Howard (10) and guard Isobel Borlase (20) in the first quarter during game one of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 4, 2026. (Brett Davis, Imagn Images) 88 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 1: Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream drives against Jonquel Jones #35 of the New York Liberty during the first quarter of game one of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs at State Farm Arena on Oct. 4, 2026 in Atlanta. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) 89 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 1: Naz Hillmon #00 of the Atlanta Dream turns into Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty during the first quarter of game one of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs at State Farm Arena on Oct. 4, 2026 in Atlanta. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) 90 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 1: New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) drives on Atlanta Dream forward Naz Hillmon (00) in the first quarter during game one of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 4, 2026. (Brett Davis, Imagn Images) 91 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 1: Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream drives against Han Xu #21 of the New York Liberty during the second quarter of game one of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs at State Farm Arena on October 04, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) 92 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 1: Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream passes the ball against Sabrina Ionescu #20 and Breanna Stewart #30 of the New York Liberty during the second quarter of game one of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs at State Farm Arena on Oct. 4, 2026 in Atlanta. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) 93 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 1: DeWanna Bonner #24 of the Atlanta Dream reacts after hitting a three-point basket against the New York Liberty during the fourth quarter of game one of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs at State Farm Arena on October 04, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) 94 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 1: Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream reacts with Naz Hillmon #00 and Jordin Canada #3 after drawing a foul on a basket against the New York Liberty during the fourth quarter of game one of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs at State Farm Arena on October 04, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) 95 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 1: Fans react to Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream celebrating in the final seconds of their 92-82 win over the New York Liberty in game one of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs at State Farm Arena on Oct. 4, 2026 in Atlanta. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) 96 / 96 Liberty, Dream and Aces, Valkyries in WNBA semifinal playoff action Game 1: Angel Reese of the Atlanta Dream is honored for winning the WNBA Kia Defensive Player of the Year award before the Semi-Finals Game 1 against the New York Liberty on Oct. 4, 2026 at State Farm Arena at College Park in Atlanta, Ga. (Paras Griffin, Getty Images) Dream's season fueled by focus When Atlanta opened training camp in April of this year, Smesko said the expectations for his team were "sky-high" and "probably as high as they've ever been." He also deployed a motto he wanted his team to embrace: manage emotions and value possessions more.
"Those were going to be huge themes of the season and probably the thing that matters the most when you try to advance in a playoff series," Smesko said. "... That was part of our opening day message. It's been part of the every game message. It's what we finished with when we talk to the team every time."
Managing emotions means staying level-headed as teams go on runs in games or disrupt what the Dream want to do. It also means understanding the Dream could not rest on their laurels. Being good wasn't good enough. They had to be excellent, elite even, in multiple areas on both sides of the ball.
Valuing possessions more was a reminder to take care of the basketball. He knew the pressure and pain of ghosts past could eventually creep back as the team marched towards the playoffs, and Smesko wanted his team to be prepared.
Atlanta began the season 12-4 while integrating offseason adds like Angel Reese . The Dream also dealt with an injury to starter Brionna Jones , which forced Naz Hillmon , the 2025 Sixth Player of the Year, into the lineup. As expected, the struggles came. In late June, the Dream lost six of seven games, including five straight. Three of those losses were to the Valkyries, their opponent in this year's championship series.
"Every game has been physical, and nothing has changed. We talk about it, we try to play through it, but it's hard when only one team is allowed to play that way," Rhyne Howard said in July amid the losses. "We're doing as best we can to keep our composure. We're doing as best we can to continue to play through it. But at some point, something has to give.
"We're being tested as we have been all season. It's not just these last four games. We just have to figure out what we can continue to do to make sure that things still go our way."
After Smesko and the Dream ened the skid, they went 12-3 over the next 15 games, stacking wins. Then, forward DeWanna Bonner arrived on Aug. 27. Since Bonner's first game on Aug. 30, the Dream are 10-0. They rattled off five straight wins to end the season and secured a No. 4 seed and home-court advantage for the first two rounds of the playoffs. Bonner was crucial in the first round when the team needed a spark against the Washington Mystics. She entered the starting lineup when Allisha Gray went down with a hand injury during the semifinals against the New York Liberty.
Bonner's leadership, her calming presence, and, of course, her production have helped Atlanta reach the Finals for the first time since 2013. However, Bonner told her teammates they need to maintain composure and remain humble no matter what their record. The two-time WNBA champion reminded them she and the Phoenix Mercury were swept during the 2025 WNBA Finals.
"So many emotions that go into a game in the (playoffs). If you don't manage that, it can change a series in a second," Bonner told USA TODAY Sports on Thursday.
"You can't get too high. You can't get too low. If you learn how to do that, manage your emotions throughout the season, then when you get to these high-pressure situations ... you drop a game, you stay level-headed. It's a series for a reason, and you gotta figure out how you turn the page day by day. If you win one, you gotta turn the page. If you lose one, you gotta turn the page."
At Dream practice Thursday, the team was loose as it got up shots. The smiles were abundant, as was the music. However, players are well aware of the environment — at the Chase Center, aka "Ballhalla," — they will be walking into during Game 1 of the WNBA Finals on Saturday (3:30 p.m. ET, NBC).
Golden State is the higher seed with a vaunted defense , but it has fully leaned into the underdog narrative with a proverbial chip on its shoulder. Expansion teams aren't expected to be this good this soon. The Valkyries want to prove they belong on the Finals stage .
The Dream believe they belong, too. They're hoping the preparation, and continued buy-in to the mantra, will show up when it matters most. Manage emotions and value possessions more. The phrase will be repeated numerous times as the championship series wears on as they work to erase the heartbreak and turn it to triumph.
"(There are a) lot of things that are out of (our) control that happens during the game, but being able to contain (and) control what we can control," Reese said.
"The value of one is something we've always talked about all year, and making sure that we emphasize on the little things, being intentional. Every jump ball. Every shot. Every layup. Every defensive scheme, making sure we're very intentional about everything. That's what we've been doing all week. Paying attention to their sets, our sets, personnel in the game ― a little bit of everything."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Manage emotions. Value possessions.' The mantra behind Atlanta Dream's Finals run
Source: Sports
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