/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.basketusa.com%2Fmain%2F2026%2F10%2Fsalaun-wilson.jpg "WNBA semifinals set as New York Liberty and Atlanta Dream advance")
WNBA Semifinals Matchups Set as Minnesota Lynx Bow Out
The WNBA playoffs advanced past their opening round on October 1, 2025, yielding a major upset when the eighth-seeded New York Liberty eliminated the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx. Basketusa.com reported that New York advanced to face the fourth-seeded Atlanta Dream in the second round, while the second-seeded Golden State Valkyries will square off against the third-seeded Las Vegas Aces in a best-of-five series.
Atlanta Dream and New York Liberty Clash in the Semifinals
New York moves on to face Atlanta after dispatching Minnesota, but the Dream present a difficult test by exploiting the Liberty’s defensive vulnerabilities on the perimeter. Atlanta features the backcourt duo of Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray, who pose severe matchup problems for New York guards Sabrina Ionescu and Pauline Astier. Ionescu struggled defensively against the Lynx while dealing with rookie Olivia Miles, though Ionescu found her shooting rhythm from beyond the arc by hitting nearly 40% of her three-pointers.
In the paint, New York’s Breanna Stewart dominated Minnesota with averages of 27.5 points and 8.5 rebounds. While Atlanta seeks to contain Stewart and Jonquel Jones on the boards, New York relies heavily on championship pedigree. Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, and Jonquel Jones all played key roles in the Liberty’s 2024 title run, providing invaluable poise for a long series.
L’expérience en playoffs compte vraiment,
Breanna Stewart told basketusa.com regarding the team’s postseason mindset. Il se passe tellement de choses lors d’une longue série que vous devez rester concentrées sur l’objectif final.
The series schedule opens on Sunday, October 4, at 8:00 PM with Game 1 hosted by Atlanta. Game 2 follows on Tuesday, October 8, at 1:30 AM, with Game 3 shifting to New York on Saturday, October 10, at 1:30 AM. Games 4 and 5 are scheduled for October 11 and October 13 if necessary.
Golden State Valkyries and Las Vegas Aces Battle for the Finals
Golden State reached the semifinals in their inaugural 2025 season by defeating the Dallas Wings in three games, overcoming a 16-point deficit in the decisive Game 3. Forward Gabby Williams fueled the comeback with a dominant fourth-quarter performance, capping a series where the Valkyries relied on their trademark defense. That defense previously faltered in Game 2 against Dallas when Arike Ogunbowale scored 45 points to set a playoff single-game scoring record.
The Valkyries now face Las Vegas, led by reigning MVP A’ja Wilson, who averaged 32 points and 11.7 rebounds against the Indiana Fever in the first round. While Las Vegas utilizes an experienced backcourt featuring Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young, head coach Becky Hammon often relies on a tight seven-player rotation. Golden State counters that limited depth with a deeper bench featuring Janelle Salaün, Tiffany Hayes, and Kaitlyn Chen.
The semifinal schedule opens on Sunday, October 4, at 10:00 PM in Golden State for Game 1. Game 2 takes place on Tuesday, October 8, at 3:30 AM, and Game 3 moves to Las Vegas on Saturday, October 10, at 3:30 AM. Games 4 and 5 are set for October 11 and October 13 if the series requires them.
Frequently Asked Questions About the WNBA Semifinals
Which team pulled off the biggest upset in the first round?
The eighth-seeded New York Liberty eliminated the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx in three games to advance to the semifinals.
What record did Arike Ogunbowale set against Golden State?
Arike Ogunbowale scored 45 points in Game 2 for the Dallas Wings, establishing a new record for points scored in a single WNBA playoff game.
Related reading