WNBA Scores Oct. 4, 2026: Semifinal Results & Recaps

The WNBA scores for October 4, 2026, opened the league semifinals with two statement wins. The Atlanta Dream turned defense into a 92-82 victory over the New York Liberty, while the Golden State Valkyries controlled the glass in a 71-60 win over the Las Vegas Aces.

Both home teams now lead their best-of-five series 1-0. However, each matchup also produced a significant injury concern before Game 2 on Wednesday.

WNBA Scoreboard — October 4, 2026

Atlanta Dream 92, New York Liberty 82
Golden State Valkyries 71, Las Vegas Aces 60

Atlanta Dream 92, New York Liberty 82

Canada Sparks a Third-Quarter Takeover

Jordin Canada scored 20 of her 25 points after halftime and added five steals as Atlanta seized Game 1. DeWanna Bonner supplied 23 points and nine rebounds off the bench, while Angel Reese finished with 17 points, seven rebounds and four steals.

New York received 27 points from Sabrina Ionescu and 19 from Breanna Stewart. Still, the Liberty committed 21 turnovers, and Atlanta converted those mistakes into 32 points. That total tied a WNBA playoff record for points off turnovers.

The Dream also overcame the loss of Allisha Gray, who left during the second quarter with a left hand injury. New York carried a 40-37 lead into halftime, but Atlanta responded with relentless pressure.

Turning Point

Atlanta opened the third quarter with a 13-3 run, then won the period 32-15. Seven Liberty players committed at least one turnover in the quarter, and New York shot only 4-for-14 from the floor.

The Liberty later cut a 16-point deficit to five. Canada answered with a shot-clock-beating 3-pointer and then scored in transition, stopping the comeback.

Star of the Game: Jordin Canada

25 points, five steals, 20 second-half points

Canada drove Atlanta’s decisive surge and delivered the two late baskets that protected the lead.

Golden State Valkyries 71, Las Vegas Aces 60

Williams and the Valkyries Rule the Glass

Gabby Williams produced 25 points, 11 rebounds and five assists as Golden State handed the defending champions their lowest-scoring game of the season. She scored 18 points in the first half and repeatedly created offense when both teams struggled to shoot.

Kiah Stokes grabbed 14 rebounds and blocked three shots. Kayla Thornton added eight points and 11 rebounds, while Kaitlyn Chen supplied 11 points off the bench. The Valkyries outrebounded Las Vegas 52-25.

A’ja Wilson led the Aces with 24 points, and Chelsea Gray added 16. Nevertheless, Las Vegas shot only 33.9 percent from the field. Golden State shot 37.7 percent but earned enough extra possessions to offset its own 14 turnovers.

The Aces also lost Jewell Loyd to a left leg injury early in the third quarter. The team said she was being evaluated after the game.

Turning Point

Golden State created separation in the second quarter, when Williams hit a 3-pointer for a 32-23 lead. Las Vegas stayed close and pulled within 58-53 on Jackie Young’s 3-pointer with 8:25 remaining. The Valkyries answered and never allowed the Aces any closer.

Ultimately, the rebounding margin decided the game. Golden State repeatedly ended Las Vegas possessions with defensive boards and generated second chances at the other end.

Star of the Game: Gabby Williams

25 points, 11 rebounds, five assists

Williams was the most complete player on the floor and set the tone with 18 first-half points.

Updated WNBA Playoff Standings After October 4

The remaining teams are listed by semifinal series record. Eliminated teams are listed by their final first-round series record.

Atlanta Dream — 1-0
Golden State Valkyries — 1-0
New York Liberty — 0-1
Las Vegas Aces — 0-1
Dallas Wings — 1-2, eliminated
Indiana Fever — 1-2, eliminated
Minnesota Lynx — 0-2, eliminated
Washington Mystics — 0-2, eliminated

Home Teams Take Early Control of the Semifinals

Atlanta enters Game 2 with an eight-game winning streak and the postseason’s only perfect record. Its ability to force live-ball turnovers remains the defining feature of the series. New York must protect the ball and find a way to slow Canada without losing track of Bonner and Reese.

Golden State, meanwhile, showed that its rebounding and depth can travel through a long series. Las Vegas needs a sharper response on the glass, and Loyd’s status could affect the Aces’ backcourt rotation.

Game 2 of both best-of-five semifinals is scheduled for Wednesday, October 7. Atlanta will again host New York, while Golden State will host Las Vegas at Chase Center.

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WNBA Scores October 4, 2026: Dream, Valkyries Win Semifinal Openers

WNBA Scoreboard — October 4, 2026