WNBA Scores October 7, 2026: Dream, Valkyries Take 2-0 Leads

The WNBA scores for October 7, 2026 produced two semifinal thrillers and left the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries one victory from the WNBA Finals.

Atlanta survived overtime to beat New York 101-98, while Golden State held off Las Vegas 83-81 after a dramatic final defensive stand. Both home teams now lead their best-of-five series 2-0.

WNBA Scoreboard — October 7, 2026

• Atlanta Dream 101, New York Liberty 98 (OT)
• Golden State Valkyries 83, Las Vegas Aces 81

Atlanta Dream 101, New York Liberty 98 (OT)

Canada, Reese Push Dream to the Brink of the Finals

Jordin Canada delivered 23 points and eight assists, and Angel Reese added 23 points, seven rebounds and two blocked shots as Atlanta prevailed in a game that featured 17 lead changes and eight ties.

Rhyne Howard supplied 18 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Naz Hillmon added 12 points, eight rebounds and five assists, while Isobel Borlase scored 11 off the bench.

Breanna Stewart nearly carried New York to an equalizing road win. She finished with 35 points, 11 rebounds and six assists. Jonquel Jones scored 21 points on 8-of-11 shooting and blocked four shots. Marine Fauthoux added 20 points, six rebounds and four assists, including the 3-pointer that forced overtime.

New York shot 54.7% from the field compared with Atlanta’s 40.5%, but the Dream protected the ball and converted mistakes into points. The Liberty committed 17 turnovers to Atlanta’s nine, and the Dream held a decisive 28-10 advantage in points off turnovers. Atlanta also made 21 of 23 free throws.

Turning Point

Stewart’s layup gave New York a 98-97 lead with 33 seconds left in overtime. Hillmon answered with a layup 13 seconds later, putting Atlanta back in front. On the next Liberty possession, Sabrina Ionescu’s pass went out of bounds. Reese then made two free throws with four seconds remaining to seal the win.

Star of the Game: Jordin Canada

23 points, eight assists, five rebounds

Canada controlled the game from the backcourt, scored efficiently and repeatedly created quality looks in the Dream’s biggest moments.

Series: Atlanta leads 2-0.

Golden State Valkyries 83, Las Vegas Aces 81

Hayes Sparks Valkyries, Stokes Seals It

Tiffany Hayes changed the game off the bench, scoring 21 points in only 17 minutes and going 8-for-8 at the free-throw line. Gabby Williams added 20 points and made three 3-pointers as Golden State protected home court.

A’ja Wilson led Las Vegas with 24 points, including 13 in the third quarter, and Chelsea Gray added 19. The Aces erased a 17-point deficit and briefly took their first lead during an 18-6 fourth-quarter run.

Golden State’s biggest statistical edges came on the glass and at the foul line. The Valkyries outrebounded Las Vegas 39-32 and made 25 of 27 free throws. Kiah Stokes collected 14 rebounds and made the decisive defensive play.

Turning Point

With the score tied at 76, Veronica Burton hit a deep 3-pointer with about 42 seconds remaining. Las Vegas still had one final chance after Jackie Young intentionally missed a free throw and Gray recovered the ball, but Stokes blocked Gray’s shot with 1.2 seconds left to preserve the two-point victory.

Star of the Game: Tiffany Hayes

21 points off the bench, 8-for-8 free throws

Hayes supplied instant offense, attacked the rim and carried Golden State through critical stretches despite playing only 17 minutes.

Series: Golden State leads 2-0.

Updated WNBA Playoff Standings After October 7

The active semifinal teams are listed first by series position, followed by the clubs eliminated in the opening round.

1. Atlanta Dream — 2-0
2. Golden State Valkyries — 2-0
3. New York Liberty — 0-2
4. Las Vegas Aces — 0-2
5. Dallas Wings — 1-2, eliminated
6. Indiana Fever — 1-2, eliminated
7. Minnesota Lynx — 0-2, eliminated
8. Washington Mystics — 0-2, eliminated

Both Semifinals Move to Game 3

Atlanta can clinch its place in the WNBA Finals when the series shifts to Brooklyn for Game 3 on Friday, October 9. New York must win to extend its season.

Golden State will have the same opportunity in Las Vegas. The Valkyries are one victory from the Finals after taking both games at home, while the Aces now face elimination.

Wednesday’s results came down to execution under pressure. Atlanta won the turnover battle and finished at the line. Golden State found a timely 3-pointer and a game-saving block. Those margins have both semifinal underdogs holding commanding 2-0 leads.

Sources

• Official WNBA Liberty-Dream box score
• Official WNBA Aces-Valkyries box score
• WNBA official scores, recaps and playoff schedule