WNBA Scores October 9, 2026: Dream, Valkyries Sweep Into Finals

The WNBA scores for October 9, 2026 completed an extraordinary semifinal round. The Atlanta Dream edged the New York Liberty 85-83, and the Golden State Valkyries eliminated the defending champion Las Vegas Aces with an 87-77 overtime victory.

Both series ended in three-game sweeps. Atlanta reached the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2013, while second-year Golden State secured the first Finals appearance in franchise history. The two teams will meet in a best-of-seven championship series beginning October 17.

WNBA Scoreboard — October 9, 2026

• Atlanta Dream 85, New York Liberty 83
• Golden State Valkyries 87, Las Vegas Aces 77 (OT)

Atlanta Dream 85, New York Liberty 83

Dream Survive Liberty Rally and Complete Sweep

Angel Reese scored a team-high 22 points as Atlanta survived a determined New York comeback at Barclays Center. Rhyne Howard added 21 points, while Jordin Canada finished with 19 points and 11 assists.

DeWanna Bonner supplied a crucial double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds. Isobel Borlase added 10 points on 5-of-6 shooting. Atlanta needed the entire effort while playing without injured guard Allisha Gray.

Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart scored 26 points apiece for New York. Jones also grabbed 14 rebounds and blocked three shots. Sabrina Ionescu scored 12 points but finished 4-for-12 from the field.

The Dream shot 40.6% overall and made 22 of 24 free throws. New York shot 43.5%, but Atlanta won the rebounding battle 43-36 and committed only eight turnovers. The Dream also held a 12-7 advantage in points off turnovers.

Turning Point

New York erased a 12-point deficit with a 16-4 third-quarter run and carried a 68-66 lead into the fourth. The Liberty then moved ahead by four before Atlanta answered with eight consecutive points. That surge gave the Dream a 75-71 lead with 4:55 remaining.

Atlanta’s defense made the run decisive. New York went more than six minutes without a basket and made only five field goals in the final quarter. The Dream moved ahead 83-79 with one minute left, then protected the lead to clinch the series.

Star of the Game: Angel Reese

22 points

Reese set the offensive tone, scored 18 points before halftime and helped Atlanta withstand New York’s second-half response. Her performance sent the Dream to their fourth WNBA Finals.

Series result: Atlanta wins 3-0.

Golden State Valkyries 87, Las Vegas Aces 77 (OT)

Valkyries Dethrone Champions With Defense and Depth

Golden State trailed by 11 early in the third quarter before its defense transformed the game. Kayla Thornton led the Valkyries with 18 points and nine rebounds. Gabby Williams scored 16, including eight points in overtime.

Kiah Stokes delivered one of the strongest two-way performances of the postseason. She scored 11 points on perfect 5-for-5 shooting, grabbed 10 rebounds and blocked three shots. Tiffany Hayes also scored 11 off the bench.

A’ja Wilson led Las Vegas with 21 points and 10 rebounds, but Golden State held her to 6-of-19 shooting. Jackie Young scored 18, while Chelsea Gray added 17 points and five assists.

The Valkyries shot 40.5% and outrebounded the Aces 43-35. Golden State also forced 15 turnovers, recorded 12 steals and held a 17-7 advantage in points off turnovers. Its bench outscored Las Vegas’ reserves 27-13.

Turning Point

Golden State seized control with a 17-0 third-quarter run. The Valkyries held Las Vegas scoreless for more than seven minutes and forced 12 consecutive missed shots. The Aces recovered and tied the game at 71, but Gray’s potential winner bounced out at the regulation buzzer.

The Valkyries dominated overtime 16-6. Williams scored eight points in the extra period, including a step-back jumper with 54.7 seconds remaining that ended the Aces’ last realistic comeback chance.

Star of the Game: Kiah Stokes

11 points, 10 rebounds, three blocks, 5-for-5 shooting

Stokes protected the rim, controlled the glass and played the largest role in limiting Wilson. Her impact anchored the defensive effort that ended Las Vegas’ title defense.

Series result: Golden State wins 3-0.

Updated WNBA Playoff Standings After October 9

The finalists are listed first, followed by the six eliminated playoff teams and their final series records.

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

WNBA Finals Set: Valkyries vs. Dream

The WNBA Finals will feature two franchises seeking their first championship. Golden State owns home-court advantage and will host Game 1 at Chase Center on Saturday, October 17.

The matchup pairs the Valkyries’ depth and league-leading defense against an Atlanta group powered by Reese, Howard and Canada’s playmaking. Both teams will enter the Finals with a full week to recover after completing semifinal sweeps.

Friday’s results also marked a dramatic shift in the league. New York and Las Vegas, winners of the previous four championships, were eliminated on the same night. Either Atlanta or Golden State will now lift the trophy for the first time.

Sources

• Official WNBA Dream-Liberty box score
• Official WNBA Valkyries-Aces box score
• Golden State Valkyries official Game 3 recap