STATEMENT DAY
Opening day of the 2026 WNBA Playoffs didn’t give us many close finishes — but it gave us plenty of statements.
Breanna Stewart set the tone. Stewie went for 34 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists as the No. 8 Liberty stunned top-seeded Minnesota, 91–75. New York became the first No. 8 seed to beat a No. 1 seed in a WNBA playoff game.
Then A’ja Wilson answered. The defending champs rolled past Indiana 102–85, and A’ja dominated with 38 points, 16 rebounds and 4 blocks.
Atlanta took control after halftime. Rhyne Howard finished with 26 points and 5 steals, Allisha Gray added 22, Angel Reese posted 13 points and 12 rebounds, and DeWanna Bonner scored 9 of her 13 points in a decisive third quarter as the Dream beat Washington 92–77.
And Golden State saved its biggest statement for last. The Valkyries overwhelmed Dallas 104–80, hitting 18 threes. Cecilia Zandalasini scored 22, Tiffany Hayes had 21 off the bench and Gabby Williams added 20. Paige Bueckers gave Dallas 21 points on 9-of-10 shooting, but Golden State simply had too much.
Four games. Four double-digit wins.
Game 1 wasn’t about suspense.
It was about making a statement.
Now we find out who responds in Game 2. 👀
New York Liberty • 91
Minnesota Lynx • 75
Indiana Fever • 85
Las Vegas Aces • 102
Washington Mystics • 77
Atlanta Dream • 92
Dallas Wings • 80
Golden State Valkyries • 104
All final. 🌑🏀
🌑🏀 Moonman21 Sports
Beyond The Score.
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