Updated WNBA Playoff Bracket Picture 2026 After Dream Eliminate Mystics, Wings Beat Valkyries

The first round of the 2026 WNBA playoffs continued with a pair of matchups on Wednesday.

Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream started by taking down the Washington Mystics and punching their ticket to the semifinals.

Dallas Wings guard Arike Ogunbowale later set a new WNBA playoff record with 45 points in a win over the Golden State Valkyries to force Game 3 in their best-of-three series.

Updated Playoff Bracket After Liberty Advance 😯

Here's a closer look at Wednesday's results.

Dallas Wings 108, Golden State Valkyries 100

The Dream never trailed at any point during the contest, as they opened the first quarter with a 17-8 lead and maintained a 24-17 edge heading into the second.

Atlanta went up by double digits to start the second quarter and led 41-28 with just over one minute left in the first half, although the Mystics closed the period on a 7-0 run to stay within striking distance.

Washington still trailed by just six points as under seven minutes remained in the third, but the Dream went on a 15-6 run of their own to gain some more breathing room.

At the end of three quarters, Atlanta led 65-58.

The Dream eventually pulled away late in the fourth, outscoring Washington 28-17 in the final 10 minutes of action to cruise to the win.

Atlanta was efficient offensively in the victory, dishing out 23 assists compared to eight turnovers as a team. The Dream also shut down the Mystics' offense, picking up 10 steals and four blocks.

Reese finished with 15 points and seven rebounds for Atlanta, while Allisha Gray scored a team-high 22 points on 8-of-18 shooting.

The Dream will now face the New York Liberty in the semifinals.

The second matchup of the day was a hard-fought battle, as neither team held a double-digit lead at any point of the game.

Dallas owned a 50-45 advantage at halftime, although Golden State outscored the Wings 29-22 in the third quarter to move back in front heading into the fourth.

After several lead changes in the fourth quarter, the Valkyries were up by three points with one minute remaining.

With just under five seconds left in the fourth, Ogunbowale hit a game-tying triple to force overtime.

Tensions were high between both teams over the extra five minutes, as Ogunbowale and Valkyries guard Tiffany Hayes both picked up flagrant fouls for a brief altercation .

While the score was tied 100-100 midway through overtime, the Wings closed the contest on an 8-0 run to force Game 3.

Alysha Clark was a key contributor for Dallas in the game, scoring 21 points in 31 minutes off the bench. Paige Bueckers also chipped in with 10 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals.

Game 3 between the Wings and Valkyries is on Friday.