WNBA Semifinals locked: Aces and Liberty complete sweeps to set up blockbuster final four
All four opening-round series finish in 2-0 sweeps as Las Vegas and New York join Minnesota and Indiana in the semifinals.
Why this one matters
Wednesday night brought the first round of the 2026 WNBA postseason to a historic conclusion. With road favorites refusing to yield an inch of momentum, both remaining series wrapped in clinical fashion, establishing a semifinal lineup packed with superstar pedigree.
In Arlington, Texas, the two-time defending champion Las Vegas Aces proved once again why they remain the standard of postseason execution. Facing elimination desperation from the Dallas Wings, A’ja Wilson delivered a masterclass. The reigning MVP tallied 28 points, 13 rebounds, and four blocks, controlling the paint on both ends. Kelsey Plum chipped in 19 points as the Aces pulled away in the third quarter for an 88-74 victory, sweeping the series 2-0.
Liberty survive Valkyries surge at Chase Center
Simultaneously in San Francisco, the New York Liberty engaged in a physical, wire-to-wire battle with the expansion Golden State Valkyries. Despite a raucous Chase Center crowd driving the hosts, New York’s championship poise showed in the final ninety seconds.
Breanna Stewart anchored the Liberty with 21 points and nine rebounds, while Sabrina Ionescu buried the dagger corner three-pointer with 28 seconds left to secure an 80-76 win. For the first time in WNBA history under the expanded best-of-three format, all four opening-round series concluded in 2-0 sweeps. The final four is officially set: Minnesota Lynx face the Indiana Fever, while the Aces clash with the Liberty in a heavyweight rematch.
The numbers that tell the story
- Wednesday finals: Las Vegas Aces 88-74 Dallas Wings; New York Liberty 80-76 Golden State Valkyries.
- Series sweeps: All four Round 1 series ended 2-0 (Minnesota, Indiana, Las Vegas, New York).
- Wilson dominance: A’ja Wilson recorded 28 points, 13 rebounds, and four blocks in Game 2.
- Semifinal matchups: No. 1 Minnesota Lynx vs No. 5 Indiana Fever; No. 3 Las Vegas Aces vs No. 7 New York Liberty.
- Next round begins: Best-of-five WNBA semifinal series tip off on Sunday 4 October.
Sources
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