On September 30, 2026, the Atlanta Dream made significant strides in the WNBA Playoffs by defeating the Washington Mystics 93-75 in the second game of the first-round series held at CareFirst Arena in Washington, D.C. This victory allows Atlanta to advance to the semifinals for the first time since 2018. Allisha Gray emerged as a key contributor, scoring 22 points in the game.
Guard Jordin Canada played a crucial role, delivering 13 of her 19 points in the fourth quarter. Her consecutive three-pointers and a jumper from the free-throw line helped secure an 89-70 lead for Atlanta with just 2:58 remaining. Canada’s performance included 11 assists and seven rebounds. Rhyne Howard, despite fouling out with 6:03 left, added 15 points to the team’s score.
Angel Reese contributed 15 points, while Naz Hillmon pitched in with 10 points. On the opposing side, Sonia Citron scored 25 points for Washington. Kiki Iriafen made an impressive mark with 15 points and 16 rebounds, becoming the first player in franchise history to achieve a first-half double-double in a playoff game.
Despite Washington’s first-half struggle, characterized by 11 turnovers, they managed to narrow Atlanta’s lead to 41-28 through a 7-0 run before halftime, concluded by Citron’s basket at the buzzer. In the third quarter, the Mystics embarked on a 14-2 run, cutting their deficit to 65-62. However, Atlanta responded with a decisive 13-point surge, highlighted by Canada’s three-pointer, extending their lead to 78-62.
This was Washington’s first playoff appearance since clinching the WNBA championship in 2019. Atlanta will face New York in the semifinals, marking a historic event as New York became the first eighth-seed team to eliminate a top seed in the league’s 30-year history.
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