WNBA playoff winners and losers include Valkyries' Gabby Williams, Liberty turnovers

The WNBA semifinals have begun with the top four teams competing for a championship title. The Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty, as well as the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries, who are both seeking their first championship, kicked off their quest on Sunday, October 4. Despite the winning experience not seeming to make a significant difference in Game 1 of the best-of-five series, the No. 4 seed Atlanta Dream emerged victorious, defeating the No. 8 seed New York Liberty with a score of 92-82 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. Gabby Williams led the Atlanta Dream with 25 points and 11 rebounds.

In the semifinals, the winners and losers include the following:

Winners:

- The Atlanta Dream delivered an impressive defensive performance against the Liberty, outscoring them 32-15 in one quarter and committing nine turnovers, nearly all of which were steals. They managed to score 16 points off these turnovers, tying a playoff record for any quarter since the WNBA switched to quarters in 2006. The Dream's defense and transition play were crucial in their victory.

- Gabby Williams, the Valkyries' All-Star, scored a career-high 36 points in Game 2 of their first-round series against the Dallas Wings. She became the 10th player in WNBA history to record at least 25 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in a postseason game.

Losers:

- Dream guard Allisha Gray suffered an injury during the first quarter of Game 1 against the Liberty. She appeared to injure her hand during a defensive play and sat out for the remainder of the game. DeWanna Bonner stepped in to fill in for Gray and played multiple positions to help the team adjust.

- The Aces' bench players faced more challenges, with NaLyssa Smith, Stephanie Talbot, Dana Evans, and Jewell Loyd exiting the game due to various injuries. Loyd sustained a leg injury early in the second half and did not return, leaving the Aces with a thinner rotation.