Golden State Valkyries, Atlanta Dream snag Game 1 semifinal wins

The GIST: Basketball is a game of runs, as evidenced by yesterday’s WNBA semifinal Game 1s. While we not-so-patiently wait for Wednesday’s Game 2s in these best-of-five series, let’s discuss which string of buckets reigned supreme.

💭 Atlanta Dream use dominant third quarter to top NY Liberty 92–82: Down three at halftime and without their leading scorer Allisha Gray (more on that later), the Dream did what they do best — stockpile steals. Atlanta scored a playoff record 32 points on 21 Liberty giveaways, highlighted by a defense-driven 20–2 third-quarter run.

• And they did all that after Gray dislocated her finger. Though her Game 2 status is TBD, it’s not a full blown nightmare for Atlanta: Jordin Canada and DeWanna Bonner were spectacular in her absence, combining for 48 points to pace Atlanta’s attack.

💜 Golden State Valkyries stifle Las Vegas Aces in 71–60 Game 1 win: Valks linchpin Gabby Williams authored another playoff masterpiece, but defense was the name of this game. Golden State held Vegas to a season-low 60 points, limiting Jackie Young to four field goals and tormenting the inimitable A’ja Wilson (24 points) with double and triple teams all game long.

• The Valkyries love to play with pace — and that’s not ideal for the shorthanded Aces, who were already down two injured starters (Steph Talbot and Nalyssa Smith) before sharpshooter Jewell Loyd left the game in the third quarter with a knee injury. Oof.