Six of the eight teams that made the 2026 WNBA Playoffs also participated in last postseason.
The new entrants? The Washington Mystics and Dallas Wings, both returning to postseason play for the first time since 2023.
For the Mystics, Shakira Austin is the only player remaining from the 2023 team that lost in the first round. The 2023 Wings, who won their first round series before being swept in the semifinals, featured Arike Ogunbowale, Odyssey Sims, Maddy Siegrist and Awak Kuier, although neither
Siegrist and Kuier received significant minutes.
So, it’s not shocking that Game 1 didn’t go well for either team.
After a strong first half that saw them take an 11-point lead over the Atlanta Dream, the Mystics failed to maintain the requisite level of play in the second half, something star second-year players Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen acknowledged.
The Wings endured a more discouraging performance, as they were absolutely steamrolled by the Golden State Valkyries. A spectacular playoff debut from Paige Bueckers was for naught, with none of her more veteran teammates providing efficient, or even any production, to complement her 21 points on 90 percent shooting.
If both teams want their returns to the postseason to be more than blip, they must immediately absorb and address the lessons learned in Game 1. A three-game first round give little grace. Instant improvement is required.
The No. 5-seed Mystics host Game 2 against the No. 4-seed Dream at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN. At 9 p.m. ET, the No. 7-seed Wings will take on the No. 2-seed Valkyries.
What are the chances of Washington and Dallas making the adjustments needed to force a Game 3? While I think there is a way forward for Washington, it’s a bit (or a lot) more difficult to see Dallas getting the job done.
If the Mystics can’t take care of the ball, then they should go BIG
As Beckett Harrison already emphasized, Washington’s path to a better result is simple: Take care of the ball! Reduce the turnover margin and, as Beckett highlighted, the Mystics can be right there with Dream.
Beckett acknowledged that’s easier said than done for a turnover-prone team that not only lacks a high-level primary initiator, but also is up against one of the most ravenous, turnover-generating teams in the league in the Dream.
So, if Mystics still commit too many turnovers, how can they compensate for these giveaways? As a Dream supporter, the Mystics choosing to lean into their big, bully-ball stylings would make me the most nervous.
Cotie McMahon brings a boom-or-bust quality, where her aggressiveness is game-changing. Sometimes positively, sometimes less so. Still, I don’t want to see her barreling towards the basket.
And although Lauren Betts was not particularly productive in her 23 minutes in Game 1, her mere presence can cause problems. Plus, she has enough offensive skill to offer an efficient scoring boost. Cass Prosper also had her best scoring game of the season when the Mystics defeated the Dream in August, suggesting she could be another source of havoc-inducing athleticism if she’s given more than one minute of playing time.
What do we think Dream fans? What DC adjustment would give you the most pause? And Mystics fans, what potential solutions do you want head coach Sydney Johnson to turn to?
If Shepard can’t step up, could some Ogunbowale magic save the Wings?
It’s a bit reductive to just proclaim, “Please, someone help Paige!” And it’s even more reductive to point fingers at Jessica Shepard and Arike Ogunbowale.
But, I struggle to see another viable alternative for Dallas. Pray that Aziaha James goes on an epic heater? Could Li Yueru swishes a couple of 3s to change the momentum? Maybe, Maddy Siegrist can channel her high-scoring Villanova days?
Those are near-imaginary outliers when, in reality, Shepard has been at the center of the Wings offense all season. She can’t go absent. The All-Star starter honor was earned, but it also comes with expectations. That Shepard had performed below her standard against the Valkyries all season and still seem unprepared to rise to playoff moment is even more concerning.
A former multi-time All-Star, Ogunbowale also absorbs responsibility for the Wings’ shortcomings. Ogunbowale, at least, has a reputation for going down swinging. The shot selection can be maddening; however, as her conversion rate often seems disconnected from the degree of difficulty of her attempts, an aggressive Arike might be the best option.
That Golden State head coach Natalie Nakase expressed some postgame irritation at her team’s late-game level of play, despite the nearly 30-point win, adds even more ominousness to Dallas’ outlook.
Wings fans, what’s your source of hope? Is there any way to avoid a sweep? And Valks fans, how are you tempering your confidence after such a resounding Game 1 win?
