The WNBA playoffs are set to begin with the Atlanta Dream clinching the final spot after defeating the top-seeded New York Liberty 78-67. This marks the Dream's second consecutive playoff appearance since 2013-14. Tina Charles led Atlanta with a double-double, surpassing Sylvia Fowles to become the WNBA's all-time leader in rebounds and double-doubles. The first round will feature the Dream facing the Liberty, the Minnesota Lynx playing the Phoenix Mercury, the Connecticut Sun against the Indiana Fever, and the defending champions Las Vegas Aces hosting the Seattle Storm. The playoff format includes best-of-three series in the first round, with the higher-seeded team hosting the first two games. Notably, this season's playoffs saw three of the eight positions decided on the final day of the regular season.