[1] The Dream started the season slowly, going 2–2 in May with both losses coming to Dallas.
However, on August 9, the team lost their star Angel McCoughtry for the season with torn ligaments in her left knee.
As the second seed, Atlanta earned a double bye into the semifinal round.
The Mystics were the third seed, finishing one game behind Atlanta in the regular season.
The series was a close one, with the Mystics star Elena Delle Donne getting injured in game 3.