Best games on Friday, October 9

Friday, October 9, 2026 · final

The Lineup Is ranked 70 games on Friday, October 9 and found 4 worth watching, led by Valkyries at Aces (importance 137). Here's how that day's slate finished.

  1. #1 · WNBAImportance 137
    Final·Peacock

    Valkyries at Aces

    Valkyries32-1287
    Aces31-1377

    The Valkyries swept the Aces 3-0 to reach the WNBA Finals, pulling away 16-6 in overtime after Las Vegas forced the extra period. Wilson had 21 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.

    Why it scores 137 →
  2. #2 · WNBAImportance 117
    Final·ESPN2

    Dream at Liberty

    Dream30-1485
    Liberty26-1883

    The Dream swept the Liberty with an 85-83 win in Game 3, closing out the WNBA semifinal series and ending New York’s season. Angel Reese scored 22, while Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones each had 26 for the Liberty.

    Why it scores 117 →
  3. #3 · WTAImportance 62
    Final

    E. Svitolina at Q. Zheng

    E. Svitolina#7
    Q. Zheng

    Unseeded Q. Zheng upset No. 6 seed E. Svitolina in straight sets to reach the China Open semifinals, taking the quarterfinal 6-3, 7-6.

    Why it scores 62 →
  4. #4 · WTAImportance 62
    Final

    I. Swiatek at E. Mertens

    I. Swiatek#9
    E. Mertens#19

    No. 19 E. Mertens upset No. 9 I. Swiatek in straight sets to reach the China Open semifinals, taking the opening set in a tiebreak before closing out a 6-7, 6-3 quarterfinal win.

    Why it scores 62 →

How the ranking works

Every game gets an importance score, built from 11 factors — rankings, playoff stakes, rivalry, star power, elimination pressure, how close the game actually projects to be, and more. The score is explained, never a black box. Narratives are written from the real state of the season — not "tune in tonight."

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