The short version
- The Atlanta Dream defeated the New York Liberty 101-98 in overtime to take a 2-0 lead in the WNBA semifinals.
- Angel Reese scored 23 points, including six in the extra period, while Naz Hillmon hit the decisive layup late in overtime.
- Breanna Stewart led all scorers with 35 points for New York, but the Liberty now face elimination after losing Game 1 by ten points.
The Atlanta Dream have seized a commanding position in their WNBA semifinal matchup against the New York Liberty, securing a 101-98 victory in overtime on Wednesday night. This result extends their series lead to two games to none, placing them just one win away from reaching the league finals for the first time since 2013. The contest was defined by late-game volatility and individual brilliance from both rosters, culminating in a decisive sequence that favored Atlanta’s depth and clutch execution.
Angel Reese emerged as a primary catalyst for the Dream, finishing with 23 points. Her impact was particularly pronounced during the extra period, where she accounted for six of her team’s thirteen total points. Reese capitalized on defensive miscues by New York, including a critical pair of free throws made with just 4.3 seconds remaining in overtime after Sabrina Ionescu overthrew a pass. These baskets effectively sealed the game, preventing any late rally from the Liberty.
The winning margin was established by Naz Hillmon, who sank a layup with 20.8 seconds left in the additional period. This basket gave Atlanta an insurmountable lead as time expired. Jordin Canada also contributed significantly to the offensive effort, matching Reese’s point total with 23 points and adding eight assists to facilitate the team’s attack. The Dream had previously won Game 1 by a score of 92-82, establishing early momentum in the series.
For the New York Liberty, Breanna Stewart delivered a dominant individual performance, scoring 35 points overall. She was particularly effective in the first half, tallying 25 points during that stretch. Despite her efforts, Stewart missed a final desperation attempt on the last play of regulation, which would have tied the game and potentially altered the flow into overtime. Her inability to convert that shot left the outcome in the hands of Atlanta’s bench players.
The path to overtime was fraught with tension during the final minutes of regulation. With New York trailing 86-80 and under two minutes remaining, Ionescu hit a deep three-pointer to cut the deficit by half. An Atlanta shot-clock violation with 31 seconds left provided an opening for the Liberty to close the gap further. Stewart capitalized on this opportunity, hitting a quick layup in traffic to make the score 86-85.
Atlanta responded by fouling to stop the clock, allowing Reese to extend the lead to 88-85 with 14.5 seconds remaining after she made both free throws. Marine Fauthoux then hit a game-tying three-pointer with 10.3 seconds left, forcing Atlanta to execute on their final possession. Rhyne Howard’s midrange floater rimmed out just before the buzzer, sending the game into extra time rather than ending it in regulation.
The series now shifts back to New York for Game 3, where the Liberty face elimination. The pressure is squarely on Stewart and Ionescu to overcome Atlanta’s balanced scoring attack and defensive resilience. For the Dream, maintaining their composure and continuing to exploit turnovers will be key to closing out the series. The stakes are high for both franchises, with Atlanta seeking a return to the championship stage and New York fighting to keep their season alive.
This victory underscores the importance of bench contributions in high-stakes playoff basketball. While Stewart’s scoring prowess was evident, the collective effort from Reese, Canada, and Hillmon proved decisive. The Dream’s ability to execute under pressure, particularly in the final moments of overtime, highlights their growth as a contender. As the series progresses, the Liberty must find ways to limit Atlanta’s secondary scorers while generating more efficient offense beyond Stewart.
The upcoming game will likely feature increased defensive intensity from both sides. New York may attempt to disrupt Atlanta’s rhythm by targeting Reese and Canada, while the Dream could focus on containing Stewart to reduce her impact. The outcome of Game 3 will determine whether the series continues or concludes with an Atlanta advancement. Fans can expect a tightly contested battle as both teams vie for postseason supremacy.
In summary, the Dream’s overtime win solidifies their position as favorites in the series. Their ability to close out games and perform under pressure suggests they are poised for a deep playoff run. The Liberty must respond with urgency and precision if they hope to avoid elimination. The stage is set for a pivotal showdown that could define the trajectory of both franchises’ seasons.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian US↗Angel Reese lifts Atlanta past Liberty and within one win of WNBA finals
