The Atlanta Dream came out swinging in Game 1 of the WNBA semifinals, overcoming a halftime deficit and an injury to Allisha Gray to defeat the New York Liberty 92–82 on Sunday at State Farm Arena.
Atlanta now leads the best-of-five semifinal series 1–0.
The Liberty led 40–37 at halftime, but the Dream completely flipped the game in the third quarter. Atlanta exploded for 32 points while holding New York to just 15, turning a three-point deficit into a 69–55 advantage entering the fourth.
The Dream’s defense was the difference. Atlanta forced 21 New York turnovers and converted those mistakes into 32 points.
Jordin Canada Takes Over
Jordin Canada delivered one of the biggest performances of the afternoon, scoring 25 points, grabbing five steals and dishing out four assists.
Canada scored 20 of her 25 points after halftime, including clutch baskets late when New York threatened to make the game interesting.
Her five steals also tied the Dream’s franchise postseason record.
DeWanna Bonner Comes Through
With Gray sidelined, DeWanna Bonner provided a massive spark off the bench.
Bonner finished with 23 points and 9 rebounds, shooting 10-for-18 from the field and knocking down three 3-pointers.
Her veteran presence proved critical as Atlanta weathered New York’s fourth-quarter comeback attempt.
Angel Reese Does It All
Angel Reese continued her outstanding postseason with 17 points, seven rebounds, four steals and three blocks.
Reese’s defensive activity was especially important during Atlanta’s third-quarter takeover.
Rhyne Howard also stuffed the stat sheet, finishing with 16 points, eight rebounds and eight assists while playing all 40 minutes.
Liberty Couldn’t Overcome Turnovers
Turnovers helped lead to the Liberty’s undoing. New York could not secure the basketball , committing 21 turnovers that led to 32 Dream points.
Sabrina Ionescu led New York with 27 points, while Breanna Stewart added 19 and Jonquel Jones recorded 12 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks.
The Liberty did make a late push, cutting Atlanta’s 16-point advantage to five with less than three minutes remaining. But Canada answered with a clutch 3-pointer before adding a transition layup to help put the game away.
Allisha Gray Injury Adds Another Layer
Atlanta’s victory came at a cost.
Gray left the game after suffering a left-hand injury. She initially went to the locker room in the first quarter, returned, then appeared to aggravate the injury while diving for a loose ball in the second quarter.
She finished with seven points in 11 minutes and did not return.
Dream head coach Karl Smesko said there was no immediate update on Gray’s injury but hoped she could return for Game 2.
Game 1 Final
| Team | 1Q | 2Q | 3Q | 4Q | Final |
| New York Liberty | 24 | 16 | 15 | 27 | 82 |
| Atlanta Dream | 21 | 16 | 32 | 23 | 92 |
Series: Atlanta leads 1–0
Game 2: Wednesday in Atlanta
Atlanta has officially stolen the momentum in this semifinal matchup. But with New York’s championship experience and Gray’s uncertain status, Game 2 could be a completely different battle.
