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Atlanta Dream Sweep New York Liberty to Reach WNBA Finals
Confirmed
In Short: The Atlanta Dream have secured their first trip to the WNBA Finals since 2013 after sweeping the New York Liberty in the semifinals.
The Atlanta Dream advanced to the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2013 after sweeping the New York Liberty in a best-of-five series. In Game 3, the Dream clinched their victory with a 85-83 win at Barclays Center on Friday night.
The Dream led by 12 points in the first half but had to hold on in the final minute to secure the win. New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart missed a contested layup with nine seconds left, and Atlanta's DeWanna Bonner sank two free throws with 6.2 seconds remaining to seal the victory.
The Dream's Angel Reese, who was watching the Finals last season and tweeted about manifesting the finals, led the way with 22 points. Jordin Canada also contributed significantly, scoring 25 points and adding five steals.
The Dream's success in the playoffs is a testament to their consistent performance. They have gone 5-0 in the playoffs, sweeping both the Washington Mystics in the first round and the New York Liberty in the semifinals.
The Dream's defense has been a key factor in their success. They are fourth in the WNBA, giving up 84.5 points per game while holding opponents to 46.9% shooting. DeWanna Bonner, with 100 playoff games played, holds the league record for playoff appearances.
The Dream will face the Golden State Valkyries in the Finals, which will begin on Oct. 17 in San Francisco. The Valkyries swept the defending-champion Las Vegas Aces in the second semifinal series.
Both teams have different paths to the semifinals but share some similar patterns during the regular season. Atlanta entered the playoffs after a 30-14 regular season, while New York finished 26-18.
The Dream's approach in the playoffs has been focused and aggressive, with players emphasizing the importance of staying poised and under control throughout the series.
The Dream's head coach, Nicki Collin, echoed the sentiments of her players, stating, “Experience in the playoffs definitely matters.” The team's veteran players, like Bonner, have provided the leadership needed to navigate the pressure of the playoffs.
The Dream's journey to the Finals is a culmination of their season-long efforts and strategic acquisitions, such as Angel Reese, who was named the league's Defensive Player of the Year shortly after the semifinals.
The Dream's success in the playoffs has been a collective effort, with players stepping up when needed. Jordin Canada's performance in the second half of Game 1 was crucial, scoring 20 of her 25 points and adding five steals.
The Dream's next challenge will be to maintain their focus and composure against the Valkyries, who have proven to be formidable opponents in their first season.
What this adds
The Dream's success in the playoffs is a continuation of their strong regular season performance, with a 30-14 record. Their defense has been a key factor, giving up only 84.5 points per game.
The Dream's victory over the Liberty marks their first trip to the Finals since 2013, a testament to their consistent play and strategic acquisitions.
Background
The Atlanta Dream advanced to the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2013 after sweeping the New York Liberty in the semifinals.
The Valkyries, who became the quickest expansion team to reach the Finals, join the Dream in the championship series.
What's confirmed
- The game starts at 2 p.m. in State Farm Arena in Downtown Atlanta.
- The 2026 WNBA Finals are set to begin on Oct. 17.
- Reese and Canada had three steals apiece in the third, keying a 13-3 run to start the half which gave Atlanta a lead it never surrendered.
- Jordin Canada scored 20 of her 25 points in the second half and had five steals to help the Atlanta Dream beat the New York Liberty 92-82 in Game 1 of a best-of-five.
What's still developing
- New York will be making its third appearance in the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs in the past four years.
- Reese's hot start helped the Dream hold a seven-point lead after 10 minutes, but the visitors fell behind after getting outscored 50-41 over the next two quarters.
- "It just shows the power of the tongue. Being able to speak things into your life. When you speak positive things in your life, it happens. You manifest big things and big dreams and have those goals and you can do anything you put your mind to."
- The 31-year-old was coming off two stellar playoff games, scoring 22 points and playing 35 minutes in each of Atlanta's two first-round wins over Washington.
- “Everybody stepped up, and that's what we need,” Canada said.
- The Mystics head coach Sydney Johnson expects to have Elena Delle Donne for Game 1 of the playoffs against the Atlanta Dream on Sept. 27, while Fever guard Ty Harris has been ruled out for the remainder of the game against the Lynx.
- “With this group, for the majority of us, (we’ve) been in this type of series, where it’s not getting too high or too low is the huge important part,” Stewart said.
- “The approach that we’re having in these playoffs is pretty much where you want to be,” Stewart added.