In a dramatic overtime showdown on Wednesday night, the Atlanta Dream secured a 101-98 win over the New York Liberty, taking a 2-0 lead in the WNBA semifinals. Angel Reese led the Dream with 23 points, including six crucial points in the extra period.
Key moments
Reese sank two free throws with 4.3 seconds remaining after Sabrina Ionescu overthrew a pass, putting Atlanta within one win of its first Finals appearance since 2013. “We stayed together and played together,” Reese said, emphasizing the team’s cohesion.
Jordin Canada also contributed 23 points and eight assists, helping the Dream to a 92-82 victory in Game 1. For the Liberty, Breanna Stewart posted a game‑high 35 points, 25 of them in the first half, but missed a final‑play attempt after officials indicated the team had no timeouts left.
Overtime drama
The Dream opened overtime with five straight points, but the Liberty answered with eight, taking a 96-93 lead. Canada and Reese then hit back‑to‑back baskets to retake the advantage, only for Stewart to respond with a layup, keeping the contest tight.
With 20.8 seconds left, Naz Hillmon drove to the basket and made the go‑ahead layup, securing the lead for good. Atlanta forced a jump ball on New York’s final possession, but the Liberty won the tip and had one more chance before Ionescu’s errant pass ended the game.
Coaching perspective
Dream head coach Karl Smesko praised his team’s execution in the closing minutes, saying, “We had a message that we could be the best team over the last five minutes and we executed those plays.”
Stewart remained focused on the next game, noting, “We’re not focused on winning three games straight right now. We’re focused on winning one game, and that’s Friday, then we go from there.”
Injuries and bench contributions
Atlanta played without leading scorer Allisha Gray, who missed the game with a left‑hand injury. Rookie Izzy Borlase stepped up, providing 11 points off the bench and helping to fill the void.
New York will host Game 3 on Friday, looking to even the series after the narrow overtime loss.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
