Atlanta, Ga. – The Atlanta Dream secured a commanding 92-82 victory over the New York Liberty in Game 1 of the best‑of‑five WNBA semifinals on Sunday. The win was anchored by a stellar second‑half performance from guard Jordin Canada, who poured in 20 of her 25 total points and recorded five steals.
Canada’s clutch scoring and defense
Canada’s scoring burst came at a crucial moment, as she knocked down a go‑ahead three‑pointer just before the shot‑clock expired and followed it with a transition layup after a defensive stop. Her aggressive play helped the Dream pull away after a tightly contested first half.
Defensively, Atlanta forced 21 turnovers, converting 32 points off those miscues. The third quarter proved decisive, with the Dream outscoring the Liberty 32‑15 and building a 13‑3 run that gave them a lead they never relinquished.
Supporting contributions
Veteran forward DeWanna Bonner added 23 points, stepping up after Allisha Gray left the game with a left‑hand injury in the second quarter. Bonner’s scoring helped fill the void and kept the Dream’s offense flowing.
New York’s leading scorer was Sabrina Ionescu, who tallied 27 points, while Breanna Stewart contributed 19. The Liberty trimmed a 16‑point deficit to five in the closing minutes, but they could not overcome the Dream’s late surge.
Key moments
Both Canada and teammate Reese recorded three steals each in the third quarter, sparking the decisive run. The Dream’s defensive pressure forced 16 turnovers in that period alone, underscoring the team’s commitment to aggressive, high‑energy play.
At halftime, the Liberty held a three‑point edge, but the Dream’s third‑quarter dominance turned the tide, giving them a lead they maintained through the final minutes.
Looking ahead
The Dream will host Game 2 on Wednesday in Atlanta, aiming to build on their strong start and push the series further toward a Finals berth. Fans can expect the same tenacious defense and balanced scoring that defined Sunday’s performance.
For more updates on the WNBA semifinals and local sports coverage, stay tuned to HyperLocal Loop.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
