Atlanta Dream reach WNBA Finals after sweeping Liberty

The Atlanta Dream advanced to the WNBA Finals on Oct. 17 after defeating the New York Liberty 85-83 in Brooklyn, N.Y., completing a three-game semifinal sweep and earning their first Finals appearance since 2013, according to the New York Times.

The fourth-seeded Dream overcame a hostile arena and a two-point deficit entering the fourth quarter. Atlanta responded in the final period to eliminate the defending champion Liberty and move on to the championship series.

According to the New York Times, Angel Reese led Atlanta with 22 points and nine rebounds, while Rhyne Howard scored 21 points and Jordin Canada added 19. The Dream will face the winner of the semifinal series between the Golden State Valkyries and Las Vegas Aces.

New York star Breanna Stewart had a chance to tie the game with 15 seconds remaining, but her floater missed and Atlanta’s DeWanna Bonner secured the rebound, according to the New York Times.

The Liberty kept their core lineup on the court for nearly the entire second half after Marine Fauthoux replaced Pauline Astier with 8:21 left in the third quarter. According to the New York Times, Stewart played more than 39 minutes, Jonquel Jones exceeded 38 minutes, and Sabrina Ionescu logged just under 36 minutes.

Atlanta’s defense remained a defining factor in the series, led by Defensive Player of the Year Angel Reese along with Howard and Canada. The New York Times reported that the unit made several key stops late in the game.

Howard also produced a major defensive play in the second quarter by blocking Han Xu’s layup attempt. The 6-foot-2 guard stopped the shot from the 6-foot-11 Liberty player, adding another highlight to Atlanta’s defensive effort.