WNBA59 min ago2 minute read

Atlanta Dream Shut Down Liberty in Semifinal Opener

The Atlanta Dream took a 1-0 series lead over the New York Liberty with a 92-82 win despite an injury to Allisha Gray.

The EagleEyeOdds deskWritten from the match data, checked against our model before it goes out

Dream Defense Dominates Game 1

The Atlanta Dream secured a 92-82 victory over the New York Liberty to open their best of five semifinal series. This marks Atlanta's third consecutive double digit playoff win, setting a new franchise record and marking the longest such streak in the league since 2023.

The Dream blew the game open in the third quarter with a fierce defensive display. Atlanta recorded nine steals and scored 16 points off turnovers in that quarter alone, which tied a WNBA playoff record for any quarter. Newly crowned defensive player of the year Angel Reese and guard Jordin Canada led the defensive surge with three steals each. Canada also scored 12 points in the third period.

Overcoming Injury and Bench Play

Atlanta managed this dominant performance despite losing four time All-Star Allisha Gray to a left hand injury late in the first half. With Gray sidelined, veteran players stepped up to cover for Atlanta's thin rotation.

DeWanna Bonner came off the bench and teamed up with Canada to score a combined 48 points. This bench production proved to be a massive advantage for the Dream, as the Liberty bench managed to score only six points during the entire game. Although New York cut a 16 point fourth quarter deficit down to five points late in the game, they could not get the stops needed to complete the comeback.

Liberty Struggle with Turnovers

For the Liberty, ball security was the main issue. New York committed 10 turnovers in the first half, which Atlanta turned into 13 points. Sabrina Ionescu finished the game with five turnovers and only one assist, while Leonie Fiebich turned the ball over four times.

Jonquel Jones performed well on the glass and helped facilitate the offense, but she finished with just 12 points on 4-9 shooting. New York will need Jones to be much more aggressive in the paint to turn things around. Game 2 will remain in Atlanta on Wednesday before the series shifts to Brooklyn.

What it means for the next game

New York Liberty at Atlanta Dream (WNBA, Wed, 07 Oct): Atlanta Dream win 56%, New York Liberty win 44%; projected score Atlanta Dream 89, New York Liberty 86. Our safest pick: Liberty +10.5.

Las Vegas Aces at Golden State Valkyries (WNBA, Thu, 08 Oct): Golden State Valkyries win 54%, Las Vegas Aces win 46%; projected score Golden State Valkyries 83, Las Vegas Aces 81. Our safest pick: Valkyries +5.5.