WNBA19 min ago2 minute read

Dream Sweep Liberty to Reach First WNBA Finals Since 2013

Angel Reese and Rhyne Howard combined for 43 points as the Atlanta Dream swept New York to reach the WNBA Finals.

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

Dream complete sweep in New York

Angel Reese scored 22 points and Rhyne Howard added 21 to lead the Atlanta Dream to an 85-83 win over the New York Liberty on Friday night. The victory completes a three game sweep and sends Atlanta to the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2013.

The fourth seeded Dream remain undefeated in the postseason. They will face either Las Vegas or Golden State when the WNBA Finals start on Oct. 17. Atlanta is trying to win its first title in franchise history.

Reese steps up without Gray

Atlanta played without leading scorer Allisha Gray again. She suffered a finger injury in Game 1 and was ruled out about an hour before tipoff. Gray watched from the bench in a Howard jersey.

Reese stepped up in her absence. The league Defensive Player of the Year, who came to Atlanta in an offseason trade, scored 10 points in the first quarter. Howard scored 11 in that opening period as Atlanta took control early.

Things got heated in the second quarter. Sabrina Ionescu got called for an offensive foul and argued with Reese. Minutes later, Jonquel Jones blocked a shot by Reese, and both players picked up technical fouls after bumping chests.

Late defense seals the victory

Atlanta held a 44-39 lead at halftime and built a 51-39 advantage early in the third quarter. New York responded with a 16-4 run and took a 68-66 lead into the fourth quarter. Jones and Breanna Stewart each finished with 26 points for New York.

The Dream turned the game around in the final quarter. They held New York without a basket for more than six minutes during an 8-0 run. Atlanta led 83-81 with 17.7 seconds remaining. Stewart missed a contested layup with nine seconds left, and DeWanna Bonner made two free throws with 6.2 seconds left to seal the win.

What it means for the next game

Atlanta Dream at New York Liberty (WNBA, Sun, 11 Oct): New York Liberty win 31%, Atlanta Dream win 69%; projected score New York Liberty 81, Atlanta Dream 85. Our safest pick: Dream +2.5.

New York Liberty at Atlanta Dream (WNBA, Wed, 14 Oct): Atlanta Dream win 54%, New York Liberty win 46%; projected score Atlanta Dream 94, New York Liberty 92. Our safest pick: Liberty +9.5.