Angel Reese's overtime heroics lead the Atlanta Dream to a 101-98 win over the New York Liberty, taking a 2-0 series lead.
Angel Reese delivered another defining performance Wednesday, powering the Atlanta Dream to a dramatic 101-98 overtime victory over the New York Liberty in Game 2 of the WNBA semifinals. Reese finished with 23 points, seven rebounds and two blocks, while scoring six of Atlanta’s 13 overtime points as the Dream moved within one victory of their first WNBA Finals appearance since 2013. Her production came when the game demanded composure, physicality and execution, making Reese a central figure in one of Atlanta’s biggest postseason wins in franchise history.
Overtime Heroics
Reese’s impact was particularly evident in the extra period, where Atlanta needed a reliable interior presence against a Liberty team that refused to surrender. After New York erased an 88-85 deficit with a tying three-pointer from Marine Fauthoux, the Dream entered overtime with the semifinal opener already behind them and another tense finish in front of them. Reese responded by attacking the basket, converting important opportunities. With the Dream holding a narrow advantage late, she was fouled and calmly made both free throws with 4.3 seconds remaining after Sabrina Ionescu’s errant pass gave Atlanta another chance to secure the victory. That response reflected the confidence Atlanta has built around her presence in the playoffs.
Defensive Prowess
The overtime performance capped a strong overall night for Reese, who continued to demonstrate why she was recently named the 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. Her seven rebounds helped Atlanta compete for possessions against New York’s physical frontcourt, while her two blocks added another layer to a defensive performance that challenged the Liberty around the basket. Reese entered the series after a historic season in which she led the WNBA in rebounding and established league records for total rebounds, offensive rebounds and double-doubles. She became the first Dream player to win the award, underscoring her importance on both ends.
Team Effort
The Dream did not rely on Reese alone. Jordin Canada matched her with 23 points and added eight assists, creating offense throughout the game. Naz Hillmon delivered the go-ahead basket, scoring on a go-ahead layup with 20.8 seconds left in overtime. Rhyne Howard also contributed to Atlanta’s effort, while the team collectively found ways to withstand New York’s late push. Breanna Stewart led New York with 35 points, including 25 before halftime, but Atlanta’s defense prevented New York from turning her scoring into a victory. Atlanta had already won Game 1, 92-82, and Wednesday’s result showed its ability to close tight games.
Clutch Performance
Reese’s biggest contribution was not simply her scoring total but the timing of her production. She scored six points in overtime, including the final two that gave Atlanta the necessary cushion to close out the contest. Earlier, with the Dream leading 86-85 late in regulation, Reese stepped to the line and converted two free throws to put Atlanta ahead 88-85 with 14.5 seconds remaining. Fauthoux answered with a three-pointer 10.3 seconds later, and Rhyne Howard’s final regulation attempt missed, sending the teams into overtime. That sequence underscored the narrow margins of playoff basketball and highlighted Reese’s willingness to take responsibility.
With Atlanta now leading 2-0, Reese and the Dream are one win away from reaching the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2013. The series shifts to New York for Game 3, where the Liberty will face the pressure of needing a victory to extend their season. For Atlanta, the formula remains clear: defend, rebound and trust multiple players to make plays. Reese has become the centerpiece of that identity, and her Game 2 performance showed why her presence matters beyond the box score. After earning the league’s top defensive honor and establishing herself as an elite rebounder, she is producing when the stakes are highest. On a night defined by overtime, Angel Reese’s 23 points and timely execution made her the Player of the Game and helped push the Dream to the brink of history.
