Atlanta survives a thrilling overtime battle to take a commanding 2-0 series lead.
Dream Edge Liberty in Overtime to Secure 2-0 Series Cushion
The Atlanta Dream defeated the New York Liberty 101-98 in overtime, according to the provided final box score, taking a 2-0 lead in their WNBA semifinal series and moving one victory away from the Finals. The game was tightly contested from the opening tip, with the teams tied 26-26 after the first quarter and separated by only two points at halftime, as Atlanta held a 56-54 advantage. New York answered in the third quarter by edging Atlanta 20-19, setting up a tense fourth period with the Dream leading 75-74. The Liberty then outscored Atlanta 14-13 in the fourth to force overtime at 88-88. In the extra period, however, Atlanta produced the decisive response, scoring 13 points while holding New York to 10. The overtime margin ultimately made the difference tonight.
Reese, Canada, and Howard Spearhead Balanced Atlanta Attack
Atlanta received major contributions across its rotation, with Angel Reese and Jordin Canada leading the team with 23 points apiece. Reese finished 8-for-16 from the field and 6-for-6 at the free-throw line while adding seven rebounds, two assists, one steal and two blocks. Canada scored 23 points on 9-for-15 shooting and went 3-for-6 from three-point range. She added five rebounds and eight assists, giving Atlanta an important combination of scoring and playmaking. Rhyne Howard supplied another 18 points, going 5-for-20 from the field and 2-for-6 from three while contributing seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. The production from three of Atlanta’s key players helped the Dream maintain enough offensive balance to withstand New York’s repeated attempts to seize control.
Hillmon and Bench Spark Plugs Anchor the Supporting Cast
Naz Hillmon also played an important role for Atlanta, contributing 12 points in 43 minutes while shooting 5-for-11 from the field and knocking down 1-of-6 attempts from beyond the arc. Hillmon added eight rebounds and five assists, providing valuable work across several areas of the box score. Isobel Borlase delivered 11 points in 14 minutes, making 4-of-9 field-goal attempts and 3-of-5 three-pointers. Her shooting gave the Dream a timely boost from the perimeter in a game that remained close throughout regulation. DeWanna Bonner scored 10 points in 34 minutes, while also recording four rebounds, three assists and a steal. Te-Hina PaoPao added four points in 10 minutes.
Clutch Extra-Period Execution Neutralizes New York’s Resilient Push
The biggest storyline was Atlanta’s ability to survive New York’s sustained pressure. The Liberty never allowed the game to become a runaway, matching Atlanta’s 26 points in the opening period before staying within striking distance through the second and third quarters. New York’s fourth-quarter push was especially important because it erased Atlanta’s narrow one-point lead and forced the game into overtime. Once the extra period began, the Dream found just enough offense and defensive resistance to close the door. The five-point overtime advantage was the first meaningful separation of the final stretch and proved decisive. In a playoff series where possessions carry enormous weight, Atlanta’s ability to execute when the margin was at its smallest became the defining characteristic of the night.
Versatile Game-to-Game Identity Puts Atlanta on the Brink of the Finals
The victory puts Atlanta in a commanding position in the best-of-five series. The Dream entered the postseason as a fourth seed and had already made a statement by winning Game 1, 92-82, over New York. In that opener, Jordin Canada scored 25 points, DeWanna Bonner added 23 and Atlanta’s defense forced 21 turnovers. Game 2 required a different formula: sustained offense, composure and execution through overtime. Atlanta has now demonstrated that it can win a semifinal game in multiple ways, a significant advantage as the series moves toward New York. The Liberty, meanwhile, face a difficult task, needing to win three consecutive games to advance after falling behind 0-2.
Poised Under Pressure, Dream Take Complete Control of Semifinal Series
For Atlanta, the 101-98 overtime victory represents more than another playoff win. It gives the Dream a 2-0 series lead, keeps their championship push alive and places them within one victory of the WNBA Finals. Reese’s 23 points, Canada’s 23 points and eight assists, Howard’s 18 points and the supporting production from Hillmon, Borlase and Bonner provided the offensive foundation for the result. The final score reflected how competitive the contest was, but the overtime finish showed Atlanta’s ability to make critical plays when the stakes were highest. New York will now have to respond with urgency, while Atlanta can prepare for the next challenge knowing it has control of the series.
