The Atlanta Dream issued a clear warning to the rest of the league on Sunday night, earning a hard-fought 92–82 victory over the New York Liberty to capture Game 1 of their WNBA Semifinals series. Playing in front of an energetic home crowd, Atlanta rode a high-intensity defensive strategy and a dominant late-game execution to take a 1–0 lead in the best-of-five series.
The victory came despite a huge setback for Atlanta midway through the contest, as leading scorer Allisha Gray was forced to leave the game with a left hand injury. However, Atlanta’s depth and second-half composure proved too much for New York to handle.
Jordin Canada was the undisputed engine for Atlanta, delivering a brilliant all-around display with 25 points, 5 steals, and 4 assists. Canada put the team on her back in the second half, scoring 20 of her game-high 25 points after halftime. Her relentless pressure on defense disrupted New York’s rhythm on perimeter possessions, while her decisive drives and clutch pull-up jumpers helped Atlanta maintain control down the stretch as the Liberty pressed to close the gap.
Veteran DeWanna Bonner stepped up immensely with 23 key points off the bench, providing essential firepower when the starters needed relief and during Allisha Gray’s absence.
Atlanta’s perimeter trapping defensive scheme repeatedly forced New York into costly miscues, resulting in multiple steals and fast-break points that kept the momentum in Atlanta’s favor throughout the final quarters.
The series continues in Atlanta for Game 2, where the Dream will look to protect home court once again before the series shifts to Brooklyn.
Full game highlights;
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York Liberty | 24 | 16 | 15 | 27 | 82 |
| Atlanta Dream | 21 | 16 | 32 | 32 | 92 |
