Atlanta Dream Advance in Playoffs

The Atlanta Dream have successfully avoided an early exit from the playoffs for the first time in four years. Finishing with the best record in the Eastern Conference, they faced the Washington Mystics in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday night and came out on top, winning 83-75. The star of the game was guard Allisha Gray, who led the team with 22 points. This victory secures Atlanta a spot in the semifinals for the first time since 2018.

The Dream will continue their playoff journey on Sunday, preparing to host Game 1 of the semifinals against the New York Liberty. Interestingly, the Liberty created a historic moment by sweeping Minnesota, becoming the first No. 8 seed to knock out a No. 1 seed in the league’s three-decade existence.

Atlanta’s Jordin Canada had an impressive performance, hitting two consecutive three-pointers in the fourth quarter and adding a jumper from the free-throw line shortly after to push the score to 89-70 with under three minutes remaining. Rhyne Howard, the first overall pick in the 2022 WNBA Draft, contributed 15 points but ultimately fouled out with just over six minutes left in the fourth quarter. Angel Reese matched Howard’s points and added seven rebounds.

Despite a challenging start, the Mystics committed 11 turnovers in the first half but managed to rally with a 14-2 run in the third quarter, bringing the score within 65-62. However, the Dream responded emphatically, scoring the next 13 points, highlighted by another three-pointer from Canada, extending their lead to 78-62.

The Mystics were trying to make a playoff impact after winning the WNBA championship in 2019, while the Dream have won their conference title three times from 2010 to 2013 but are still in search of their first WNBA championship.

In another matchup from the first round, the Dallas Wings faced off against the Golden State Valkyries on Wednesday.