ATLANTA — Jonquel Jones faced defeat.

And the Liberty couldn’t secure the win either.

On Sunday, the Atlanta Dream took the first game of the semifinal series against Angel Reese, emerging victorious with a score of 92-82.

Reese’s performance was dominant; she was aggressive, confident, and showcased the energy that earned her the title of Defensive Player of the Year. Her stats included 17 points at a shooting percentage of 60, along with seven rebounds, four steals, and three blocks.

The matchup between Jones and Reese was anticipated as a key duel in this series. With an unmatched drive, Reese managed to keep the game on the Dream’s terms. Right from the beginning, Atlanta disrupted the Liberty’s rhythm, making it hard for Jones to take control on offense.

Consequently, Jones had a modest outing, finishing with just 12 points on 4-of-9 shooting. However, she did lead the game in rebounds with 11, alongside three assists and five blocks.

Jones is aware that she needs to elevate her performance moving forward.

“I need to get back into that Game 2 mentality,” Jones remarked about her previous match against Minnesota. “Maybe I should focus on being more physical and making things happen. Yeah, I need to have more of an impact defensively as well.”

When the Liberty swept the Lynx in the first round, Jones was a force, recording 21 points, 13 rebounds, and two assists. She was in her element, aggressively asserting herself instead of waiting for the game to find her.

Sabrina Ionescu praised Jones for her leadership in setting the pace for the team. She commented, “When JJ plays like that, it simplifies my role. As a point guard, it’s essential for me to create easy opportunities for her when she’s in form.”

Ionescu also had an impressive outing with 27 points at 50 percent shooting, although she struggled with only one assist and five turnovers. “I’ve got to find better ways to set up my teammates,” she said. “My role is to help JJ and others get open looks, and I’ll be more focused on that next game.”

Getting Jones involved early on in the next match is crucial. But, she also has to take the initiative. Regaining the assertiveness she displayed in her standout Game 2 performance from last week is essential. When Jones plays with that level of aggression, it can completely alter the dynamics of the game.

This series will likely hinge on the details.

Atlanta is known for its challenging defense, and playoff opponents have averaged 21 turnovers against them. The Liberty made several avoidable mistakes in Game 1, resulting in 21 turnovers that Atlanta converted into 32 points.

New York must improve its ball-handling to reduce the damage caused by the Dream’s fast breaks.

Another critical area to watch is the frontcourt battle. Reese and her team aren’t backing down.

If Jones can’t tap into the mindset that drove her success in the previous round, New York could be in trouble.