The Atlanta Dream secured a spot in the WNBA Finals after defeating the New York Liberty 85-83 in a decisive Game 3. This victory completes a three-game sweep for the fourth-seeded Dream, marking their first appearance in the championship round in over a decade.
Angel Reese's Defensive Player of the Year Form Fuels Atlanta's Sweep
Angel Reese's arrival in Atlanta has fundamentally altered the Dream's defensive identity heading into the championship round. The former Defensive Player of the Year contributed 22 points in the 85-83 Game 3 victory, helping the fourth-seeded Atlanta Dream complete a three-game sweep of the New York Liberty. As the report notes, Reese's presence has been a primary catalyst for a team that remains undefeated throughout this postseason.
Rhyne Howard provided the necessary offensive balance to complement Reese's dominance in the paint. Howard scored 21 points, including an early 11-point first quarter that allowed Atlanta to seize momentum from the opening tip.
Technical Fouls and Physicality Define the Second Quarter Clash
Physicality and verbal sparring between key players defined the second quarter of the intense matchup. Technical fouls were issued after heated exchanges involving Angel Reese and New York Liberty players Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones. According to the report, these confrontations occurred as the Liberty attempted to close a scoring gap, with New York eventually pulling within 40-39 late in the half.
The New York Liberty's 16-4 Third Quarter Surge Falls Short
The New York Liberty's season ended abruptly despite a resilient 16-4 run during the third quarter. This scoring outburst allowed the Liberty to take their first lead since the opening minutes, eventually leading them to a 68-66 advantage heading into the final period. However, the Liberty's efforts were hampered by inconsistency throughout a season that saw them enter the playoffs as the No. 8 seed under first-year coach Chris DeMarco.
Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones both delivered 26-point performances to lead the Liberty's late-game charge. Despite their scoring, the Liberty could not overcome a critical six-minute stretch in the fourth quarter where the Atlanta Dream held them without a basket. A missed contested layup by Stewart with nine seconds remaining ultimately sealed the Liberty's exit.
Can Atlanta Maintain Perfection Against the Las Vegas or Golden State Winner?
The Atlanta Dream must now prepare for a WNBA Finals matchup beginning Saturday, Oct. 17. While the Dream are aiming for their first franchise championship, several variables remain unverified. The impact of Allisha Gray's finger injury is a primary concern, as the player was ruled out just an hour before the Game 3 tip-off. Additionally, the Dream's ability to maintain their undefeated postseason streak will be tested against the winner of the Las Vegas and Golden State series.
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