The Atlanta Dream clinched the No. 4 seed and home-court advantage for the first round of the playoffs with an 83-65 victory over the New York Liberty at Barclays Center on Wednesday. Finishing with a franchise-best 30-14 record, the Dream secured the top spot in the Eastern Conference for the first time in their history, distancing themselves from the Indiana Fever.
Leading Atlanta’s effort, Allisha Gray scored a game-high 24 points, hitting four three-pointers, alongside four rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Naz Hillmon contributed 16 points and four rebounds, while Jordin Canada added 12 points and five assists. Despite an early injury scare when Angel Reese was accidentally struck in the face by Sabrina Ionescu’s elbow, Reese still managed 6 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals in 17 minutes.
This win was crucial for the Dream to avoid a playoff seed struggle with the Fever, who will finish their season against the Minnesota Lynx. Should Indiana lose and the Washington Mystics defeat the Chicago Sky, the Fever could potentially slip to the No. 6 seed. Atlanta dominated the game with 25 assists and a 20-point lead at their widest margin, capitalizing on 15 points off 20 Liberty turnovers.
The Liberty faced challenges without Breanna Stewart, sidelined by a knee injury, and lost Jonquel Jones to an ankle injury in the third quarter. The Dream is now poised to break their three-year first-round playoff losing streak and advance further.
Fan Take: This milestone victory signals a new era for the Atlanta Dream, highlighting their growth into a top contender in the WNBA. For fans and the league alike, it’s exciting to see fresh teams rising, which brings heightened competition and storylines that can help elevate women’s basketball nationally.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
