The Atlanta Dream beat the New York Liberty 101-98 in overtime on Wednesday night to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five WNBA semifinals. They are now one win from their first Finals appearance since 2013. Angel Reese scored 23 points, and Naz Hillmon’s go-ahead layup with 20.8 seconds left in overtime proved decisive.
How Game 2 Was Won
The game swung back and forth from start to finish. The Liberty trailed 86-80 with under two minutes left in regulation before Sabrina Ionescu hit a deep three-pointer to cut the gap. An Atlanta shot-clock violation then let New York closer, and Breanna Stewart’s layup made it 86-85.
After New York fouled to extend the game, Reese made both free throws to put Atlanta up 88-85. Marine Fauthoux answered with a game-tying three-pointer in the closing seconds, and Rhyne Howard’s midrange floater rimmed out just before the buzzer, sending the game to overtime.
Atlanta scored the first five points of the extra period, but New York replied with eight to lead 96-93. Jordin Canada and Reese then scored the next two baskets to flip the lead again, and Stewart answered once more. Hillmon’s layup gave Atlanta the lead for good.
On New York’s next possession, Ionescu overthrew a pass. Reese made two free throws with 4.3 seconds left to put the Dream up by three. Reese scored six of Atlanta’s 13 overtime points.
Stewart’s Big Night Falls Short
Stewart scored 35 points for the Liberty, including 25 in the first half, but missed a desperation attempt on the final play. Reese and Canada finished with 23 points each for the Dream.
The Reset Timeout Dispute
The final seconds have already become a talking point. New York did not use a reset timeout to advance the ball before its last attempt. Stewart said after the game that she asked the officials whether the Liberty had one left and was told they did not.
That is Stewart’s account of the exchange. CBS Sports has reported that the officials dispute her version of events.
Dream Win Without Their Leading Scorer
Atlanta did all of this without Allisha Gray, its leading scorer, who missed the game with an injured left hand. Rookie Izzy Borlase helped fill the gap, scoring 11 points off the bench.
What Happens Next
The series moves to New York for Game 3 on Friday night. The Liberty must win to stay alive. They reached the semifinals after eliminating the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx in the first round, so they have already beaten a favourite this postseason.
In the other semifinal, the Golden State Valkyries also lead 2-0, and the Las Vegas Aces face elimination.
For Atlanta, one more win would end a Finals wait that dates back to 2013. GUZ Sport will have the result of Game 3 as soon as it is final.
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