Atlanta Dream holds off New York Liberty 92-82 in WNBA playoffs
The No. 4 seed Atlanta Dream beat No. 8 seed New York 92-82 in Game 1 of the WNBA semifinals after scoring 32 points in the third quarter.
Atlanta trailed 40-37 at halftime but took control in the third quarter, outscoring New York 32-15. Jordin Canada led the way with 25 points and five steals, while DeWanna Bonner added 23 points and nine rebounds off the bench.
Angel Reese contributed 17 points, seven rebounds and four steals. The Dream scored 32 of their 92 points off New York's 19 turnovers, with Atlanta forcing 14 steals as a team.
The Liberty's Sabrina Ionescu led all scorers with 27 points but could not overcome the turnover battle. Point guard Allisha Gray left the game with a left hand injury early on and did not return.
New York outscored Atlanta 55-42 in the second half despite their three starters reaching double figures.
- Atlanta 92, New York 82
- Final score
- 32 for Atlanta, 15 for New York
- Third quarter points
- 25 points, 5 steals
- Jordin Canada stats
- State Farm Arena, Atlanta
- Venue
Why it mattersAtlanta's defensive intensity and turnover forcing set the tone for a playoff series where depth and energy could decide who reaches the WNBA finals.
AustraliaAustralian basketball fans following the WNBA playoffs now know Dream advance after a dominant display, with Game 2 likely to determine the series direction.
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