Atlanta Dream Progress to WNBA Semifinals

The Atlanta Dream have reached the second round of the WNBA playoffs. The team secured this advancement by sweeping the Washington Mystics in the first round, capping it off with a decisive 93-75 win at CareFirst Arena on Wednesday night. This victory marks their return to the semifinals for the first time since 2018, ending a long postseason drought.

The path to this achievement was challenging. The Washington Mystics entered Game 2 with their postseason hopes hanging in the balance, managing to keep the contest tight for a significant portion of the night. By the start of the fourth quarter, the Mystics trailed by merely seven points and even trimmed Atlanta’s lead to three.

At this crucial juncture, Jordin Canada emerged as a key player for the Dream. The veteran guard scored seven consecutive points in the fourth quarter, contributing a total of 17 points, and helped Atlanta secure a comfortable win. Her performance exemplified the depth that has positioned Atlanta as a formidable contender in the WNBA this season. The Dream entered the playoffs with standout players like Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, and Angel Reese, yet the team has consistently benefited from contributions across its lineup.

This balance was vital in overcoming a tough first-round series against Washington. The Mystics posed challenges throughout both games. Heading into the postseason, Washington won nine of its final 11 games and shared the WNBA’s best post-All-Star break record with Atlanta. However, in critical moments, the Dream demonstrated their ability to elevate their performance.

In Game 1, Atlanta overcame an 11-point deficit to win 92-77, forcing 22 Mystics turnovers and setting a franchise playoff record with 16 steals. Howard led with 26 points and five steals, while Gray added 22 points. Reese contributed 13 points and 12 rebounds in her debut WNBA playoff game.

Washington had its chances. Rookie Sonia Citron scored 25 points in both games, with notable performances from Kiki Iriafen and Cassandre Prosper as well. Yet, each time Washington mounted a challenge, Atlanta responded effectively.

The Dream’s poise will be further challenged as they advance. The memory of last year’s quick postseason exit looms large, where Atlanta lost in the first round to the Indiana Fever despite winning 30 regular-season games and having home-court advantage. Gray, reflecting on last year’s outcome, remarked during training camp that she never wanted to feel that way again.

Determined not to repeat past mistakes, Atlanta matched last season’s win total of 30 games, concluding the regular season with five straight wins. Their performance in the first round reflected this commitment, dispatching Washington with double-digit victories in both games.

Looking ahead, Atlanta will face the New York Liberty in the semifinals. The Liberty, despite being the eighth seed, managed to upset the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx in the opening round, proving that regular-season records hold little weight in the playoffs. The Dream, now riding high on momentum, have addressed doubts about their ability to succeed where last year’s team couldn’t. Two wins later, they continue their postseason journey, reaching the WNBA semifinals for the first time in eight years.