COLLEGE PARK, GA – In a highly anticipated Eastern Conference showdown that lived up to its billing, the Atlanta Dream delivered a resounding statement, defeating the New York Liberty 90-81 at the Gateway Center Arena. This pivotal WNBA match, a clash between two of the conference’s top contenders, saw the Dream leverage an inside-out attack and a relentless defensive effort to secure a crucial victory and bounce back emphatically from recent setbacks.
From the opening tip, the intensity was palpable. The Dream, fresh off two frustrating losses, came out with a clear agenda: assert their physical dominance. They did just that, relentlessly attacking the paint and racking up an astounding 62 points inside – their most since the 2012 season. This aggressive interior play, a focal point of Coach Karl Smesko’s system, paid dividends, allowing Atlanta to control the tempo and dictate the terms of engagement.
Leading the charge for the Dream was the phenomenal Brionna Jones, who tied her season-high with a stellar 21 points. Jones was a force in the post, consistently finding ways to score and draw fouls against a Liberty defense that struggled to contain her. Complementing Jones’s interior prowess was the ever-reliable Allisha Gray, who continued her MVP-caliber season with 20 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. Gray’s ability to seamlessly transition from scoring to playmaking, along with her timely three-pointers in the fourth quarter, proved instrumental in sealing the win for Atlanta.
The Dream’s offensive clinic wasn’t just limited to their star duo. Jordin Canada showcased her elite court vision with 15 points and eight assists, expertly orchestrating the offense and setting up teammates for easy buckets. The impactful presence of Brittney Griner, who added 13 points, and Naz Hillmon, chipping in with 10, further underscored Atlanta’s balanced scoring attack and formidable frontcourt depth.
For the New York Liberty, who entered the game as the reigning WNBA champions and one of the league’s top teams, this loss marks their fourth in their last five outings, raising questions about their recent dip in form. Despite valiant efforts from their own stars, the Liberty simply couldn’t match Atlanta’s physicality in the paint. Breanna Stewart led the way for New York with 21 points and nine rebounds, demonstrating her typical all-around brilliance. Natasha Cloud also contributed significantly with 20 points, showcasing her scoring touch. However, Sabrina Ionescu struggled from the field, finishing with 14 points on 5-of-15 shooting, a rare off-night for the usually efficient guard.
The Dream established an early lead, concluding the first quarter with a dominant 29-19 advantage. They carried this momentum into halftime, heading into the locker room up 47-34, despite going 0-for-10 from beyond the arc and struggling from the free-throw line (5-for-12) in the first half. Their remarkable 21-of-29 shooting inside the arc highlighted their relentless focus on attacking the rim.
While the Liberty attempted to mount a comeback in the second half, the Dream maintained a comfortable double-digit lead throughout the third quarter and for much of the fourth. Marine Johannes’s three-pointer in the final minutes provided a brief glimmer of hope for New York, but Gray’s back-to-back triples swiftly extinguished any thoughts of a late-game rally, extending Atlanta’s lead to a commanding 88-70.
A concerning moment for the Dream came in the second half when Rhyne Howard, a key piece of their offense, exited the game due to an upper body injury and did not return. Her status will be closely monitored as Atlanta looks to build on this crucial victory.
This win pushes the Atlanta Dream’s record to 11-6, solidifying their position as a genuine threat in the Eastern Conference. The New York Liberty now stand at 11-5, and while still a formidable force, they will need to address their recent struggles to regain their championship-level consistency. The next time these two titans clash, expect another thrilling installment of this burgeoning WNBA rivalry. The Dream proved on their home court that they are more than capable of contending with the league’s elite, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
