Brooklyn, NY — The Atlanta Dream took another major step toward securing home-court advantage in the opening round of the WNBA playoffs Monday night, overcoming a tight first half before pulling away from the New York Liberty for a 95-84 victory at Barclays Center.
Jordin Canada led the way with 19 points and nine assists, while Angel Reese continued her remarkable rebounding season with 18 points and 10 rebounds. DeWanna Bonner added 17 points and Rhyne Howard scored 16 as Atlanta improved to 29-14 and won its fourth consecutive game.
The victory put the Dream in position to clinch a top-four finish. Atlanta will secure home-court advantage in the opening playoff round with a victory over New York in Wednesday’s regular-season finale or an Indiana loss in either of its final two games.
For New York, the loss dropped the Liberty to 26-17 and ended their three-game winning streak. The defeat also eliminated their opportunity to finish in the top four and secure home-court advantage in the opening round.
Breanna Stewart continued her impressive stretch of basketball following the FIBA Women’s World Cup, finishing with 27 points and 14 rebounds for New York. Jonquel Jones recorded a double-double of her own with 18 points and 12 rebounds.
The Liberty controlled the opening minutes and carried a 24-23 lead into the second quarter. Pauline Astier provided an early spark for New York with 10 first-quarter points.
Atlanta struggled to get its two leading perimeter scorers going early. Howard and Allisha Gray combined to miss all five of their attempts in the opening period, allowing New York to maintain a narrow advantage.
The Dream gradually turned the game in the second quarter.
Neither team could establish much separation, but Atlanta repeatedly attacked the basket and stayed within striking distance. With only 3.1 seconds remaining before halftime, Bonner grabbed an offensive rebound, converted the putback and drew a foul.
Her three-point play gave Atlanta a 41-38 halftime lead.
New York’s shooting problems were particularly noticeable from beyond the arc. The Liberty finished the opening half just 1-for-13 from 3-point range, leaving them vulnerable to an Atlanta team that was beginning to find its rhythm.
The third quarter changed the game.
Gray, who had been held scoreless during the first half, erupted for 12 points in the period. She scored seven during a 9-2 Atlanta run that quickly pushed the Dream’s advantage into double digits.
Then Howard took over.
She scored 10 points in the third quarter, helping Atlanta outscore New York 32-24 during the period. The Dream entered the fourth quarter with a 73-62 advantage.
New York made several attempts to fight its way back.
The Liberty cut the deficit to eight points on multiple occasions, but Atlanta consistently had an answer. Canada controlled the offense, Reese continued to battle on the boards and the Dream’s balanced attack prevented New York from putting together the sustained run it needed.
Atlanta eventually matched New York’s 22 points in the fourth quarter and closed out the 11-point victory.
The win was particularly significant because the Dream did not rely on one player to carry the offense. Five Atlanta players reached double figures, while Reese’s work on the glass helped keep possessions alive and Canada controlled the game with her playmaking.
For New York, the schedule provided little time to recover. The Liberty played in Toronto on Sunday before returning home Monday night, creating a difficult back-to-back against an Atlanta team fighting for playoff positioning.
The Liberty did have a chance to celebrate the accomplishments of their international players before the game.
New York honored its seven players who participated in the FIBA Women’s World Cup. The Liberty had representatives on all four semifinal teams. Stewart led the United States to the gold medal and was named tournament MVP, while Marine Johannes and Astier helped France win silver and Raquel Carrera was part of Spain’s bronze-medal team.
Now the two teams will meet again Wednesday, with Atlanta returning to Barclays Center for the regular-season finale and an opportunity to officially secure home-court advantage.
Up Next:
Atlanta Dream: At New York Liberty on Wednesday in the regular-season finale.
New York Liberty: Host Atlanta on Wednesday.
