Dream sweep Liberty on Angel Reese's 22 points, head to first WNBA Finals since 2013
The Atlanta Dream defeated the New York Liberty in Game 3 to sweep the series and advance to their first WNBA Finals since 2013. Angel Reese led the scoring with 22 points, while the Liberty's comeback attempt fell short despite strong performances from Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart.
Why it matters
This victory marks a significant turnaround for the Atlanta Dream franchise under coach Karl Smesko and sets the stage for a high-profile WNBA championship series.
The Atlanta Dream are in the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2013 with an 85-83 win over the New York Liberty in Game 3 of their playoff semifinals series.Angel Reese scored 22 points — 18 in the first half — with 9 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks in a tough battle with New York's Jonquel Jones to lead the Dream. Rhyne Howard followed with 21 points, and Jordin Canada was the second-half catalyst for Atlanta, finishing with 19 points and 11 assists.Atlanta finished the first quarter with a 25-18 lead, but the Liberty fought back fiercely, playing like a team whose season was at stake. Jones, battling near the basket with Reese, along with Sabrina Ionescu getting fired up by a non-call on a push-off by Isobel Borlase, ignited the Barclays Center crowd.
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