The Atlanta Dream has overcome a first-round playoff challenge for the first time in four years. The team, which secured the best regular-season record in the Eastern Conference, defeated the Washington Mystics in Game 2 of their WNBA playoff series on Tuesday night. Allisha Gray, a star guard, led Atlanta with 22 points, securing an 83-75 win and advancing the Dream to the semifinals for the first time since 2018.
The Dream will host Game 1 of the semifinals against the New York Liberty this Sunday. The Liberty made history by sweeping Minnesota and becoming the first No. 8 seed to eliminate a No. 1 seed in 30 years of league history.
Angel Reese, an Atlanta forward, celebrated with her teammates after being fouled during the first half of Game 2 against the Mystics in Washington, D.C. on September 30, 2026. She scored 15 points and grabbed seven rebounds.
New York Liberty vs Atlanta Dream Preview
The interior matchup could be the deciding factor in this WNBA showdown. Jordin Canada contributed significantly by hitting back-to-back 3-pointers in the fourth quarter. She added a jumper from the free-throw line, expanding Atlanta’s lead to 89-70 with less than three minutes remaining.
Rhyne Howard, the top pick in the 2022 WNBA Draft, scored 15 points before fouling out with over six minutes left in the fourth quarter. Despite the setback, Atlanta maintained its momentum.
The Washington Mystics struggled with 11 first-half turnovers. They rallied with a 14-2 run in the third quarter, closing the gap to 65-62. However, Atlanta answered by scoring 13 consecutive points, highlighted by another 3-pointer from Canada, pushing the lead back to 78-62.
Angel Reese’s reaction during her matchup against Mystics center Shakira Austin illustrated the competition’s intensity. The Mystics marked their first playoff appearance since their 2019 championship win, contrasting with the Dream’s three conference titles between 2010 and 2013. However, Atlanta remains in pursuit of its first WNBA championship.
In another first-round series, the Dallas Wings faced the Golden State Valkyries. This report includes contributions from the Associated Press. Chantz Martin writes for Fox News Digital.