Atlanta Dream advance to WNBA playoffs semifinals for first time since 2018 with Game 2 win
Atlanta Dream Advance to WNBA Semifinals After 83‑75 Win Over Washington Mystics
By Maine News Now
The Atlanta Dream secured a berth in the WNBA semifinals on Tuesday night, defeating the Washington Mystics 83‑75 in Game 2 of the first‑round series. The victory snapped the Dream’s streak of first‑round exits that had stretched back to 2020 and marked the team’s first trip to the conference finals since 2018.
The game was played in Atlanta, where the Dream entered the playoffs with the best record in the Eastern Conference. Their offense was led by guard Allisha Gray, who poured in 22 points, including a crucial stretch in the fourth quarter that helped the Dream pull ahead and hold on for the win.
Washington struggled defensively, committing 11 turnovers in the first half. The Mystics, who had not appeared in a playoff game since their 2019 championship run, briefly cut into the Dream’s lead after a 14‑2 run in the third quarter brought the score to 65‑62. However, Atlanta answered with a 13‑point burst that included a three‑pointer from Jordin Canada, ultimately putting the game out of reach at 78‑62. Canada finished with 12 points, adding three straight three‑pointers in the fourth quarter to keep the Dream ahead.
Rhyne Howard, the league’s 2022 first‑round draft pick, contributed 15 points before fouling out with just over six minutes left. Angel Reese also matched Howard with 15 points and seven rebounds, but neither could stop the Dream’s momentum.
The win advances the Dream to the semifinals, where they will host the New York Liberty on Sunday. The Liberty made headlines earlier in the playoffs by sweeping the Minnesota Lynx, becoming the first No. 8 seed to defeat a No. 1 seed in league history. The semifinal series promises to pit Atlanta’s dominant interior play against New York’s inside‑out matchup, a clash that analysts say could be pivotal.
For the Dream, the triumph is a milestone. While the franchise has captured three Eastern Conference titles between 2010 and 2013, it has yet to win a WNBA championship. Their appearance in the conference finals this year could signal a turning point in the team's quest for a first title.
The Washington Mystics will regroup after the loss, as they aim to make a deeper playoff run. The Dream’s coach, who praised the team’s resilience, noted that the win was earned through “hard work, focus, and a belief in our system.”
With the playoffs now in full swing, fans across the country will watch as the Atlanta Dream look to build on this victory and continue their pursuit of WNBA glory.
