The Atlanta Dream have successfully advanced to the second round of the WNBA playoffs after completing a first-round sweep against the Washington Mystics. On Wednesday night, the Dream secured a 93-75 victory at CareFirst Arena, overcoming a lengthy postseason drought that has persisted for several years. This marks the franchise’s first advancement beyond the opening round since 2018.
Challenging Path to Victory
Washington entered Game 2 with their season at stake and maintained close competition for much of the game. The Mystics were behind by only seven points entering the fourth quarter and even managed to narrow Atlanta’s lead to three points. At this critical juncture, Jordin Canada played a pivotal role, scoring seven consecutive points during a significant fourth-quarter run. She ended the game with 17 points, transforming a tight match into a decisive victory for the Dream.
Atlanta’s depth has been a key factor this season, making them one of the most formidable teams in the WNBA. Their roster includes stars like Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, and Angel Reese, yet consistent contributions from across the lineup have been vital. This balance was notably important in the physical first-round series against Washington.
Challenges Presented by Washington
The Mystics posed various challenges for Atlanta during both games. Washington entered the playoffs having won nine of their last 11 games and shared the best post-All-Star break record with Atlanta. However, the Dream consistently managed to elevate their performance during crucial moments.
In Game 1, Atlanta overcame an 11-point deficit to defeat Washington 92-77. They forced 22 turnovers and achieved a franchise playoff-record of 16 steals. Howard led with 26 points and five steals, while Gray contributed 22 points. Reese had 13 points and 12 rebounds in her debut WNBA playoff game. Despite opportunities for Washington, including 25-point performances by Rookie Sonia Citron in both games, Atlanta had answers for every push from the Mystics.
Looking Forward
As the Dream move further into the postseason, their composure will be further tested. Atlanta is wary of how quickly a promising season can end, recalling last year’s experience of entering the playoffs with high expectations only to be ousted in the first round by the Indiana Fever. Determined to avoid repeating that disappointment, Gray stated during training camp, “I never want to experience that feeling again.”
This season, Atlanta won 30 games again and completed the regular season with five straight victories. The Dream did not let this opportunity pass them by, winning both games against Washington decisively. They eliminated the Mystics, a team that had twice defeated Atlanta in the regular season.
Facing a tougher challenge now, Atlanta will meet the New York Liberty in the semifinals, following the Liberty’s surprising victory over the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx. Although New York entered the playoffs as the lowest seed, they have already demonstrated that regular-season records are irrelevant in the postseason. Atlanta approaches this matchup with substantial momentum, having addressed one of their major uncertainties: whether this year’s team can achieve what last year’s couldn’t.
With two games behind them, the Dream continue their pursuit. After a gap of eight years, Atlanta is back in the WNBA semifinals.
Leave a Reply