Atlanta Dream advance to WNBA playoffs semifinals for first time since 2018 with Game 2 win

<p>The Atlanta Dream avoided a first-round playoff exit for the first time in four years.</p><p>Atlanta, which finished with the Eastern Conference’s best regular-season record, defeated the Washington Mystics in Game 2 of their first-round WNBA playoff series on Tuesday night with a score of 83-75. Star guard Allisha Gray led the Dream with 22 points, securing Atlanta’s advancement to the semifinals for the first time since 2018.</p><p>Atlanta’s postseason run will continue on Sunday, when the Dream host Game 1 of the semifinals against the New York Liberty. The Liberty made league history by sweeping Minnesota, becoming the first No. 8 seed to eliminate a No. 1 seed in the league's 30-year history.</p><p>Jordin Canada made three-pointers on back-to-back possessions in the fourth quarter and added a jumper from the free-throw line, contributing to an 89-70 lead with just under three minutes remaining in the game.</p><p>Rhyne Howard, the top pick in the 2022 WNBA Draft, scored 15 points before fouling out with just over six minutes left in the fourth quarter. Angel Reese also contributed 15 points and seven rebounds.</p><p>The Mystics committed 11 first-half turnovers.</p><p>Washington initiated a 14-2 run starting in the third quarter to narrow the score to 65-62. However, Atlanta responded with a 13-point run, capped by a three-pointer from Canada, to extend their lead to 78-62.</p><p>The Mystics were making their first playoff appearance since winning the 2019 WNBA championship, while the Dream have captured the conference title three times from 2010-2013 but have never won a WNBA championship.</p><p>The Dallas Wings hosted the Golden State Valkyries in Wednesday's other first-round series matchup.</p><p>The Associated Press contributed to this report.</p>