Atlanta Dream Advances to WNBA Finals with Overtime Victory Over New York Liberty

<p>Atlanta's postseason run continued on October 7, 2026, as they secured a victory against the New York Liberty in overtime.</p><p>The Dream moved within one win of their first WNBA Finals appearance since 2013 when Naz Hillmon's go-ahead layup with 20.8 seconds remaining in overtime led to a 101-98 victory, giving Atlanta a 2-0 lead in the semifinal series.</p><p>Angel Reese, the 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, scored 23 points, including six of Atlanta's 13 points in overtime. She made two free throws with less than five seconds remaining after Sabrina Ionescu's errant pass, helping the Dream secure the win against the defending champions. Jordin Canada also contributed 23 points and eight assists for Atlanta, which won Game 1, 92-82.</p><p>Breanna Stewart led the Liberty with 35 points but missed a desperation attempt on the game's final play.</p><p>With the Liberty trailing 86-80 and less than two minutes remaining in regulation, Sabrina Ionescu made a deep 3-pointer to cut Atlanta's lead to three. An Atlanta shot-clock violation with 31 seconds left gave New York another opportunity, and Breanna Stewart finished a layup through traffic to make it 86-85.</p><p>The Dream were without Allisha Gray, their leading scorer, who was ruled out of Game 2 with a hand injury. Gray, a four-time All-Star, injured her left hand during the first quarter of Atlanta's Game 1 victory over the New York Liberty. She briefly returned to action after going to the locker room but did not return after diving for a loose ball.</p><p>Wednesday marked the first game Gray had missed this season, but Atlanta received key contributions off the bench to shoulder the scoring burden.</p><p>Gray is listed as day-to-day ahead of Atlanta's Game 3 matchup when the series shifts to New York on October 9, 2026. Game 3 is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.</p><p>The Associated Press contributed to this report.</p>