ATLANTA — DeWanna Bonner scored 23 points, and Jordin Canada added 25 points as the Atlanta Dream defeated the New York Liberty 92-82 at State Farm Arena on Sunday afternoon. Defensive Player of the Year Angel Reese contributed 17 points, seven rebounds, four steals, and three blocks.
This victory marked Atlanta’s first semifinal win since 2018, leaving them the only undefeated team remaining in the postseason. The Dream are currently on an eight-game winning streak, dating back to the regular season. Bonner’s addition on August 27th provided crucial veteran leadership as they pursue a potential championship.
“DB got into us at halftime, I’ll just say that,” said guard Jordin Canada. “We knew we didn’t play our best in the first half. We just weren’t aggressive enough on the defensive end or the offensive end. We talked about a second-half surge and emphasized that the first three minutes of the second half would be really important, so we came out ready to go.”
The Dream capitalized on New York Liberty turnovers, scoring 32 points off them, including 16 in the third quarter.
“We tried to get her a couple of times, but it just never worked out,” said Dream head coach Karl Smesko, referring to Bonner. “I thought she was exactly what we needed. Not just because she is a veteran presence, but because she still plays like she did tonight. That was a huge performance. Whenever we needed a play, she made it.”
Meanwhile, New York’s Sabrina Ionescu scored 27 points. “They increased their defensive pressure, and we were driving into lanes without creating good outlets for our teammates,” said Ionescu. “We’ll review the film and understand that points off turnovers really matter, especially against a team that thrives on them.”
Atlanta’s Allisha Gray injured her hand in the first quarter but returned to the bench after her ring finger and pinkie were taped up.
Game 2 will take place back at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Wednesday before the series moves to New York for Game 3 on Friday and, if necessary, Game 4 on Sunday.
