Atlanta Dream Advances to WNBA Semifinals

The Atlanta Dream has overcome a four-year streak of first-round playoff exits, achieving a decisive victory in their WNBA playoff series. The team finished the regular season at the top of the Eastern Conference and ousted the Washington Mystics on Tuesday night in Game 2 with a score of 83-75. Star guard Allisha Gray led the charge with a formidable 22 points, securing Atlanta’s progression to the semifinals for the first time since 2018.

Atlanta is set to continue its playoff journey on Sunday as they host the semifinals against New York. The Liberty made history by becoming the first No. 8 seed to knock out a No. 1 seed, Minnesota, in the league’s 30-year history. This promising match-up has stirred excitement among fans.

Angel Reese, a forward for Atlanta Dream, shared a moment of celebration with her team after a key foul during the first half of Game 2 against Washington Mystics on September 30, 2026, at Washington, D.C.

Jordin Canada added momentum to the Dream’s lead by hitting consecutive 3-pointers in the fourth quarter. She followed with a jumper, helping Atlanta secure a commanding 89-70 lead with less than three minutes left.

Rhyne Howard, the first overall pick in the 2022 WNBA Draft, contributed 15 points before fouling out late in the fourth quarter. Angel Reese also posted 15 points and added seven rebounds to her performance.

The Washington Mystics encountered challenges, committing 11 turnovers in the first half. They rallied with a 14-2 run in the third quarter, narrowing Atlanta’s lead to 65-62. However, Atlanta responded strongly, scoring 13 consecutive points highlighted by excellent plays from Canada to stretch their lead back to double figures at 78-62.

While the Mystics were making their first playoff appearance since their 2019 WNBA championship victory, the Dream continues to chase their first league championship, having previously clutched three conference titles between 2010 and 2013.