Jordin Canada showcased a stellar performance in the second half, scoring 25 points and securing five steals to propel the Atlanta Dream to a 92-82 victory over the New York Liberty in the opening game of the WNBA semifinals series. DeWanna Bonner contributed 23 points and stepped up when Allisha Gray exited the game due to a left hand injury in the second quarter. Atlanta’s strong defensive effort resulted in 32 points off 21 forced turnovers, with 16 turnovers occurring in a dominant third quarter display.
Although New York managed to reduce a 16-point deficit to five in the final minutes, key plays by Canada, including a crucial three-pointer and a transition layup, halted their comeback. Sabrina Ionescu led the Liberty with 27 points, while Breanna Stewart added 19 points to their tally.
At halftime, the Liberty held a three-point lead, but Atlanta’s impressive third-quarter performance, outscoring New York 32-15, shifted the momentum in their favor. Reese and Canada each contributed three steals in the third quarter, igniting a 13-3 run that established Atlanta’s lead for the rest of the game.
The two teams will face off in Game 2 of the series on Wednesday in Atlanta.