Liberty will face Dream in WNBA semifinals after Atlanta finishes Washington sweep

The New York Liberty's semifinal opponent is no longer a bracket placeholder. Atlanta beat Washington 93-75 on Wednesday, September 30, to complete a 2-0 first-round sweep. The Dream will host the Liberty in Game 1 of a best-of-five series on Sunday, October 4, at State Farm Arena. The WNBA's game page still listed the tip and broadcast as to be determined at our Thursday noon check.

New York advanced earlier by sweeping top-seeded Minnesota. The WNBA says the Liberty became the first No. 8 seed to eliminate a No. 1 seed in the league's 30-year history. That upset earned New York a place in the semifinals, but Atlanta holds home court for Games 1 and 2 and Game 5 if necessary.

Atlanta had to close out Washington in a game that tightened to three points early in the fourth quarter. A 13-0 Dream run restored control. Allisha Gray scored 22 points, while Jordin Canada added 19 points and 11 assists, including 13 points in the final quarter, according to the Dream's recap and the WNBA final.

Atlanta's closing burst

Washington won the rebounding battle 42-27, yet Atlanta converted the Mystics' 19 turnovers into 23 points. That contrast offers a useful preview question for New York: can the Liberty protect possessions while exploiting the glass, or will the Dream's pressure dictate the pace? It is a matchup to watch, not a prediction based on one game.

Atlanta won the teams' final two regular-season meetings, 95-84 on September 21 and 83-65 on September 23, after New York won their June meeting 104-90. The recent results give the Dream a strong reference point, but the Liberty arrive from a first-round upset of the league's top seed. The new series starts at 0-0.

The matchup ahead

The Dream's official site says tickets for its first two semifinal home games are on sale. Fans should check the WNBA game page for the confirmed tip and viewing details before making plans.