Sunday’s Liberty vs Dream clash brought the heat. No. 4 Atlanta clamped down on No. 8 New York 92-82 on Sunday to take an early semifinal lead at home.
Guard Jordin Canada showed off on both sides of the ball, dropping 25 points while helping the Dream score a near-record 32 points off turnovers.
“They just kind of raced it down our throats, and we need to be better,” said Liberty forward Breanna Stewart.
Atlanta could face a steeper climb on Wednesday, after top-scorer Allisha Gray exited Game 1 with a hand knock. However, the severity is unknown.
Veteran forward DeWanna Bonner picked up the slack, posting 23 points in 30 minutes to prove her value off the bench.
“She was exactly what we needed,” said coach Karl Smesko. “Not just because she’s a veteran presence and all the experience, [but] because she still plays like she did tonight.”
Atlanta hosts New York on Wednesday at 7:30 PM ET (ESPN).
