Image Source: ESPN
Dream vs Liberty delivered another dramatic chapter Wednesday, with Angel Reese playing a decisive role as the Atlanta Dream defeated the New York Liberty in overtime. The victory gave Atlanta a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five WNBA semifinal series and left the Dream one win away from their first WNBA Finals appearance since 2013.
Angel Reese Takes Over a Thrilling Dream vs Liberty Finish
Reese produced a playoff career-high 23 points, along with seven rebounds and two blocks, as Atlanta extended its winning streak to nine games. She also scored six of the Dream’s points in overtime, helping the team protect a narrow advantage during a tense finish.
Her most important contribution came with just 6.1 seconds remaining. Atlanta held a one-point lead, and New York appeared ready to foul. Reese quickly moved toward the sideline and told veteran teammate DeWanna Bonner to inbound the ball in the backcourt, an option permitted during the final two minutes.
The clever decision allowed Reese to run 1.8 seconds off the clock before drawing the sixth and final foul on Liberty rookie Marine Fauthoux. Reese calmly converted both free throws. Breanna Stewart then missed a desperate final attempt, allowing Atlanta to secure the win.
Controversial Ending Overshadows Reese’s Savvy Play
The closing moments were also shaped by a dispute involving New York’s final reset timeout. The Liberty believed they should have been able to use the timeout in overtime, while officials disputed that interpretation. The controversy became a major postgame talking point, but it also overshadowed Reese’s smart clock management and composure under pressure.
For Atlanta, the win was another statement from a team that has become one of the strongest remaining contenders in the 2026 WNBA playoffs. The fourth-seeded Dream remain the only unbeaten team in this year’s postseason and now have a chance to close out the series in Game 3.
Reese’s Defensive Impact Continues to Define Atlanta
Reese’s influence went well beyond her scoring. She delivered an emphatic fourth-quarter block on Sabrina Ionescu and repeatedly disrupted New York’s offense. During the semifinal series, Liberty players have shot 5-for-16 when defended by Reese, including Stewart, who is 2-for-6 in those matchups.
According to ESPN Research, opponents are shooting just 37% against Reese this postseason. Atlanta has also posted a defensive efficiency of 91.9 with her on the floor during the playoffs, the best mark among players with at least 35 minutes.
“She’s the motor,” Bonner said, praising Reese’s defensive presence and relentless energy. “We feed off her, and she gets us going every single game.”
Atlanta coach Karl Smesko has described Reese as an emotional leader whose intensity spreads throughout the roster. Teammate Naz Hillmon similarly said Reese does not need to raise her level for big moments because she is already competing at that level every day.
A Transformative First Season in Atlanta
Reese joined the Dream in April after the Chicago Sky traded her following a period of tension between the player and organization. The move placed her alongside established stars including Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, Jordin Canada and Hillmon.
The change has produced immediate results. Reese led the WNBA in rebounding for the third consecutive season with 12.1 rebounds per game, earned her first Defensive Player of the Year award and helped Atlanta finish with the league’s third-best defensive rating.
She has also benefited from a roster built around shared ambition and experience. Reese, Howard and Gray each averaged at least 15 points during the regular season, giving Atlanta a powerful combination of scoring, rebounding and perimeter defense.
Dream One Win From the WNBA Finals
Reese entered the postseason with the confidence of a player familiar with high-pressure basketball. She won a national championship at LSU and recently captured a gold medal with USA Basketball at the FIBA World Cup.
“A championship would mean everything to me,” Reese said. “And we’re not done yet.”
That belief now fuels Atlanta’s push toward the Finals. The Dream will attempt to complete the sweep in Game 3, while the Liberty face an urgent challenge to keep their season alive. Regardless of the controversy surrounding the finish, Reese’s fearless performance has made her the central figure in this semifinal series.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of Dream vs Liberty Game 2?
The Atlanta Dream defeated the New York Liberty in overtime to take a 2-0 lead in the WNBA semifinal series.
How many points did Angel Reese score?
Angel Reese scored a playoff career-high 23 points. She also recorded seven rebounds and two blocks.
What made Reese’s late-game play significant?
Reese helped Atlanta run 1.8 seconds off the clock, drew Marine Fauthoux’s sixth foul and made two free throws to strengthen the Dream’s one-point lead.
How close are the Dream to the WNBA Finals?
Atlanta is one victory away from reaching the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2013.
