Angel Reese, Jordin Canada Lift Dream to 2-0 Lead Over Liberty in Overtime

Atlanta moved within one victory of the WNBA Finals Wednesday night, and it did so without leading scorer Allisha Gray. The Dream outlasted the New York Liberty 101-98 in overtime at State Farm Arena, taking a commanding 2-0 semifinal lead behind 23 points apiece from Angel Reese and Jordin Canada.

Reese scored six of Atlanta’s 13 overtime points and delivered two late free throws after Naz Hillmon’s go-ahead layup with 20.8 seconds remaining. Canada added eight assists, while Atlanta received double-figure scoring from all five starters. New York nearly stole the game behind Breanna Stewart’s 35 points and Marine Fauthoux’s game-tying three late in regulation, but a costly Sabrina Ionescu turnover on the Liberty’s final possession helped seal the result. Atlanta’s ability to manufacture offense without Gray, who sat because of a left-hand injury, was arguably the night’s most important development.

The Dream now head to Brooklyn with a chance to reach their first WNBA Finals since 2013. Reese’s impact is also becoming bigger than her box score: the recently crowned Defensive Player of the Year is delivering in postseason closing situations while Atlanta continues winning through defense, rebounding and multiple scoring options. New York’s margin for error is gone. Friday’s Game 3 is now an elimination game for the Liberty and an opportunity for Atlanta to complete a statement semifinal sweep.