By D’Andre McKenzie | The Way Network
October 9, 2026
The Atlanta Dream defeated the New York Liberty 85–83 in Brooklyn on Friday, completing a 3–0 semifinal sweep and advancing to their first WNBA Finals since 2013. For New York, which entered the night facing a 0–2 series deficit, the loss ended an unexpected postseason run from the eighth seed.
Inside the arena, this felt like a game the Liberty had every opportunity to win. The crowd was behind them, the energy was there, and New York kept fighting. But from my perspective, Atlanta brought a little more urgency to the moments that mattered. In a game this close, an extra effort can be the difference between extending your season and watching it end.
Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones each scored 26 points, giving the Liberty a chance to stay alive. New York rallied from a 12-point third-quarter deficit and took a 68–66 lead into the fourth. The momentum had shifted, but the Liberty could not sustain it. Atlanta regained control, and New York’s late push came up just short.
Angel Reese was the biggest difference maker to me. She finished with 22 points, nine rebounds, three assists, one steal, and two blocks, shooting 7-for-18 from the field and 2-for-4 from three. Her fingerprints were all over this game, whether she was battling inside, defending, or stretching the floor.
Alongside Jordin Canada and Rhyne Howard, Reese helped Atlanta finish the job in a hostile environment. What stood out was her physicality and constant involvement. She seemed determined to make her presence felt on every possession.
That physical style also drew frustration from some Liberty fans I spoke with. They questioned several calls and believed Reese should have received another technical foul. Reese and Jones both received technicals after a second-quarter confrontation, but some fans felt the officials allowed too much contact elsewhere.
Those reactions were part of the atmosphere. From where I was watching, the frustration with the officiating added to the tension as New York tried to keep its season alive. Still, Atlanta deserves credit for handling the pressure and making the plays it needed to close the series.
For Reese, the Finals offer another chance to deliver on a major stage. She won a national championship in her third college season. Now, in her third WNBA season, she has an opportunity to add a professional title. Can she do it again?
For the Liberty, the disappointment extended beyond the final score. Some fans I spoke with called for a coaching change, questioning head coach Chris DeMarco’s game management and decisions about when to challenge calls. With New York having moved on from championship-winning coach Sandy Brondello in 2025, a year after its 2024 title, expectations remain high.
Even with the painful ending, this team deserves credit. The Liberty entered the playoffs as the eighth seed, eliminated top-seeded Minnesota, and reached the semifinals. They fell short of the Finals, but gave their fans reason to believe along the way.
Atlanta now moves on to face the Golden State Valkyries in the WNBA Finals, beginning October 17. For New York, attention turns to what comes next.
Until next season, Liberty.