The Atlanta Dream has reached the second round of the WNBA playoffs, a feat accomplished by sweeping the Washington Mystics. The Dream secured their spot in the semifinals with a decisive 93-75 win at CareFirst Arena.
This victory marks the end of a prolonged postseason drought for Atlanta. The team hadn’t proceeded past the first round since 2018. Though the journey to this point was challenging, the Dream persevered.
The Mystics entered Game 2 determined to extend their season. They kept the game competitive and trailed by only seven entering the last quarter. They reduced Atlanta’s lead to three before Jordin Canada ignited a critical fourth-quarter surge, scoring seven straight points. She concluded the game with 17 points, helping turn a close contest into a comfortable win.
Atlanta’s success this season is credited to a balanced team effort. The Dream boasts a lineup featuring stars like Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, and Angel Reese, yet the entire roster consistently contributed. This depth proved crucial in a physical first-round match against Washington.
During the series, Washington challenged Atlanta across both games. The Mystics had been on a hot streak, winning nine of their last 11 games and tying with Atlanta for the best record in the league post-All-Star break. However, Atlanta found another level during the high-stakes moments.
In Game 1, Atlanta overcame an 11-point gap to defeat Washington 92-77. The Dream forced the Mystics into 22 turnovers and set a franchise playoff record with 16 steals. Howard led with 26 points and five steals, while Gray added 22 points. Reese, in her playoff debut, tallied 13 points and 12 rebounds.
The Mystics had chances to turn the games around. Rookie Sonia Citron scored 25 points in both games. Kiki Iriafen and Cassandre Prosper gave strong performances, urging Washington to fight in front of their fans.
Yet, each time Washington surged, Atlanta responded effectively. This form will be challenged further as the Dream advance into the playoffs. Atlanta is fully aware of how swiftly a promising season can dissipate.
Last year, the Dream’s 30 regular-season wins secured them a first-round home advantage, only to fall to the Indiana Fever in three games. The result lingered with the team, motivating them this season.
“I never want to experience that feeling again,” shared Gray in training camp.
Atlanta responded strongly, matching last year’s 30 wins and finishing the regular season with five victories. This time, they seized their postseason opportunity, winning both games against Washington decisively.
Next, Atlanta faces the New York Liberty in the semifinals. The Liberty, holding the eighth seed, surprised the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx in the opening round. Despite entering the playoffs as the lowest seed, New York has demonstrated that regular-season rankings are moot in the playoffs.
Carrying significant momentum, the Dream has already addressed whether they can succeed where last year’s team faltered. Two games later, Atlanta is still in the hunt.
For the first time in eight years, the Dream advances to the WNBA semifinals.