Sports

Championship Bound: The Atlanta Dream Sweeps New York Liberty, To Play In WNBA Finals Against Golden State: It’s The Team’s First Championship Appearance Since 2013

By Staff Report / October 10, 2026

The Atlanta Dream are officially headed to the WNBA Finals. In a thrilling, down-to-the-wire finish on Friday night, October 9, the fourth-seeded Dream defeated the top-seeded New York Liberty 85-83 at Barclays Center, completing a stunning 3-0 sweep in the semifinal series.

The historic victory secures Atlanta’s first WNBA Finals appearance since 2013, capping off a relentless playoff surge that has shocked the basketball world.

A Star-Studded Effort

Atlanta relied on its powerhouse core to withstand a furious late-game push from the Liberty. Angel Reese anchored the paint, leading the Dream with 22 points and 9 rebounds. All-Star guard Rhyne Howard delivered a lethal scoring performance with 21 points, while playmaker Jordin Canada orchestrated the offense masterfully, putting up 19 points and dishing out 11 assists.

The game’s defining moment came in the final seconds. With Atlanta clinging to a two-point lead, New York’s Breanna Stewart drove the lane for a potential game-tying floater. The shot bounced off the rim, and veteran forward DeWanna Bonner soared to secure the game-winning defensive rebound with 15 seconds remaining, sealing the victory and silencing the Brooklyn crowd.

The Road Ahead

With the semifinal round behind them, the Dream now set their sights on the ultimate prize. They are scheduled to face the expansion powerhouse Golden State Valkyries in a best-of-seven championship series. The Valkyries earned their spot after completing a sweep of their own against the defending champion Las Vegas Aces.

Game 1 of the WNBA Finals is set to tip off on Saturday, October 17, as Atlanta looks to capture the first championship in franchise history.

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