Liberty and Dream Set for WNBA Semifinal Clash
Two teams riding first-round sweeps will battle for a spot in the WNBA Finals, with distinct strengths and weaknesses on display.
The WNBA playoffs continue as the New York Liberty face the Atlanta Dream in a best-of-five semifinal series, with the winner advancing to the WNBA Finals. The Liberty earned their spot by completing a stunning upset against the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx, becoming the first eighth seed to eliminate a No. 1 seed. The Dream also advanced with a sweep, defeating the Washington Mystics and marking their first time past the first round since 2018.
The series begins with the Dream holding home-court advantage. A key matchup to watch will be between Atlanta's Angel Reese and New York's Jonquel Jones. Reese, a defensive player of the year and rebounding force, faces the veteran Jones. While Reese's offensive game lacks a consistent three-point threat, allowing Jones to play disruptively inside, the Liberty's frontcourt of Jones and Breanna Stewart has historically dominated the rebound battle against Atlanta.
Backcourt Battle
The Dream's backcourt, led by Jordin Canada's playmaking and Allisha Gray's downhill attack, presents a dynamic challenge. Sabrina Ionescu, the Liberty's guard, has had an inconsistent season. Atlanta's defense excels at disrupting passing lanes and forcing turnovers, which could lead to fast-break opportunities for the Dream if the Liberty are not careful with possession.
Depth and Bench Impact
Atlanta's bench, bolstered by the midseason acquisition of DeWanna Bonner, is a reliable unit. However, the Dream's reliance on rookies and second-year players in critical playoff moments remains to be seen. The Liberty boast a deeper bench, featuring seasoned professionals like Han Xu, Rebekah Gardner, Rebecca Allen, and Marine Johannes. The Liberty's reserves have been a significant scoring factor, averaging more points per game than the Dream's bench, which ranked among the league's lowest.
Coaching Expertise
Both teams feature experienced coaching staffs. Atlanta's Karl Smesko, in his second season, has a long track record, including a successful tenure at Florida Gulf Coast. The Liberty's Chris DeMarco is in his first year leading the team. DeMarco successfully outcoached Minnesota's Cheryl Reeve in the first round, but Smesko's Dream have been one of the league's hottest teams since August.
Series Prediction
Despite the Dream's momentum, Breanna Stewart of the Liberty is viewed as the series' top player. Her determination to secure a fourth WNBA championship is evident, with a willingness to play extended minutes. Stewart and Jones form a formidable frontcourt. The Liberty's combination of depth, playoff experience, and timely peaking performance positions them as favorites. If they maintain focus and execute their game plan, New York could be headed to their third Finals in four years. The prediction favors the Liberty in four games.
A separate semifinal matchup features the Aces against the Valkyries, with the Aces' star-studded trio of A'ja Wilson, Jackie Young, and Chelsea Gray expected to be a significant challenge for the Valkyries' defense. The Aces are predicted to win that series in four games.