The Atlanta Dream advanced to the WNBA semifinals for the first time since 2018 after defeating the Washington Mystics 93-75 in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series, completing a 2-0 sweep.
The Atlanta Dream secured their first WNBA semifinal berth since 2018 with a decisive 93-75 victory over the Washington Mystics in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series, completing a 2-0 sweep. The Dream, who finished the regular season with the Eastern Conference’s best record, dominated the Mystics with balanced scoring and defensive intensity, outscoring them 28-17 in the fourth quarter. Allisha Gray led the way with 22 points, while Jordin Canada contributed 19 points and 11 assists, and Angel Reese added 15 points and seven rebounds Fox News.
The game took place on September 30, 2026, at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington, D.C., marking the Mystics’ first playoff appearance since winning the 2019 WNBA championship. The Dream, who had lost in the first round the past three postseasons, will now face the New York Liberty in the semifinals, with Game 1 set for Sunday.
Game Dynamics and Key Performances
The Dream’s victory was fueled by their balanced offense, with five starters scoring in double figures. Canada’s 19 points and 11 assists highlighted her all-around impact, while Gray’s 22 points and Reese’s 15 points and seven rebounds provided consistent scoring. Washington’s 19 turnovers proved costly, as Atlanta converted 23 points off those mistakes. The Mystics, who had not made the playoffs since 2019, struggled to contain Atlanta’s defense, which forced 19 turnovers and recorded 10 steals Yahoo Sports.
Sonia Citron led Washington with 25 points in Game 1 and 25 in Game 2, becoming the youngest player in WNBA history to score 25+ points in back-to-back playoff games. However, her efforts were not enough to prevent the Mystics’ elimination. Kiki Iriafen added 15 points and 16 rebounds, becoming the first player in franchise history to record a first-half double-double in a playoff game Clutchpoints.
The Dream’s defensive intensity was relentless, with 10 steals and four blocks. Atlanta’s lead grew to double digits in the second quarter, as they led 41-28 with just over one minute left in the first half. The Mystics closed the period on a 7-0 run, capped by Citron’s shot in the lane just before the buzzer, but they were hurt by 11 first-half turnovers. Washington’s 14-2 run in the third quarter cut the deficit to 65-62, but Atlanta responded with a 13-0 surge, led by Canada’s 3-pointer, to rebuild a double-digit lead at 78-62 AJC.
Catalysts of the Turning Point
The Dream’s fourth-quarter surge was critical, as Canada hit back-to-back 3-pointers to extend Atlanta’s lead to 89-70 with just under three minutes left on the clock. Washington’s attempt to rally in the final minutes was stifled by Atlanta’s defensive intensity, which included a 13-0 run in the middle of the fourth quarter. The Dream’s defense also forced 12 turnovers in the first half, capitalizing on Washington’s mistakes Fox News.
Angel Reese emphasized the Dream’s focus on managing emotions and valuing possessions during the postseason, a strategy that paid off as Atlanta maintained composure throughout the series. Our memo was manage emotions better and value possessions more, and that’s what we did the entire time. We’ve stayed dialed in all year. Don’t want us to act like we’ve been here before,
Reese said, highlighting the team’s maturity Yardbarker.
The game saw 53 called fouls, with the record for a WNBA playoff game that ended in regulation standing at 57. Every starter from both teams finished with at least three fouls, and Rhyne Howard fouled out of the game with just over six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. The Dream’s balanced attack extended to their bench, as Naz Hillmon added 10 points, while Rhyne Howard contributed 15 points AJC.
Semifinal Challenges and Future Outlook
The Dream will face the New York Liberty in the semifinals, with Game 1 set for Sunday. The Liberty, who swept the Minnesota Lynx to become the first No. 8 seed to eliminate a No. 1 seed in the WNBA’s 30-year history, present a formidable challenge. Atlanta’s ability to maintain its defensive intensity and offensive balance will be critical as they aim to advance further in the playoffs Bleacherreport.
For the Mystics, the loss marks the end of their playoff hopes, despite Citron’s historic performance. Washington’s inability to sustain momentum in the second half and their struggles with turnovers ultimately cost them the series.
The WNBA officially announced the Dream’s advancement to the semifinals on X, stating, THE @ATLANTADREAM ARE SEMIFINALS BOUND. The Dream advance after defeating the Mystics 2-0 in the First Round.
The victory also marked the first time since 2018 that the Dream have reached the semifinals. Meanwhile, the Dallas Wings, who returned to the postseason for the first time since 2023, remain in their best-of-three series against the Golden State Valkyries after Arike Ogunbowale set a new WNBA playoff record with 45 points in a win over the Golden State Valkyries Swishappeal.