Angel Reese made sure the Atlanta Dream weren’t letting Game 1 slip away.
Atlanta opened its series against the New York Liberty with a 92-82 victory, taking a 1-0 series lead behind a huge second half. The Dream trailed 24-21 after the first quarter and went into halftime tied at 40, but everything changed coming out of the break.
Atlanta exploded for 32 points in the third quarter, turning a tight game into a double-digit advantage. New York wasn’t finished, though. The Liberty answered with 27 points in the fourth and tried to make one final push.
That’s when Reese helped Atlanta slam the door.
Reese made her presence felt late as the Dream needed to pull away, providing the physicality, rebounding and clutch play that have become trademarks of her game. Instead of allowing New York to build momentum, Reese helped Atlanta control the closing minutes and protect its advantage.
That’s exactly what stars are supposed to do in the playoffs.
Atlanta didn’t dominate from the opening tip. The Dream had to withstand New York’s early lead, take control with a massive third quarter and then finish the job when the Liberty attempted to respond.
Reese was there when it mattered most.
The Dream now lead the series 1-0, and if Reese continues delivering in late-game situations like she did in Game 1, Atlanta could be extremely difficult to knock out.
