Naz Hillmon #00 and Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream high five during the game against the New York Liberty during Semi-Finals Game 1 on October 4, 2026 at State Farm Arena at College Park in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Joe Boatman/NBAE via Getty …
ATLANTA - The Atlanta Dream seized control of the WNBA semifinals Sunday, using a massive third-quarter surge and stellar defense to beat the New York Liberty 92-82 in Game 1.
Atlanta Dream semifinals victory
What we know:
Atlanta used a dominant defensive effort to take a 1-0 series lead in the best-of-five matchup. Canada poured in 25 points, including 20 in the second half, while adding five steals to lead the offensive effort. DeWanna Bonner chipped in 23 points and nine rebounds to offset the loss of Gray.
The Dream scored 32 points off 21 New York turnovers. A 13-3 run to open the third quarter put Atlanta ahead for good. Sabrina Ionescu led New York with 27 points, while Breanna Stewart added 19.
WNBA playoff injury status
What we don't know:
Officials have not yet confirmed the exact severity of Gray's hand injury or her status for the rest of the series. Gray initially retreated to the locker room holding her hand with 3:59 left in the first quarter after hard contact on a screen.
She returned briefly in the second quarter before diving for a loose ball on the defensive end with 3:44 remaining in the half. Gray immediately grabbed her hand and headed down the tunnel before the team ruled her out prior to halftime.
Game 2 playoff schedule
What's next:
Game 2 of the best-of-five WNBA semifinal series takes place Wednesday at The Gateway Center Arena at College Park in Atlanta.
The Source: The information in this story was gathered from Associated Press reporter Alan Cole, who covered Game 1 of the WNBA semifinals in Atlanta, as well as official box score data.