Dream Sweep Liberty, Reach First WNBA Finals Since 2013

Atlanta Dream WNBA Finals hopes are no longer a drought. The Dream defeated the New York Liberty 85-83 in Game 3 on Friday night in Atlanta, completing a three-game sweep of their playoff series and advancing to the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2013.

Final seconds decide Game 3

The Liberty had a chance to tie in the final moments. With 15 seconds remaining, Breanna Stewart attempted a potential game-tying shot. It did not fall. DeWanna Bonner came away with the ball, and the Dream held on for the two-point win.

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That sequence capped a fourth quarter in which Atlanta erased a two-point deficit. The Dream trailed after three quarters but outscored New York over the final period to secure the win and the series.

Fourth-quarter poise

Atlanta entered the game as the fourth seed and was considered less experienced than the Liberty. New York, facing elimination, made several big plays to keep the game close. Each time, the Dream responded.

The game was played in Atlanta, but the environment was not entirely friendly. The Dream remained poised despite the hostile surroundings, according to the team’s approach throughout the series.

The final score of 85-83 reflected how tight the series finale was. Atlanta had won the first two games to take a 3-0 series lead, and the sweep sends the franchise to the Finals for the first time in over a decade.

What the sweep means

The Dream last reached the WNBA Finals in 2013. This year’s team, seeded fourth, had to go through a Liberty squad that was fighting to stay alive. Atlanta’s ability to close out the series in three games marks a significant turnaround for the franchise.

New York’s season ends with the loss. The Liberty, who had championship aspirations, were eliminated in the opening round. For Atlanta, the focus now shifts to the WNBA Finals, where the Dream will look to continue their postseason run.

The win was sealed by Bonner’s rebound after Stewart’s miss. It was a fitting end to a series in which Atlanta’s composure and timely execution made the difference.

Atlanta’s victory also answers a key question for fans: the Dream are back in the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2013. The team will now await its opponent as the playoffs continue elsewhere.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.