The New York Liberty have their back against the wall after falling into an 2-0 hole against the Atlanta Dream.
Rather than worry about the three games they must win to advance to the WNBA Finals, the Liberty are focused solely on Game 3 on Friday, Oct. 9, as the best-of-five semifinal series shifts to New York. The Liberty must protect home court to earn the right to play again.
"We're focused on winning one game and that's Friday. And then we go from there," said Breanna Stewart, whose 35 points, 11 rebounds and six assists were not enough in the Liberty's 101-98 Game 2 overtime loss to the Dream on Wednesday. "I've been a part of some crazy series and I have a lot of confidence in our group."
Game 2 could be described as crazy, and included
a controversial finish. The Liberty failed to use their remaining reset timeout with 4.3 seconds left in overtime. Stewart said she was told by officials New York didn't have a reset timeout when she inquired during Angel Reese's free throw attempts. Officials countered Stewart's claim in the postgame pool report, saying the referee confirmed New York did have one.
The Liberty submitted an official inquiry into the timeout situation with the league, a person familiar with the situation told USA TODAY. But New York said it must move on because what's done is done.
"It doesn't matter at this point, right? It's like, the game's over," Liberty head coach Chris DeMarco said on Wednesday. "What's important right now is that we focus on Game 3 and that's got to be it."
The Liberty must take better care of the ball if they want to stay alive. New York conceded 28 points on 17 turnovers, their second straight game of double-digit turnovers in the WNBA playoff semifinals.
The Dream finished with six players in double digits, including Jordin Canada, who had 23 points and eight assists. Reese added 23 points, seven rebounds and two blocked shots. It was a huge group effort without Dream guard Allisha Gray, who missed Game 2 with a left hand injury. Gray is questionable for Game 3.
USA TODAY Sports will provide live coverage of Game 3 of the WNBA playoff semifinal playoff series between the New York Liberty and Atlanta Dream. Follow along for updates, highlights and everything you need to know:
2026 WNBA playoffs: Semifinals bracket
07:21 AM ET, October 9 2026, Cydney HendersonHere’s how the WNBA playoff bracket looks as we continue the semifinals, with each team battling for a spot in the Finals.
Atlanta Dream vs. New York Liberty
- Game 1: Dream 92, Liberty 82
- Game 2: Dream 101, Liberty 98 (OT)
- Game 3: Dream at Liberty, 7:30 p.m. ET, Friday (ESPN2)
- Game 4: Dream at Liberty, TBD, Sunday (ABC)*
- Game 5: Liberty at Dream, TBD, Wednesday (ESPN)*
Golden State Valkyries vs. Las Vegas Aces
- Game 1: Valkyries 71, Aces 60
- Game 2: Valkyries 83, Aces 81
- Game 3: Valkyries at Aces, 9:30 p.m. ET, Friday (NBCSN/Peacock)
- Game 4: Valkyries at Aces, TBD, Sunday (NBC/Peacock)*
- Game 5: Aces at Valkyries, TBD, Wednesday (NBC/Peacock)*
*If necessary
What TV channel is the New York Liberty vs. Atlanta Dream game on today?
07:20 AM ET, October 9 2026, Cydney Henderson- TV channel: ESPN2
- Stream: Disney+
What time is the New York Liberty vs. Atlanta Dream game?
07:20 AM ET, October 9 2026, Cydney HendersonThe Liberty host the Dream at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday, Oct. 9, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
- Date: Friday, Oct. 9
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Barclays Center (Brooklyn, New York)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Atlanta Dream vs New York Liberty WNBA semifinals: Time, TV channel, how to watch
