The New York Liberty need a win after the Dream took Game 1.
You would think that after upsetting the best team in the W, the road would get easier for the Liberty on their way toward another championship. Sunday proved it doesn’t. It’s clear the series nor journey back to the promised land is promised, given the the Dream’s performance in Game 1.
Game 2 becomes a must-win for New York. Taking one game in Atlanta would send the WNBA semifinals back to New York with the series tied starting on Friday.
In order for them to do that, however, the Liberty will have to bring back the same punch that the Dream delivered to them on Sunday. No questions asked.
Where To Watch
- Who: Liberty (0) vs. Dream (1)
- When: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Where: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, Georgia
- TV: ESPN
- Series: WNBA Semifinals, Game 2
Atlanta leads 1-0. A Liberty win ties the series before it returns to New York Friday.
Injury Report: Who’s Out?
New York Liberty: Satou Sabally
Atlanta Dream: Allisha Gray (finger)
How can the New York Liberty even the series?
First and foremost, the trio of Jordin Canada, Angel Reese, and DeWanna Bonner has to be contained if the Liberty want to take control of this series.
Canada provided spectacular guard play on both ends. Scoring 25 points along with five steals, her shot-making demoralized the Liberty whenever they tried to get something going, as well as her ability to disrupt passing lanes.
New York has to make Canada work on the defensive end while limiting her ability to create offense and disrupt the Liberty’s rhythm.
Bonner provided a strong spark off the bench. Because she has plenty of playoff experience, Bonner was not scared of the moment and it came out in her 23 point performance. She’s played the most playoff games played in the WNBA at 102 and counting.
Angel Reese presents another major problem for New York. The Liberty have to limit her impact around the basket and keep her from creating extra opportunities on the glass. If New York can contain Atlanta’s three biggest difference-makers and bring the same intensity the Dream showed in Game 1, the Liberty have a chance to leave Atlanta with the series tied.
X-Factor: Jonquel Jones
The Liberty will have to involve Jones in the offense more. She’s a physical force into the paint, which will force three point opportunities for everyone else. Some overall aggression from the team is needed as well. If the Liberty can match the Dream’s energy and NOT beat themselves during the game, this series will be heading back to New York tied 1-1.
