Angel Reese delivered a crucial performance as the Atlanta Dream defeated the New York Liberty 101-98 in overtime to take a commanding 2-0 lead in their WNBA semifinal series.
Reese scored 23 points, including six of Atlanta’s 13 points in overtime, as the Dream moved within one victory of their first WNBA Finals appearance since 2013.
Naz Hillmon produced the decisive moment, scoring a go-ahead layup with 20.8 seconds remaining in overtime. Reese then sealed the victory from the free-throw line after Sabrina Ionescu’s pass went out of bounds, giving Atlanta a three-point advantage with 4.3 seconds left.
Jordin Canada also contributed 23 points and eight assists for the Dream, who had opened the best-of-five series with a 92-82 victory.
New York produced a strong fightback after trailing late in regulation. Breanna Stewart, who led all scorers with 35 points and added 11 rebounds, helped the Liberty close the gap before Marine Fauthoux drilled a three-pointer with 10.3 seconds remaining to tie the game at 88-88.
Rhyne Howard missed a potential game-winning attempt at the regulation buzzer, sending the contest into overtime.
Atlanta eventually regained control, with Reese producing several key plays down the stretch to help the Dream secure another victory.
The Liberty will host Game 3 on Friday, facing elimination as Atlanta looks to complete the series and book a place in the WNBA Finals.
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