Atlanta takes a 2–0 lead as the semifinals move west and north

Atlanta will travel to New York with one win left to claim in its best-of-five semifinal. The Dream beat the Liberty 101–98 in overtime Wednesday, taking a 2–0 series lead after a finish that required answers at the end of both regulation and the extra period.

Marine Fauthoux’s three-pointer with 10.3 seconds left in regulation tied the game and extended New York’s opportunity. Naz Hillmon then supplied Atlanta’s go-ahead layup with 20.8 seconds remaining in overtime. Angel Reese made two late free throws to help close the result.

Reese and Jordin Canada each scored 23 points for Atlanta; Canada added eight assists. Those contributions left the Dream able to absorb the late equalizer and still carry the series advantage into Game 3.

Friday’s first game is Atlanta at New York at 7:30 p.m. Eastern on ESPN2. New York needs to win to extend the series; Atlanta can finish it on the road. A 2–0 lead is an opportunity to close, while the best-of-five format still requires the third win.

Golden State also took a 2–0 semifinal lead, beating Las Vegas 83–81 in Game 2. Tiffany Hayes scored 21 points off the bench, Gabby Williams had 20 points and five rebounds, and Kayla Thornton added 16. A’ja Wilson finished with 24 points and seven rebounds for the Aces; Chelsea Gray had 19 points and six assists.

That series continues Friday at Las Vegas at 9:30 p.m. Eastern on Peacock and NBC Sports Network. Both Atlanta and Golden State now have a chance to close their best-of-five matchups in Game 3, while New York and Las Vegas need a win to extend their seasons.

These are semifinal games. The WNBA Finals are scheduled to begin October 17. The series have moved closer to that stage, with Friday offering both trailing teams a chance to change their direction.