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Dream's Angel Reese tied a franchise record in her first game as Defensive Player of the Year

The Atlanta Dream kicked off their WNBA semifinal series with a commanding 92–82 victory over the New York Liberty, moving one win closer to their first Finals appearance in 13 years. Angel Reese, named Defensive Player of the Year earlier this season, delivered a standout performance, tying the franchise record for 'stocks' (steals and blocks combined) in a playoff game with four steals and three blocks.

Her dominance extended beyond turnovers, as she posted a 92 defensive rating—the lowest on either team—while also contributing 17 points and seven rebounds. The Dream’s offense, led by Jordin Canada (25 points) and DeWanna Bonner (23), stepped up without All-Star Allisha Gray, who was sidelined by injury, as Atlanta stifled Liberty stars Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu with Reese’s defensive leadership.

This win puts Atlanta up 1–0 in the best-of-five series, setting the stage for a potential repeat of their 2013 Finals run.

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