On Wednesday night, the Atlanta Dream put an end to a 13-year drought by sweeping the Washington Mystics 93-75 in Game 2 of their opening-round series. The victory sent them to the semifinals for the first time since 2018, marking a two-game sweep that advances them to face the New York Liberty in the next round.
Wednesday brings a Game 2 matchup between the Golden State Valkyries and the Dallas Wings, with the Valkyries holding a commanding lead after their Game 1 win. The Wings will be looking for a win at home to keep their season going.
Dream Sweep the Mystics
The Atlanta Dream set a franchise record with their total of 30 victories last season, but the achievement was soured by a crushing defeat. They held a 1-0 lead in the opening round against the Indiana Fever before losing the series, and it marked the third consecutive postseason exit in the first round. That loss made this playoff sweep all the more satisfying.
The Dream made a major trade during the offseason to bring in Angel Reese, with the goal of getting her to put the team in contention. That gamble proved successful Wednesday, when the Dream won a multi-game playoff series for the first time since 2013, the last time they reached the Finals.
This victory was the first time the Dream secured a multi-game series win since 2013, and it added to their playoff history, which includes reaching the semifinals in 2018, where they were given a bye to that round, and winning a single-elimination “series” in 2016, under an earlier playoff format.
Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard were the two longest-tenured members of the Dream who stepped up in the decisive game. Gray led the way with a team-high 22 points and four steals. Howard added 15 points, three rebounds, four assists and two steals, even though she was fighting through foul trouble.
Reese had 15 points, seven rebounds and three blocks after a rough 4-of-15 shooting performance in her first-ever playoff outing in Game 1.
Home Court Advantage
Atlanta gets to host the Liberty for the first round after beating them twice during the regular season. The Dream’s home-court edge comes from the Liberty’s upset win over the Minnesota Lynx.
None of the core group will be leaving any time soon. Every one of the main players has their contract running through at least 2027.
A Whistle-Happy Night
The refereeing caused trouble, with the officials calling fouls at a high rate and the calls drawing attention for the wrong reasons.
Both the Dream and the Mystics rank among the league’s biggest, most physical teams. In the regular season, the Mystics topped the league in free throw rate (0.379), and the Dream placed third (0.341). The Dream ranked 11nd in opponent free throw rate (0.317), while the Mystics sat 14th in pace (94.66).
The contest became a grind, with the officiating playing a major role. Each side was whistled for at least 25 fouls in a playoff game for the first time since Game 2 of the 2016 semifinal series between the Lynx and Phoenix Mercury.
The Dream drew 26 fouls, and the Mystics were called for 27, with Rhyne Howard fouling out. A total of 14 players committed at least three fouls, a group that included every starter on both squads. Only one player who logged at least 10 minutes escaped having at least three fouls: Lauren Betts.
The free throw numbers were stark. The Mystics went 24 of 28, while the Dream were 20 of 22, combining for 50 free throw attempts. The 28 attempts were nowhere near a record — the Sacramento Monarchs shot a playoff-record 47 free throws in a first-round win in 2001.
The game saw little smooth play throughout its duration. Only four times did the match run for at least two minutes without a foul being called, and three of those stretches fell within the second quarter.
Both sides made it difficult for the officials during their matchup, yet they were far too quick to blow the whistle in Game 2.
Key Players and Their Numbers
- Allisha Gray: 22 points, four steals
- Rhyne Howard: 15 points, three rebounds, four assists, two steals
- Angel Reese: 15 points, seven rebounds, three blocks, 4-of-15 shooting
The Case Against the Officials
The most notable aspect of the evening came from the officials, and it was also the most debatable element. Their frequent whistling interrupted the natural tempo of play and prevented both sides from finding a steady cadence throughout the contest.
Two minutes was the length of each period without a break, and there were four such periods in total. Three of these periods fell within the second quarter.
Both squads combined for twenty-five fouls, which is a heavy total, and the fact that these are two physical teams does nothing to ease the burden of the constant whistles.
Neither team broke a playoff record, though both shot freely from the line. Together they attempted 50 free throws, a figure that falls well short of the mark set by the Sacramento Monarchs at 47.
What Happens Next
The Dream advanced to the semifinals, where they will meet the Liberty. By closing the regular season with two consecutive victories over the Liberty, the Dream enter the next round with renewed assurance.
Atlanta now gets to host the semifinals because of its upset win over the Lynx. The Dream will try to build on the momentum from their sweep as they move into a round where the competition is tougher and the stakes are higher.
The outcome of the Valkyries-Wings Game 2 decides which squad advances beyond the opening round. In the previous encounter, the Valkyries took control of Game 1. Now the Wings must put forth a solid effort in their own arena if they wish to keep their season alive.
The Order of Play
- The Dream sweep the Mystics 93-75 in Game 2.
- The Valkyries-Wings Game 2 determines which team advances.
- The semifinals draw begins, with the Dream facing the Liberty.
The officials were the real problem. Their whistle-happy approach disrupted the game, making it feel like a slog. Fouls were called often, and the game rarely flowed smoothly.
What stood out the most about the evening was the officiating, and it was also the most dubious element. The constant whistle calls broke up the natural tempo of play and prevented either side from finding a steady pace.
The Dream have taken the first major step toward their goal. By sweeping the Mystics, they have secured a semifinal meeting with the Liberty, an outcome that stands as a notable accomplishment.
There were issues with the officials, yet the outcome holds up. The Dream advanced to the semifinals, and they did so through their own efforts.
The Dream enter this round with real momentum, having swept their opening series. The Liberty will provide a difficult challenge, but the Dream’s recent run should give them plenty of confidence as they move forward.
Game 2 between the Valkyries and the Wings will decide who advances from the first round. The Valkyries were the better team in Game 1, while the Wings must put together a strong performance at home if they hope to keep their season alive.
Source material: “WNBA playoffs winners and losers: Dream advance to semis for first time since 2018, refs get whistle-happy,” CBS Sports.
Get the Notebook.
The day's best stories and every fresh verdict, in plain English, in your inbox by seven. One email a day, no more.