The Atlanta Dream defeated the New York Liberty 101-98 in overtime Wednesday, October 7, despite Breanna Stewart’s standout performance of 35 points, 11 rebounds and six assists. Jordin Canada delivered 23 points and eight assists as Atlanta secured a 2-0 WNBA semifinal series lead at State Farm Arena in front of 9,574 fans.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

First Quarter: Even at 26

Neither team established an advantage on the scoreboard in the opening period, which ended tied 26-26. That closely matched start set the pattern for a game in which the margin at every quarter break remained two points or fewer.

Second Quarter: Atlanta Edges Ahead

The Dream outscored the Liberty 30-28 in the second quarter, taking a 56-54 halftime lead. It was the highest-scoring period for both teams, with Atlanta doing just enough to enter the break ahead.

Third Quarter: Liberty Narrow the Gap

New York won the third quarter 20-19, trimming Atlanta’s lead to 75-74. Scoring slowed from the first half, but neither side created meaningful separation.

Fourth Quarter: Regulation Ends Level

The Liberty outscored the Dream 14-13 in the fourth, bringing the score to 88-88 after regulation. New York erased Atlanta’s remaining one-point advantage, sending Game 2 into overtime.

Overtime: Dream Finish Ahead

Atlanta outscored New York 13-10 in the extra period to secure the 101-98 victory. After four quarters separated by the smallest of margins, that three-point overtime advantage decided the game.

Key Performers

  • Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty: Led all scorers with 35 points and added a game-high 11 rebounds and six assists. Her double-double anchored New York’s effort despite the loss.
  • Jordin Canada, Atlanta Dream: Finished with 23 points and a team-leading eight assists, providing both scoring and playmaking in Atlanta’s win.
  • Angel Reese, Atlanta Dream: Matched Canada’s 23 points, giving the Dream two players who combined for 46 of their 101 points.
  • Naz Hillmon, Atlanta Dream: Led Atlanta with eight rebounds as the Dream finished just one rebound behind New York overall.
  • Sabrina Ionescu, New York Liberty: Recorded a team-high seven assists, helping the Liberty finish with 23 assists to Atlanta’s 22.

NerdSports Stat: Atlanta made one fewer field goal than New York and matched its 12 three-pointers, yet won by three because its five-point free-throw advantage outweighed its two-point deficit in points from the field.

Game Analysis: Free Throws Offset New York’s Shooting Edge

New York was substantially more efficient from the field, making 35 of 64 attempts for 54.7%. Atlanta finished 34-for-84, shooting 40.5%. The Dream nevertheless stayed level in made baskets by attempting 20 more shots. The supplied statistics do not include turnovers or offensive rebounds, so they do not establish what produced that attempt gap.

Both teams made 12 three-pointers. Atlanta needed 30 attempts to reach that total, shooting 40.0%, while New York went 12-for-25 for 48.0%. The Liberty’s superior accuracy therefore did not translate into an advantage in points from beyond the arc.

The clearest difference came at the free-throw line. Each team attempted 23 free throws, but Atlanta made 21 for 91.3%, compared with New York’s 16 for 69.6%. Those five additional points more than offset the Liberty’s two-point advantage in scoring from the field.

Other team totals were similarly close: New York held a 36-35 rebounding edge and a 23-22 advantage in assists. Atlanta’s combination of greater shot volume, accurate free-throw shooting and a 13-point overtime period proved enough to overcome Stewart’s individual production.

Closing Context: Atlanta Leads the Series 2-0

The Dream now lead the best-of-five WNBA semifinal series 2-0 and are one win from advancing to the Finals. The supplied season records are 30-14 for Atlanta and 26-18 for New York; this playoff result changes the series standing rather than those regular-season marks. The teams meet again Friday, October 9, at 4:30 p.m. PDT, with Atlanta seeking to finish the series and the Liberty needing a win to extend it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the Atlanta Dream vs New York Liberty game on October 7, 2026?

The Atlanta Dream defeated the New York Liberty 101-98 in overtime on October 7, 2026.

How many points did Breanna Stewart score?

Breanna Stewart scored 35 points. Her individual shooting percentage was not provided in the supplied game statistics.

What are Atlanta Dream’s standings after this game?

After the win, Atlanta leads the WNBA semifinal series 2-0. The Dream’s supplied regular-season record is 30-14; this playoff win does not change that mark.

Who was the best player in the game?

Breanna Stewart was the standout individual performer with 35 points, 11 rebounds and six assists. Jordin Canada led Atlanta’s winning effort with 23 points and eight assists.