The Dream tied a WNBA playoff record with 32 points off turnovers in their 92-82 Game 1 victory over the Liberty.
The Atlanta Dream turned the New York Liberty’s turnovers into a record-setting advantage Sunday, scoring 32 points off giveaways to tie a WNBA playoff record in a 92-82 Game 1 win.
New York committed 21 turnovers in the opening game of the best-of-five semifinal series, with Atlanta’s defense doing its most damage in the third quarter. The Dream scored 16 points off nine Liberty turnovers in the period, tying the playoff record for points off turnovers in a quarter since the WNBA switched to quarters in 2006, according to Alexa Philippou of ESPN.
Atlanta’s 32 points off turnovers for the game also matched the WNBA postseason record, Philippou reported.
The Dream entered halftime trailing 40-37 after a first half featuring 14 lead changes, but took control by outscoring the Liberty 32-15 in the third quarter. Jordin Canada and Angel Reese recorded three steals apiece in the period as Atlanta opened the second half on a 13-3 run.
“We knew we didn’t play our best in the first half,” Canada said, as reported by Alan Cole of The Associated Press. “We gave up a lot of defensive assignments, we weren’t playing up to our schemes and we just weren’t being aggressive enough on the offensive end.”
Canada scored 20 of her 25 points after halftime and finished with five steals. DeWanna Bonner added 23 points as Atlanta played without Allisha Gray for much of the game after Gray suffered a left hand injury in the second quarter.
“Everybody stepped up, and that’s what we need,” Canada said. “Next man up mentality. I just tried to do what I do best. I tried to be aggressive, find my shots and take my shots with confidence.”
New York struggled to generate offense during Atlanta’s decisive third-quarter run, shooting 4-for-14 from the field. Seven Liberty players committed at least one turnover in the quarter.
The Liberty eventually cut a 16-point deficit to five late in the game, but Canada hit a 3-pointer near the end of the shot clock before adding a transition layup. Sabrina Ionescu led New York with 27 points, while Breanna Stewart scored 19.
Atlanta’s win was its first in the semifinal round since 2018 and extended its winning streak to eight games dating to the regular season. The Dream also remained the only unbeaten team in the postseason.
Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday in Atlanta.
The Atlanta Dream turned the New York Liberty’s turnovers into a record-setting advantage Sunday, scoring 32 points off giveaways to tie a WNBA playoff record in a 92-82 Game 1 win. New York committed 21 turnovers in the opening game of the best-of-five semifinal series, with Atlanta’s defense doing its most damage in the third quarter.