ATL Dream Sweeps Mystics To Advance To Playoff Semis

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Atlanta Dream became a nightmare for the Washington Mystics and now head to the 2026 WNBA Playoff Semifinals for the first time in eight years.

The Dream stars on Wednesday played through foul trouble to defeat the Mystics, 93-75, in Game 2 of the first round at CareFirst Arena.

It was a sweep for the home team that has not made an appearance in the semis since 2018.

The victory came with the battle of playing through foul trouble for five players, including guard Rhyne Howard, who ultimately fouled out in the fourth quarter.

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Point guard Jordin Canada responded with an improved performance from the first quarter, which included upping the score with two three-point shots in the fourth.

She ended the night with 19 points, 11 assists, seven rebounds and three steals. Additionally, she was named player of the game for the Dream.

"JC hit a lot of big baskets for us tonight," shooting guard Allisha Gray said at a late news conference after Wednesday night's win. "I just love playing with JC. She can see the floor so well. She pushes the pace. She's really our engine, so we go as she go. She played so great tonight."

Gray led her squad in scoring with 22 points, adding to her four steals, three assists and one rebound.

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The Dream are returning home to face the New York Liberty, an eighth seed that made league history by defeating the No. 1 seed Tuesday in Brooklyn. The Liberty swept the Minnesota Lynx, 87-71, in Game 2 in the first round.

During the regular season, the Liberty trailed the Dream in a 2-1 series to favor the Dream.

"The biggest thing is staying locked in," Gray said. "We know the job's not done. Of course, we're happy with this series' victory; but now, we put it behind us and focus on New York. The biggest thing is getting back in film. Knowing we win but still knowing there's some improvements we can make to get better. So, the biggest thing is staying locked in."

Atlanta will host New York in the first two games of the Semifinals, which will be held Sunday and Wednesday at State Farm Arena.

The Dream will then head to the Barclays Center in New York, where the third and fourth games will be played on Oct. 9 and Oct. 11. If needed, Game 5 will be held on Oct. 14 at State Farm.