NFL
By: Nick Andre
The Atlanta Dream are finally playoff-bound. Even when things looked impossible, they found a way to overcome adversity and clinch the eighth seed. The job isn’t done yet for Atlanta. They have a chance to continue to make miracles as they prepare for their first-round matchup against the New York Liberty.
It took togetherness for the Dream to clinch a playoff spot. After last Friday’s loss against the Washington Mystics, the team was searching for answers as they sat in 10th place behind Washington and the Chicago Sky. Luckily, three straight wins for the Dream granted them the last playoff seed, including a big win on Thursday against the Liberty.
In a do-or-die situation on Thursday, the Dream answered the call. Many can put the excuse on the Liberty resting their starters in the second half. However, Atlanta could only control what was in front of them. The Dream had a terrific offensive showing where they shot 50 percent from the floor and dominated the paint with a 35-28 rebound edge.
With a second straight season in the playoffs, the Dream want a different outcome from what took place last season. They were swept by the Dallas Wings in the first round of the 2023 Playoffs and it left a sour taste in their mouth. On this occasion, they face a Liberty team that was runner-up in the WNBA Finals a season ago. Sure, New York finished with the best record in the WNBA. However, the Dream seem confident with momentum on their side.
One of the biggest keys in the series is matchups. The Liberty features terrific star power who can take over the game at any time. The question is how does the Dream contain New York’s offense. The Liberty have one of the best ball movements in the league. They rank second in assists and allow everyone to be engaged on that end of the floor.
Defensive assignments will be important for Atlanta. For instance, expect players like Jordin Canada and Allisha Gray to defend Sabrina Ionescu on different possessions. Ionescu is one of the best guards in the WNBA as she can impact the game both as a scorer and playmaker. New York’s frontcourt can dominate the series by themselves as well.
Defending Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones is no easy task. They’re two former MVPs who have the versatility of playing inside and out and forcing the defense to adjust at all times. That’s where players like Tina Charles and Naz Hillmon will have to step up to the plate and defend at a high level. Sure, Hillmon may have a height disadvantage against the Liberty frontcourt. However, her physicality on the defensive end could cause problems for New York.
As far as offense, the Dream have to be engaged. They have the firepower to put the ball in the basket. However, to defeat New York, the team has to be in sync. The Liberty have one of the best defenses in the WNBA as they rank third in points allowed and are top two in field goal percentage. Considering the Dream have droughts where they can go periods without scoring, their ball movement and engagement on offense are key for a series win.
When in doubt, call on Rhyne Howard to lead the way offensively. Howard has been on a tear the past few weeks as she’s been the leading factor behind the Dream clinching the last playoff spot. Now that the Dream are in the postseason, the work doesn’t stop. Howard understands that she has to lead the way in order for the Dream to succeed. With that being said, fans should expect a dominant showing from their star player.
As Howard sets the tone, other players will step up to the plate offensively. Allisha Gray will follow behind Howard and look to be the second option offensively. Also, players like Tina Charles, Jordin Canada, Maya Caldwell, and others will have to be key contributors on offense as well.
The Atlanta Dream certainly have their hands full in this first-round matchup. They have three games to prove themselves as playoff contenders and look to keep their season alive. However, the road won’t be easy going up against a determined New York Liberty team. As I mentioned before, this team is motivated as they fell short of a championship last season. With that being said, the Liberty will look to give Atlanta all they have as they look to have another deep playoff run.
