Atlanta sweeps Washington to reach WNBA semifinals

The Atlanta Dream defeated the Washington Mystics 93-75 on Wednesday, October 1, completing a two-game first-round sweep and advancing to the WNBA semifinals. Allisha Gray scored 22 points and Jordin Canada added 19, including 13 in the fourth quarter, as Atlanta secured its first semifinal berth since 2018, according to one account of the result. Canada also recorded 11 assists and seven rebounds. Angel Reese and Rhyne Howard each scored 15 points for Atlanta, while Naz Hillmon added 10. Washington’s Sonia Citron led all scorers with 25 points, and Kiki Iriafen had 15 points and 16 rebounds. Atlanta built a 13-point first-half lead before Washington closed the gap and pulled within 65-62 in the third quarter. The Dream responded with 13 consecutive points, restoring a commanding lead. Canada hit three-pointers on consecutive possessions in the fourth, then added a jumper to put Atlanta ahead 89-70 with 2:58 remaining. The victory followed Atlanta’s 92-77 win in Game 1. DeWanna Bonner scored 13 points in that opener, including 11 in the third quarter, as the Dream overcame an 11-point deficit. Washington’s Kiki Iriafen later said Bonner’s scoring gave Atlanta momentum.