The Atlanta Dream clinched the final spot in the 2024 WNBA Playoffs with a 78-67 win over the New York Liberty Thursday. The eight-seed Dream will stay in New York to play the top-seeded Liberty in a best-of-three series, with the first two games in New York and, if required, game three in Atlanta.
Atlanta Dream center Tina Charles continued to put her fingerprints on history as she became the WNBA’s career leader in total rebounds and double-doubles during tonight’s game against the New York Liberty. Before the game, she was inducted into the New York City Basketball Hall of Fame. Charles passed five-time All-WNBA First Team selection Sylvia Fowles on both lists to set the career mark.
Great playoff atmosphere. Great opportunity for us. We’re thrilled about the opportunity to be in the playoffs. We do not take that for granted. It’s not an easy thing to do.”
Dream head coach Tanisha Wright on the night overall…
Breanna Stewart was subbed off after the first half. With the Liberty having the No. 1 seed they consistently rotated their starters and pulled Stewie out completely. The Liberty’s bench saw a lot of clock tonight and was able to keep the game within reach in the second half. But Atlanta’s bench was too much to handle, taking credit for all of their fourth-quarter points, led by Haley Jones (4).
Atlanta’s turnovers were far too high. Just past the midway mark of the fourth quarter, the Dream had already tallied 14 while fighting for the No. 8 seed. During the match, we were alerted that Connecticut was holding strong to their massive lead over Chicago, meaning Atlanta would earn that final playoff spot regardless of tonight’s outcome.
Thankfully, the Dream didn’t need the help, handily finishing off the Liberty. Naz Hillmon and Rhyne Howard led the Dream with 13 points while Tina Charles’ double-double (10 points, 10 rebounds) will be the talk of the night.
The 2024 WNBA Playoffs are set to begin on Sept. 22, with the top eight teams in the league competing in a best-of-three series. The winners of each first-round series will advance to a best-of-five semifinal round, and the winners of each seminal round series will then advance to the WNBA Finals, another best-of-five series.
-Jon Jones
Photo: Getty Images
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