New York Liberty knock Atlanta Dream out of playoffs with 91-82 win

The New York Liberty beat the Atlanta Dream 91-82 on Tuesday night and advance to the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs.
New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) drives to the basket between Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (15) and Tina Charles during the first half of a first-round WNBA basketball playoff game, Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

The New York Liberty have been focused on bringing the first championship to the franchise after falling just short last year.

They moved one step closer to that goal as Sabrina Ionescu tied a franchise playoff record with 36 points to help the Liberty beat the Atlanta Dream 91-82 on Tuesday night and advance to the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs.

“The ultimate goal is what it is. But, you know, it’s every single game is a championship game to get to that final goal,” Ionescu said. “And obviously our goal is to not lose at home. So this was really important for us to come out, take these two and have a couple days off and kind of rest, recharge and get ready for whatever it is we’re going to play.”