Canada, Bonner lead Dream to 92-82 win over Liberty in semifinals opener

The Atlanta Dream defeated the New York Liberty 92-82 on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026, at State Farm Arena to open their best-of-five WNBA semifinals series 1-0. Jordin Canada scored 25 points, 20 after halftime, with five steals. DeWanna Bonner added a season-high 23 points and nine rebounds off the bench after Allisha Gray left in the second quarter with a left-hand injury. Atlanta trailed 40-37 at half following 14 lead changes, then outscored New York 32-15 in the third. Reese and Canada each had three steals in that quarter to key a 13-3 run. New York cut a double-digit deficit to five late; Canada answered with clutch 3-pointers and a transition layup. Sabrina Ionescu led the Liberty with 27 points; Breanna Stewart scored 19; Jonquel Jones had 12 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks. CBS Sports and AP put forced turnovers at 21 with 32 points off them, tying a WNBA playoff record; CBS News Atlanta reported 19 turnovers. Bonner said she is still learning teammates, plays and the city. Coach Karl Smesko said Atlanta had long wanted her and that she made plays when needed while guarding former MVPs. Canada said Bonner got into the team at halftime and they came out ready for a second-half surge. Stewart cited live-ball turnovers and a familiar Atlanta pressure run. Game 2 is Wednesday in Atlanta.