Angel Reese, Dream complete first-round sweep of Mystics as Atlanta’s playoff run gains momentum

# Game snapshot Atlanta finished its opening-round WNBA playoff series by defeating the Washington Mystics 93-75 at CareFirst Arena, completing a two-game sweep. The Dream won the opener 92-77, giving them two double-digit victories and a combined 33-point margin across the series.

# What happened on the court Angel Reese produced a multifaceted effort in the clinching game: 15 points on 4-of-8 shooting, seven rebounds, two assists and three blocks. She also made seven of eight free throws and attempted four 3-pointers (0-for-4). The Dream outscored Washington by 26 points while Reese played 28 minutes, the best plus-minus on the roster, indicating how Atlanta's lineups functioned with her on the floor.

Jordin Canada was the primary playmaker. She finished with 19 points, 11 assists and one turnover in 35 minutes, while making four of eight 3-point attempts and adding three steals. Canada's combination of passing, ball protection and scoring forced Washington to defend multiple threats.

Washington controlled the glass, outrebounding Atlanta 42-27. Kiki Iriafen grabbed 16 rebounds and scored 15 points. Despite the rebounding disadvantage, Atlanta generated more field-goal attempts, made six more 3-pointers than Washington and converted those opportunities more efficiently.

# Why Atlanta advanced Two factors stood out. First, ball movement and turnover control: Atlanta finished with 23 assists and only eight turnovers, while Washington had 13 assists and 19 turnovers. The assist-to-turnover margin allowed Atlanta to convert defensive stops and miscues into easy offense.

# How Reese affected the series Reese's impact included interior scoring, rebounding and rim protection. Her three blocks accounted for most of Atlanta's four team blocks in the game. Even without making 3-pointers, her efficiency at the rim and success at the free-throw line helped maintain offensive flow and spacing for perimeter scorers.

# What follows next Atlanta advances to the WNBA semifinals for the first time since 2018. The sweep gives the Dream momentum and time to rest and prepare for their next opponent. Washington finishes the series with turnover issues and a rebounding advantage that didn't translate into wins.

# Bottom line