The Atlanta Dream just locked down a massive 92-82 Game 1 semifinals win against the New York Liberty at home in a packed State Farm Arena. But let me tell you, that final score doesn’t even begin to tell the whole story. This game was a fight, especially after they lost their leading scorer, Allisha Gray, twice to a nasty left hand injury. Someone had to step up, and boy, did DeWanna Bonner deliver.
Halftime Fire Sparked the Comeback
When Gray went down, the Dream needed a hero, and Bonner answered the call, but not just with her play. This 17-year veteran, a two-time champion, knew what her team needed. Jordin Canada spilled the beans after the game, admitting, “DB [DeWanna Bonner] got into us at halftime. We knew we didn’t play our best in the first half. We gave up a lot of defensive assignments: not aggressive enough on offense and defense.” That’s the kind of leadership you can’t teach. Whatever she said, it lit a fire under them. The Dream came out absolutely roaring in the third quarter, putting together a ridiculous 17-2 run that turned a tight contest into a comfortable win. Bonner’s fingerprints were all over that turnaround.
Championship Pedigree Takes Over
Bonner wasn’t just a vocal leader, though, she absolutely dominated on the court. She racked up 23 points, grabbed 9 rebounds, dished out 2 assists, and snagged 2 steals. She was money from deep, hitting 3-of-6 from beyond the arc, and shot 10-of-18 overall from the field. Get this: she scored 23 of Atlanta’s entire 27 bench points! She was shooting 50 percent from deep and crashing the boards. Dream head coach Karl Smekso was practically gushing, saying Bonner was “exactly what we needed. Not just because she’s a veteran presence and all the experience. Because she still plays like she did tonight. That was a huge performance, and when we needed a play, she made it.” Remember when the Mercury bought her out in August? Bonner wanted a shot at a championship, and she’s putting herself right in the mix. She wasted no time making her presence felt, drilling a corner three in the opening quarter, then pump-faking Breanna Stewart for a tough mid-range bank shot. Her offensive burst was a constant theme throughout the game, always delivering when a bucket was needed.
This huge Game 1 victory means the Dream are now just two wins away from making a WNBA Finals appearance. You gotta believe they’ll carry this momentum, and Bonner’s leadership, into the next matchup.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Swish Appeal.
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