Gray led the scoring, while Naz Hillmon added 16 points. Atlanta held the Liberty to 65, a useful number for a team preparing for a short postseason series. In a best-of-three first round, there is little time to recover from one poor defensive night.

The Dream defeated the New York Liberty 83-65 at Barclays Center, locking up fourth place and home-court advantage in the opening round. Allisha Gray led Atlanta with 24 points and five assists, while Naz Hillmon added 16.

Star Angel Reese was sidelined after a Flagrant 1 foul by Sabrina Ionescu, but she's expected to play in the WNBA playoffs.

Jordin Canada and Angel Reese combine for 37 points, fuel Atlanta Dream's 95-84 victory over the New York Liberty.

NEW YORK (AP) — Madina Okot had a special guest at the Atlanta Dream's win over the New York Liberty on Wednesday night as Kenyan President William Ruto was sitting courtside. He was in New York for the United Nations General Assembly this week and wanted to see her play.

And Beck Allen changing that. Again, after the celebration pregame here tonight. Anything could happen- Into a game three in a circumstance like that. Allen finally gets one to go from the corner.

Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream go head-to-head with Breanna Stewart and the New York Liberty tonight at Barclays Center in a contest that could preview a first-round WNBA playoff showdown. Live coverage begins at 8:00 PM ET on NBCSN and Peacock.

Allisha Gray scored 24 points, Naz Hillmon added 16 and the Atlanta Dream clinched home-court advantage for the first round of the playoffs by beating the host New York Liberty 83-65 on Wednesday.