Liberty comes up short in Game 1 loss to the Dream 92-82

After shocking the Lynx, the New York Liberty was one series away from heading back to the WNBA Finals, but they had a surging Dream team in their way of getting to their quest. Prior to the game, Breana Stewart talked about the factors that they needed to do in order to get a victory in Game 1 of the semis.

"We have to make sure that we do not tur the ball over. Atlanta is ranked first in the league with steals and turning them into points." Those were the keys that New York highlighted.

Let's take you inside the lines!

The first quarter was a frantic pace for both teams. Sabrina and Stewie set the tone early on as they were very aggressive with getting to their spots on the floor. They combined for 14 points. On the defensive side of the ball, they forced Atlanta to play more one on one ball instead of swinging the ball around the ball to find the open person, which was a key factor with going on a 10-4 run to finish out the quarter. The second quarter for the Liberty was more their speed with slowing the pace, but in doing so, they turned the ball over seven times. Despite the turnovers, New York had a three-point lead heading into the locker room.

Coming out of the locker room, New York knew that they had t cut down turning the ball over, in order to keep ATL at bay. That did not work. The first three minutes of the third quarter was a nightmare for New York. They missed six shots and the Dream capitalized off missed opportunities. In a blink of one eye, Atlanta wet up 14.

Let's head to the fourth! Down by 11 with under five minutes left in regulation, Sabrina I attempted to put her team on her back. She hit a couple of shots to keep the Liberty in striking distance, but it was not enough as Joran Canada put the finishing touches on the game with a three to shoulder lean the Dream to a Game 1 victory.

Sabrina I finished with 27 points