WNBA Mid-Season Showdown: Liberty vs. Dream

The 2025 WNBA season has been anything but predictable, and as someone who thrives on dissecting basketball analytics, I can’t help but marvel at the rollercoaster ride that teams like the New York Liberty and Atlanta Dream are taking us on. Let’s break down their recent performances with a mix of cold, hard stats and a sprinkle of my signature dry humor.

New York Liberty: A Tale of Two Halves

The Liberty started June with a nail-biting 86-81 victory over the Dream, showcasing their offensive firepower. Sabrina Ionescu’s clutch three-pointers in the final minutes were a masterclass in composure—something I’d love to see more consistently from this squad. Fast forward to their 106-91 loss to the Phoenix Mercury, and it’s clear that defensive lapses (yes, I’m side-eyeing those transition breakdowns) are their Achilles’ heel. Their current record: a middling 3-3 in June, leaving fans oscillating between hope and frustration.

Stat to ponder: The Liberty average 82.3 points per game but concede 85.7. That math doesn’t add up to playoff success, folks.

Atlanta Dream: The Dark Horse Galloping Ahead

Meanwhile, the Dream are quietly assembling a compelling case for ‘Team Most Likely to Surprise.’ Their 92-91 overtime thriller against the Washington Mystis was a showcase of resilience, fueled by Rhyne Howard’s 28-point explosion. What’s impressive? Their bench depth—contributing 34 points in that game—a stat that warms this analyst’s data-loving heart. At 4-2 for June, they’re flirting with a top-four seed, though their recent 96-92 loss to the Lynx exposed lingering defensive rotations issues.

Fun fact: Atlanta leads the league in fast-break points (12.4 per game). Coach Tanisha Wright’s emphasis on pace is paying dividends.

Key Matchup Preview: Dream vs. Liberty Rematch

Circle June 29th on your calendars. The Liberty’s visit to Atlanta isn’t just another game—it’s a litmus test for both teams. Can New York’s offense crack Atlanta’s aggressive perimeter defense? Will Howard outduel Ionescu again? My predictive model gives Atlanta a 58% win probability, but as we’ve seen this season, expect the unexpected.

Final Thoughts

The Liberty need to tighten their defense pronto, while the Dream must prove they’re not just a flash in the pan. One thing’s certain: the WNBA’s mid-season chaos is a goldmine for analysts like me. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a spreadsheet to update.