Heading into overtime in Game 2, it was a battle of tactics and nerves between the Dream and the Liberty. That’s when the experience of two-time WNBA champion DeWanna Bonner came into play. 

It all went down to the wire on Wednesday night as the Dream took a 2-0 lead into the series, with a 101-98 win. They did so with overtime heroics, and Bonner was at the center of it. Dream forward Angel Reese explained Bonner's impact on the team's mindset.

“We wanted to make sure we stayed poised,” Reese said. “DB told us the usually the first team that scores is the team that wins that overtime, and she kept telling us that. So she gave us that confidence and we felt it.” 

The Dream followed Bonner’s mantra, scoring the first five points of overtime. But the Liberty refused to fold.

They responded with the next eight, giving the Liberty a 96-93 lead. With 33.8 seconds to go, the Liberty held a one-point lead, 98-97. 

However, a layup from Naz Hillmon turned things around in their favor.

On top of being the leader on the court, Bonner scored 10 Points, 3 Assists, and 4 Rebounds. 

The Dream made sure to manage their emotions and seal the victory.  

“We were just talking about making our emotions and valuing possessions, something that we lived by all year, and I think we did that,” Reese added, per USA Today's report.

Reese led in scoring with 23 points, along with Jordin Canada. The WNBA DPOY came in clutch, scoring six of her team’s 13 points in overtime.

Meanwhile, Breanna Stewart's historic night went for naught as the Liberty fell short.

Breanna Stewart's historic night

Stewart was everywhere on the court at the State Farm Arena. However, now she faces a daunting task to come back from the 2-0 deficit in the series. The Liberty forward is going to take it one game at a time.

"We're focused on winning one game and that's (Game 3 on) Friday. And then we go from there," Stewart added, per USA Today's Cydney Henderson. "I've been a part of some crazy series and I have a lot of confidence in our group."

Stewart made history on Wednesday night, becoming the first player in WNBA playoff history to record 35 points, 10-plus rebounds, and five-plus assists. Despite the incredible performance, her team fell short.

For the Liberty, home-court advantage will be at play on Friday. The three-time WNBA champion will hope to do it all over again. 

Written by

Avishek Sarkar