Breaking down Liberty-Dream playoff matchup, plus two WNBA semifinal predictions

ATLANTA — Survive and advance.That’s the name of the game when it comes to the playoffs.Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Madeline Kenney about all things Liberty and WNBA.

The Liberty carried out a stunning upset of the Minnesota Lynx, becoming the first eighth seed to beat a No.1 seed.The Atlanta Dream also handled business against the Washington Mystics, marking the Dream’s first time advancing past the first round since 2018.Both teams are coming off first-round sweeps as they enter a best-of-five semifinal series that begins Sunday.The Dream have home-court advantage, while the Liberty are far more experienced playing together in these high-stakes games.A ticket to the WNBA Finals is on the line for the winner.

Let’s take a look at how the two teams match up:Reese has one of the best motors in the league and has become a rebounding machine, averaging 12.6 boards per game over her first three seasons.She’s had a career renaissance since being traded to the Dream and was named Defensive Player of the Year.But this is a matchup veteran Jones looks forward to — almost as if to humble the youngster.

Reese’s lack of a 3-point threat allows Jones to sag off and be more disruptive inside.The Liberty did a solid job keeping the Dream (and Reese in particular) off the offensive glass.They won the rebound battle in each of their three regular-season meetings, with Jones and Breanna Stewart averaging a combined 24.5 boards per outing.Edge: LibertyThe Dream have a more dynamic backcourt.

Jordin Canada orchestrates the offense, averaging 7.3 assists per game.Meanwhile, Allisha Gray is one of the league’s most lethal downhill-attacking guards.Pauline Astier is one of the best guards at finishing at the rim.

Sabrina Ionescu has been up and down this season.The biggest difference maker between these two areas is how elite the Dream defense is, particularly when it comes to jumping passing lanes and ...