WNBL MVP's heroics guide Dream to thrilling victory

The Atlanta Dream are now just one win away from the 2026 WNBA Finals, after Thursday AEDT's impressive win over New York.

One of the stars in the Dream's 101-98 overtime victory was reigning WNBL MVP Izzy Borlase.

In 14 minutes off the bench, Bendigo's Borlase hit 3 triples on her way to 11 points, 4 rebounds and 1 steal.

Others to feature for the Dream were current Tasmania Jewels centre Madina Okot and former WNBL imports Jordin Canada and Naz Hillmon, who had 23 and 12 points, respectively.

In the loss, both Opal Bec Allen and Geelong's Han Xu featured, with Perth's Anneli Maley an unused substitute.

Atlanta now 2-0 going into Game 3 at Brooklyn's Barclays Centre, which tips off at 10.30am AEDT on Saturday.

Similarly to the Dream, the Golden State Valkyries, headlined by Townsville's Miela Sowah, also lead 2-0 after the first two fixtures.

The Valkyries edged Steph Talbot's Las Vegas Aces 83-81 on Thursday to move within one win of the seven-game Finals.

In the win, former WNBL talent Kayla Thornton and Veronica Burton added 16 and 8 points, respectively, while Talbot had 10 points, 4 rebounds and 1 block in her return fixture.

Former WNBL imports Jackie Young (14 points) and Brianna Turner both started for the Aces in the defeat.

Game 3 is at Las Vegas' Michelob ULTRA Arena on Saturday from 12.30pm AEDT.