Karl Smesko Says Dream Don't Win Games 2 or 3 Without Isobel Borlase

Isobel Borlase scored 11 points off the bench in the Atlanta Dream's 101-98 overtime win over the New York Liberty on Oct. 7, hitting 3-pointers on consecutive possessions. Two nights later at Barclays Center, she had 10 points, two steals, and two rebounds in the 85-83 win that finished a semifinal sweep.

Dream coach Karl Smesko said Tuesday, at the team's media availability in Atlanta ahead of the WNBA Finals, that he does not think Atlanta wins either game without her.

Allisha Gray, the Dream's leading scorer, missed both games after hurting her left hand in Game 1 against New York. Gray played 11 minutes in that game.

Borlase is a 22-year-old Australian guard in her rookie season. Over her first three playoff appearances she averaged 2.3 points in 10.7 minutes, according to Fox Sports. She averaged 4.5 points in 31 regular-season games.

Smesko said Borlase was ready when the chance at more minutes came.

"I don't think we win Game 2 or 3 without Izzy," Smesko said. "That's how important her contributions were. She came in and she made a positive impact toward winning in both games. She was ready when she received the opportunity for more minutes. So we're really excited that she keeps that rolling into the Finals."

Jordin Canada had 23 points in Game 2, as did Angel Reese, and Naz Hillmon scored on a layup with 20.8 seconds to go in regulation to put Atlanta back in front before Marine Fauthoux forced overtime with a 3-pointer. Six Dream players finished in double figures.

Borlase was part of a tense second quarter at Barclays Center in Game 3. Smesko said she understands that playoff basketball gets physical.

"That was really good on her part," Smesko explained. "She understands it's playoff basketball and that things are going to get a little physical, and she didn't lose her composure and just moved on to the next play."

Reese scored 22 points in Game 3, Rhyne Howard added 21, and Breanna Stewart missed a chance to tie it for New York in the final seconds.

Smesko is in his second season in Atlanta after leaving Florida Gulf Coast. The Dream have gone 30-14 in both of his regular seasons. Last year they lost in the first round. This year they swept the Washington Mystics and the Liberty and have won 10 straight.

The Golden State Valkyries won all three regular-season meetings, 77-66 and 78-75 at Chase Center and 88-83 on July 4 in College Park, Ga. DeWanna Bonner had not yet signed. Atlanta added the 17-year veteran on Aug. 26.

Smesko said the Finals are the ultimate challenge and that Golden State is a great team.

"I think we [were] a pretty good team at that point, but we were still learning how to play with one another, and there were a lot of improvements to be made," Smesko said. "We've obviously added a piece in DB. Angel has grown in her comfort level within our team, both on an offensive and defensive standpoint. She's just raised her game to a whole other level. So I do think we're a much better team than we were at the time we played."

Reese won Defensive Player of the Year, announced Oct. 1, after leading the league with 12.1 rebounds per game. Bonner is averaging 13.2 points in the playoffs, according to the Valkyries.

The Valkyries went 32-12 and hold home-court advantage.

Saturday's opener tips at 3:30 p.m. ET at Chase Center on NBC and Peacock. Games 3 and 4 move to State Farm Arena on Oct. 21 and Oct. 24, and Game 3 has become the most expensive WNBA Finals ticket on record.