NEW YORK — Unlike the WNBA’s other 12 head coaches, Atlanta Dream coach Karl Smesko doesn’t put together practice plans. He uses another phrase in referring to the Dream’s workouts. He crafts what he calls “progress plans.”

Then Stewart hit a layup to give the Liberty the edge at 81-79 with 1:56 to go. After an Atlanta turnover, Stewart scored from in close to double the margin. Brionna Jones scored on an offensive rebound to cut it to 83-81. The Liberty had a shot clock violation, but Rhyne Howard missed inside.

The top two Eastern Conference teams face off in Brooklyn at 7 p.m. ET, with the 8-3 Dream riding a three-game win streak against the 9-1 Liberty.