Dream Fall Short in Thriller Against Mystics, 94-90

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a high-energy showdown on Friday night, the Atlanta Dream came up just short, falling 94-90 to the Washington Mystics in a game that featured multiple lead changes, standout individual performances, and a promising new starting lineup for Atlanta.

For the first time this season, the Dream started Te-Hina Paopao, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Brionna Jones, and Brittney Griner—an exciting combination that brought both intensity and versatility to the court.

Allisha Gray led the charge with a record-breaking night. The two-time WNBA All-Star poured in a career-high 19 points in the first half and finished with 25 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, continuing to showcase her evolution into one of the league’s most reliable two-way players.

Newcomer Brittney Griner made an immediate impact in her Dream regular season debut, scoring 18 points—13 of them coming in a dominant fourth-quarter stretch that kept Atlanta within striking distance.

Brionna Jones also impressed, recording her first double-double in a Dream uniform with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, while Howard (11 points) and Nia Coffey (10 points) rounded out a balanced offensive effort that saw five Dream players in double figures.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

Q1:

The Dream came out with urgency, led by a quick three from Howard and stifling defense that held the Mystics scoreless for the first three minutes. Paopao made her WNBA presence felt, scoring her first professional points with a smooth floater followed by a deep three. Gray led all Dream scorers with nine points in the quarter as Atlanta jumped out to an early lead.

Q2:

Paopao opened the quarter strong, and Atlanta rode a 10-2 run to force a Washington timeout. Gray continued her dominant play, accounting for over 70% of the team’s points in the quarter through scoring and assists. Despite a push from the Mystics, the Dream held a 45-40 lead at halftime.

Q3:

Howard stayed hot with another deep three to start the half, but the teams traded baskets throughout, with the game tied multiple times. Jones stepped up as a facilitator and scorer, contributing to more than half of the Dream’s points in the third. The quarter ended with the score knotted at 71.

Q4:

Griner came alive in the final frame, scoring Atlanta’s first points and going on a solo 9-point stretch that cut the Mystics’ lead to just four. Gray’s and-one layup brought Atlanta within one with under four minutes to play. Despite the late surge, the Dream couldn’t overcome the final Washington push.

With the loss, Atlanta’s all-time record against Washington shifts to 29-34, and 13-20 in games played in D.C.

Looking Ahead

The Dream will look to rebound as they open their 2025 home schedule on Thursday, May 22 at 7:30 PM ET against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever at State Farm Arena.

Stay tuned for more Dream updates, game coverage, and player highlights all season long.