ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 20: Jordin Canada #3 of the Atlanta Dream plays defense as Jade Melbourne #5 of the Washington Mystics looks to pass the ball during the game on June 20, 2025 at Gateway Center Arena at College Park in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Joe Boatman/NBAE via Getty Images)

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Dream Outlast Mystics in Thrilling 92-91 Victory at Home

By Yakiri Thomas / June 21, 2025

The Atlanta Dream earned a hard-fought 92-91 win over the Washington Mystics in a back-and-forth battle that came down to the final seconds on Thursday night at Gateway Center Arena.

With the victory, the Dream improved to 4-2 when starting Jordin Canada, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Brionna Jones, and Brittney Griner. The win also shifts Atlanta’s all-time record against Washington to 31-34 overall and 17-14 at home.

All five Dream starters reached double figures for the first time this season, showcasing a balanced offensive attack and strong team chemistry. Rhyne Howard led the late push with seven points in the opening five minutes of the fourth quarter, and the team collectively shot a red-hot 91.7% from the free throw line to ice the game down the stretch.

The game opened with high intensity and physicality as both teams traded buckets. Atlanta held a slim 25-22 lead after one, thanks to solid contributions from Jordin Canada and Naz Hillmon. Rhyne Howard was active on the glass, and rookie Te-Hina Paopao hit a timely three. The Mystics stayed close behind aggressive drives from Brittney Sykes and the post presence of Shakira Austin.

Atlanta took control midway through the second period, using a 19-8 run to gain a 47-38 halftime lead. Brittney Griner, Nia Coffey, and Rhyne Howard delivered key baskets, while the defense forced several turnovers and limited the Mystics’ field goal opportunities. Allisha Gray knocked down a clutch three and moved into 5th place all-time in franchise history for threes made (142).

The Dream pushed the pace out of the locker room, stretching the lead to double digits with strong two-way play. Allisha Gray continued her impact with aggressive drives, while Canada disrupted Washington’s rhythm with active hands and court vision. Atlanta maintained control, leading 72-60 after three.

Howard came out blazing in the fourth, scoring seven of her points early to keep Atlanta ahead. Though the Mystics made a late rally, the Dream were nearly perfect from the line—making 13 of 15 free throws in the fourth quarter alone—to hold on for the narrow 92-91 victory.

Former Mystic and current Dream guard Shatori Walker-Kimbrough reached a personal milestone, for Atlanta surpassing 1,500 career points with her first basket of the night.

Atlanta finished the game shooting 49.2% from the field, while the bench contributed significantly, outscoring Washington’s reserves 26-9 behind the efforts of Hillmon, Paopao, and Coffey.

What’s Next: The Dream will look to carry the momentum into Sunday afternoon as they host the Chicago Sky. Tip-off is set for 3:00 PM ET at Gateway Center Arena

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