Atlanta Dream Defeat Sabrina Ionescu and Co. 90-81

The Atlanta Dream secured a critical 90-81 victory over the New York Liberty on Sunday, snapping a five-game home losing streak to the Eastern Conference powerhouse. However, the win came with concern as Rhyne Howard exited in the second half after a hard hit, finishing with just five points in 24 minutes. Her status moving forward remains uncertain.

The Dream rolled out Jordin Canada, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Brionna Jones, and Brittney Griner as starters, improving to 6-4 with that combination this season. Atlanta’s all-time record against New York now sits at 24-40 overall, including 13-19 at home.

Atlanta held the Liberty to a season-low 34 first-half points while scoring 40 of their 47 first-half points in the paint, the second-most in a half in franchise history. The Dream finished with 62 points in the paint, just six shy of the franchise record (68), and shot an efficient 52.9% from the field.

Five players scored in double figures for Atlanta. Brionna Jones led the way with 21 points, tying her season high, along with six rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Allisha Gray added 20 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter alone. Jordin Canada recorded a season-high 15 points and tied her season high with eight assists. Brittney Griner tallied 14 points, four rebounds, and three assists while passing Jonquel Jones to retake 20th on the WNBA’s all-time rebounds list with 2,406. Naz Hillmon chipped in 10 points off the bench.

The Dream dished out a season-high 27 assists, reflecting their improved ball movement and offensive flow. They have now scored 90 or more points in back-to-back games, signaling a growing offensive rhythm despite recent losses.

In the first quarter, Canada opened with an and-one and fed Griner for an easy finish. Gray’s second-chance layup reclaimed momentum, and Jones dominated defensively with a block on Gardner before scoring back-to-back buckets. Canada sparked a 12-4 run with her second and-one play. Te-Hina Paopao connected off a Howard assist, and Atlanta led 29-19 after one, pouring in 24 points in the paint.

Gray struck first in the second quarter with a layup. Walker-Kimbrough added energy off the bench, and a 19-2 run ballooned the lead to 20 points. Howard turned a steal into a midrange jumper before exiting later due to injury. Griner grabbed five rebounds in the quarter, surpassing Jonquel Jones on the all-time list. Atlanta closed the half on a 23-9 run, holding New York to just 15 points and leading 47-34 at halftime.

Jones came out firing in the third with three straight makes, extending the lead. Gray added a clean finish at the rim, and Hillmon hit a three off a Canada assist. Jones accounted for over half (56.2%) of Atlanta’s third-quarter points as the Dream entered the final frame leading 63-53.

Canada opened the fourth with her first three-pointer, then assisted and converted an and-one for Atlanta’s first five points. Gray responded to a Liberty push with back-to-back buckets and nailed consecutive threes to push the lead to 18. Nia Coffey added a timely bench score, and Gray’s 10 fourth-quarter points sealed the 90-81 win over New York.

While the Dream snapped their losing streak against the Liberty, all eyes will be on Rhyne Howard’s injury status as they navigate this grueling stretch against playoff-caliber opponents. Atlanta, now 11-6, will need to maintain their balanced offensive attack and defensive focus to stay above .500.

Up next: The Dream will take on Seattle on Thursday, July 3 at Gateway Center Arena with tip-off set for 7:30 PM.