Dream Over Valkyries: Atlanta Soars, Hillmon Roars, and Gray Shines Bright

The Dream are starting to look like a team that knows exactly who they are — and they’re making a loud statement with every possession.

With a starting five of Jordin Canada, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Brionna Jones, and Brittney Griner, Atlanta showed balance, toughness, and flashes of dominance in their 90-81 win over the Golden State Valkyries. It’s their first-ever matchup against the WNBA’s newest franchise, and Atlanta made sure to protect home court and walk away with the 1-0 edge in the all-time series. But this win was more than just a box score — it was a statement of identity.

Let’s start with Allisha Gray. When she scores 15 or more, the Dream are now 12-2 — and tonight was no exception. She dropped 24 in this one, her eighth 20-point game of the season, and was the steady heartbeat Atlanta leaned on all night. Whether it was a timely three or a tough finish through contact, Gray delivered. Again.

Then there’s Naz Hillmon — what a performance. A season-high 16 points, a career-best four made threes, and a team-high +21 in the plus-minus column. She was electric, especially in the fourth quarter, when she hit two massive back-to-back triples to blow the game open and close the door on any Valkyries comeback hopes. This might’ve been her most complete performance of the season — fearless, confident, and decisive.

Brionna Jones was quietly huge: 14 points and 8 boards, plus a few key defensive plays that swung momentum Atlanta’s way. And Rhyne Howard? As versatile as ever. 15 points, 4 boards, 4 dimes, and 2 steals — and it felt like she was everywhere when the Dream needed a spark. Her third three of the night tied the game in the fourth and helped set up the team’s defining run.

And let’s talk about Jordin Canada. Her pace, her vision — her ability to see the floor and dictate tempo — continues to elevate Atlanta’s offense. She dished out a season-high 9 assists and was the catalyst for so many of the team’s big runs, including the game-breaking stretch in the final quarter. She controlled the pace masterfully and made sure the right people touched the ball at the right time.

The Dream’s defense also set the tone — 11 steals, a new season high. They disrupted passing lanes, turned defense into offense, and created energy with every possession. That defense translated to offense, and that offense translated into rhythm.

Atlanta shot 43.9% from the field and a crisp 87.5% from the free throw line (21-of-24) — efficient, poised, and clutch when it counted. And they became just the second team this season to hang 90+ on the Valkyries. This wasn’t just a win — it was a comprehensive, total-team performance.

Quarter by quarter, Atlanta weathered early storms and responded with confidence. They trailed by 10 after one, but never panicked. They clawed back in the second, took control in the third, and closed like a playoff-tested team in the fourth. That 12-2 run in the final frame was pure Dream basketball: fast, gritty, smart, and together.

With this win, the Dream move to 7-4 on the season — and more importantly, they’re gaining momentum and a clear identity. A team that shares the ball, defends with purpose, and steps up when the game gets tight.

Next up:  The Dream will head to Indiana on Friday, July 11 to take on the Fever. Another big test — and another chance to prove this team is for real.