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Dream Demolition: Atlanta Sets Franchise Record in 86-49 Blowout Over Chicago

By Yakiri Thomas / July 17, 2025

 

The Atlanta Dream made a statement in Chicago on Wednesday night, steamrolling the Sky 86-49 in Game 22 of the season — a historic win that showcased dominance on both ends of the floor.

Let’s be clear: this wasn’t just a win. This was a dismantling.

Atlanta set the tone early, starting the night with a fresh lineup featuring Jordin Canada, Allisha Gray, Maya Caldwell, Brionna Jones, and Brittney Griner. That unit now moves to 1-1 on the season, and judging by what we saw, they looked locked in from tip-off.

Griner came out aggressive, scoring the first five points of the game and swatting a shot away like it was nothing. By the end of the night, she moved into 19th on the WNBA’s all-time scoring list, passing Jewell Loyd — a quiet, powerful milestone in a not-so-quiet performance.

The Dream’s defense? Ruthless. Chicago was held to just 10 points in the first quarter, the lowest opening frame total Atlanta has allowed all year. And the Sky never found their rhythm. Atlanta kept their foot on the gas, holding Chicago to just 23 points in the first half — a new season low for any Dream opponent.

The offensive outburst in the third quarter sealed it. Atlanta poured in 33 points — their highest-scoring quarter of the season — and stretched the lead to as much as 39. Everything was clicking. Paopao dropped dimes and triples, Brionna Jones and Allisha Gray filled it up, and the Dream absolutely owned the paint, finishing the third shooting nearly 77% around the rim.

By the end of the night, the Dream had done more than just dominate — they rewrote the record book.

  • The 37-point margin of victory? Second-largest in franchise history.
  • Holding Chicago to just 49 points total? That’s a new franchise record for fewest points allowed.
  • Chicago scored just 13 points in each of the last three quarters. Atlanta’s defense stayed relentless.

Five Dream players finished in double figures:

Griner led with 15, Gray and Jones added 14 apiece, Paopao chipped in 13, and Hillmon dropped 10.

And speaking of Paopao — her first bucket of the night pushed her over the 100-point mark in her young WNBA career. Milestone moment for the rookie, and one that came with style.

Quarter by quarter, Atlanta was locked in.

Q1: Griner set the tone, Caldwell and Canada added pace, and the Dream raced to a 23-10 lead.

Q2: Hillmon hit a three, Gray caught fire from deep, and Atlanta entered halftime up 41-23.

Q3: The Dream lit it up. Paopao dished and splashed, the lead ballooned to 39, and Atlanta outscored Chicago 33-13.

Q4: The bench closed it out with poise. Paopao hit her third three. Thierry and Walker-Kimbrough added their names to the scoresheet. The Dream rolled to the finish line.

And now — it’s time to celebrate.

The 2024 AT&T WNBA All-Star Weekend is almost here, and it’s about to be a full-on celebration of hoops and culture. Mark your calendars for Friday, July 18 and Saturday, July 19 (10 a.m. – 7 p.m. ET), all going down at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis.

After the break, the Dream head west to take on the defending champion Las Vegas Aces on July 22.

Vegas, baby.

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