Dream Fall Short Against Aces Despite Big Nights from Howard and Jones

The Atlanta Dream battled to the wire against the Las Vegas Aces but came up just short in an 81-75 loss at Gateway Center Arena. Despite the setback, several Dream players turned in standout performances in what felt like a playoff-level atmosphere.

Atlanta opened with Te-Hina Paopao, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Naz Hillmon, and Brionna Jones, moving to 2-1 with that lineup this season. The Dream’s all-time record against Las Vegas now sits at 6-17 overall and 3-8 at home.

Rhyne Howard paced the team with 19 points, seven assists, and four rebounds, marking the 11th time this season she has led the Dream in scoring and her 13th time leading in assists. Jones matched Howard with 19 points of her own, adding five rebounds and two assists — her fourth time serving as the team’s scoring leader.

Gray delivered another reliable effort, finishing with 15 points, five rebounds, and two assists. In doing so, she set a new franchise record for most double-digit scoring games in a single season (37), surpassing Howard’s mark from 2023. Hillmon controlled the boards with a career-high 15 rebounds to go with seven points and three assists, marking the 13th time she has led the Dream on the glass this year.

The game also included a milestone on the other side, as Brittney Griner collected her 2,500th career rebound. She finished with five boards and currently ranks 17th all-time in WNBA history, just 21 rebounds shy of passing Swin Cash.

The Dream got off to a hot start in the first quarter, shooting nearly 78% from the field while Jones powered her way to eight early points. Atlanta led 13-11 after one. By halftime, Jones and Howard carried the offense, while the Dream remained perfect from the free-throw line, taking a 42-40 lead into the break.

Hillmon made her presence felt in the third quarter, scoring half of Atlanta’s points in the frame while controlling the paint. The Aces clawed back behind timely buckets, but the Dream stayed within striking distance heading into the final 10 minutes.

Jones and Gray sparked the fourth-quarter attack with back-to-back baskets, and Howard buried a late three to keep Atlanta alive. Paopao added a clutch triple with just over a minute remaining to cut the deficit to three. Howard drilled another three in the closing seconds, but Las Vegas held on to secure the win.

The Dream will look to bounce back quickly, returning home to face the Dallas Wings tomorrow night at Gateway Center Arena. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.