Dream Extinguish Fire, Cruise to 86-66 Road Victory

The Atlanta Dream continue proving they can win in a variety of ways.

After relying on late-game heroics against Phoenix earlier in the week, Atlanta leaned on its defense Friday night, forcing 28 turnovers and turning them into 33 points en route to an 86-66 victory over the Portland Fire at Moda Center.

The win improves the Dream to 5-2 on the season and concludes their road trip on a high note.

“We put good pressure on them and made a lot of defensive plays,” Dream Head Coach Karl Smesko said. “When you get steals, you have to get out in transition, and I thought we got some really good looks.”

Atlanta started Jordin Canada, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Naz Hillmon and Angel Reese, improving to 5-1 with that starting lineup. It was also the Dream’s first-ever victory over the WNBA expansion Portland Fire, giving Atlanta a 1-0 all-time record in the series.

The Dream established themselves early.

Three-pointers from Hillmon and Gray, combined with baskets from Reese and Canada, fueled a 10-3 opening run. Reese was active immediately, scoring six points and grabbing five rebounds in the first quarter while Howard set the defensive tone with two steals.

Atlanta also controlled the glass from the opening tip, outrebounding Portland 16-10 in the first quarter.

The Fire battled back in the second period, but Atlanta’s bench provided valuable contributions.

Madina Okot made the most of her minutes, finishing a perfect 3-for-3 from the field and adding a free throw. Isobel Borlase knocked down a step-back jumper while helping maintain momentum during a competitive second quarter.

Meanwhile, Howard found her shooting stroke.

After being held scoreless from deep in the opening quarter, Howard connected on three second-quarter three-pointers, scoring all nine of her first-half points from beyond the arc. Two late triples from Howard helped Atlanta create separation before halftime.

The Dream entered the break holding a 38-31 advantage.

The game changed dramatically in the third quarter.

Atlanta’s defense completely overwhelmed Portland.

The Dream forced nine turnovers and collected six steals during the period, fueling a dominant 14-1 run. Allisha Gray sparked the surge with a deep three-pointer, a pair of free throws, and a steal that perfectly captured Atlanta’s aggressive mentality.

“We’ve emphasized having that second-half surge,” Angel Reese said. “We haven’t always come out in the third quarter and done what we’re supposed to do, but tonight we came out in that second half and did what we were supposed to.”

The defensive effort was relentless.

Howard and Hillmon led the charge as Atlanta repeatedly jumped passing lanes, disrupted offensive sets and turned defense into easy scoring opportunities.

Howard finished with 14 points, four assists and six steals, tying a career high in steals. Hillmon added 14 points, seven rebounds, four assists and a career-high five steals.

Together, the duo accounted for 11 of Atlanta’s 16 steals.

By the time the fourth quarter arrived, Portland was struggling to generate any offensive rhythm.

Atlanta quickly delivered the knockout punch.

Howard and Canada opened the final quarter with back-to-back and-one opportunities as part of a 7-0 run in the first 75 seconds. The burst was part of a larger 14-4 run that put the game out of reach.

The Dream outscored Portland 27-13 in the fourth quarter while shooting 50 percent from the field.

Hillmon continued making winning plays throughout the period, scoring seven fourth-quarter points, while Te-Hina Paopao chipped in five points and an assist off the bench.

The Dream’s balanced attack was on full display.

Four starters finished in double figures while four different players recorded at least four assists.

Leading the way was Angel Reese.

Reese recorded a season-high 18 points, 12 rebounds and five assists for her fourth double-double of the season. She also reached another career milestone, becoming the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 900 career rebounds, accomplishing the feat in just 71 games.

The second-year star controlled the paint throughout the night while helping facilitate Atlanta’s offense from multiple spots on the floor.

Gray added 13 points and three steals while reaching a milestone of her own. Following her second made free throw, Gray recorded the 1,000th made free throw of her career.

Canada continued directing traffic efficiently with nine points, four rebounds and four assists.

Overall, Atlanta showcased exactly why many believe this team can contend in 2026.

The Dream scored in transition, dominated the paint, knocked down perimeter shots, controlled the glass and most importantly defended at an elite level.

“We were determined to execute the game plan,” Smesko said. “When we got the lead, even when they hit a couple threes, we kept our composure and were able to get the separation at the end.”

After dropping a road game in Minnesota earlier in the week, Atlanta responded exactly the way good teams do.

The Dream now return home with momentum and confidence as they prepare to host the Connecticut Sun on June 2 at Gateway Center Arena.

If Friday night was any indication, Atlanta’s defense is becoming one of the most dangerous weapons in the WNBA.