COLLEGE PARK, Ga. — The Atlanta Dream couldn’t find a way to end their losing streak Saturday afternoon, falling 88-83 to the Golden State Valkyries at Gateway Center Arena.
The loss marks Atlanta’s fifth straight defeat and completes a season sweep for the expansion Valkyries.
The Dream battled throughout the afternoon and entered the fourth quarter with a 59-57 lead, but Golden State took control in the final minutes. Timely shooting and key defensive stops helped the Valkyries pull away late, while Atlanta struggled to capitalize on several opportunities down the stretch.
Despite the loss, the Dream showed flashes of the defensive intensity that has been their identity all season. Atlanta forced turnovers, pushed the pace in transition and stayed within striking distance for most of the game, but couldn’t string together enough stops in crunch time.
Rhyne Howard once again led the offensive attack, continuing her strong stretch of play as Atlanta searched for answers. Allisha Gray provided another solid all-around performance, while Angel Reese continued to make her presence felt in the paint with her rebounding and interior defense.
The difference came in the fourth quarter.
After holding a two-point advantage heading into the final 10 minutes, the Dream were outplayed late as Golden State made the key plays needed to secure the five-point victory.
Atlanta has now dropped back-to-back home games after also falling to Washington earlier this week. What was once one of the WNBA’s hottest teams is now looking to regroup before the playoff race begins to heat up.
The Dream won’t have long to reset.
Atlanta returns to action on Thursday, July 9, when it hosts the Seattle Storm at Gateway Center Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET, and the Dream will be looking to snap their five-game losing streak in front of the home crowd.
