COLLEGE PARK, Ga. — The Atlanta Dream are wasting no time turning the page after a tough road loss. Following Thursday’s 81-76 defeat to the Washington Mystics, Atlanta returns home for an Independence Day matchup against the Golden State Valkyries, hoping to get back in the win column in front of its home crowd.
The Dream (12-8) showcased the defensive intensity that has become their trademark despite coming up short in Washington. Atlanta forced 28 turnovers, converting them into 28 points, while dominating the paint with 42 points and finishing with 13 steals. However, the Mystics closed the game on a 25-16 fourth-quarter run to rally for the five-point victory.
Thursday’s contest also featured the debut of a new starting lineup consisting of Jordin Canada, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Sika Koné and Angel Reese. Although the group fell to 0-1 together, it marked a significant milestone for Koné, who earned the first start of her WNBA career.
Howard once again led Atlanta offensively, pouring in a game-high 24 points while adding three assists and five steals. It marked the third time this season Howard has recorded at least five steals in a game, continuing to prove why she’s one of the league’s premier two-way players.
Gray continued climbing the WNBA record books with 17 points, four rebounds and three assists. Her performance pushed her past 1,500 career field goals, making her the 57th player in league history to reach the milestone.
Reese added another impressive chapter to her outstanding rookie campaign, finishing with 13 points and 13 rebounds for her 13th double-double of the season. She also contributed three assists, two steals and a block while helping Atlanta control the glass throughout the night.
Canada also reached a career milestone, recording the 400th steal of her WNBA career after collecting her second steal of the game. The veteran point guard finished with 10 points and seven assists while continuing to orchestrate Atlanta’s offense.
Naz Hillmon provided valuable minutes off the bench, tallying five points, five rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block.
While the Dream came away disappointed with the result, there were encouraging signs. Atlanta’s ability to pressure ball handlers, create turnovers and score in transition remained evident throughout the contest. The challenge now becomes finishing games and maintaining that same intensity for all four quarters.
Now the focus shifts to the Golden State Valkyries.
The Atlanta Dream return home on Saturday, July 4, to host the Valkyries at Gateway Center Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET, as Atlanta looks to bounce back from Thursday’s setback and defend its home court while continuing its push up the WNBA standings.
