Dream Snap Skid: Behind Reese, Relentless Defense in 89-78 Win Over Storm

COLLEGE PARK, Ga. — The Atlanta Dream got back to playing the brand of basketball that fueled their strong start to the season.

After dropping five straight games, Atlanta responded with one of its most complete performances of the year, defeating the Seattle Storm 89-78 on Thursday night at Gateway Center Arena. The victory improved the Dream to 13-9 on the season and showcased the aggressive defense, balanced scoring, and physical play that had been missing during the losing streak.

Angel Reese backed up her pregame confidence that Atlanta would find a way to win, finishing with 18 points and 11 rebounds for her 15th double-double of the season. The milestone also marked the 63rd double-double of her WNBA career, the most by any player through their first three seasons in league history.

“Angel was just being really aggressive with her opportunities and helped get us off to a great start in that first quarter,” Dream head coach Karl Smesko said after the game.

Reese’s night wasn’t without concern. She appeared to roll her ankle after landing on an opponent’s foot late in the fourth quarter. Smesko said he did not have an update on her status following the game.

While Reese anchored the paint, Atlanta’s veteran backcourt did the rest.

Allisha Gray led the Dream with 22 points, five assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block, continuing her All-Star caliber season. Rhyne Howard added 19 points, four three-pointers, four steals and two blocks in one of her strongest two-way performances of the year.

Jordin Canada flirted with a triple-double, finishing with 14 points, nine rebounds, eight assists, three steals and one block. It marked her 19th game this season with at least five assists. Naz Hillmon returned to the starting lineup and chipped in seven points, three steals, two rebounds and an assist.

Atlanta’s starting five of Canada, Gray, Howard, Hillmon and Reese improved to 13-6 together this season.

The Dream set the tone immediately with suffocating defense.

Atlanta forced 23 Seattle turnovers, converting those mistakes into 28 points while recording 14 steals. It marked the third consecutive game the Dream have collected at least 14 steals, a feat no WNBA team has accomplished since 1997.

“I think this past week we’ve been very intentional about getting back to Atlanta Dream basketball and doing what works best for us,” Canada said. “We know when we come out aggressive on the defensive end that initiates our offense.”

The defensive pressure fueled a dominant first half. Atlanta forced 15 turnovers before halftime and raced to a 55-38 advantage, capitalizing with 19 points off Seattle’s miscues.

Seattle cut the lead to eight points, 84-76, with under three minutes remaining, but Atlanta answered. Canada attacked the basket and knocked down two clutch free throws before the Dream forced back-to-back turnovers to put the game away. Atlanta finished 23-of-26 (88.5%) from the free-throw line.

“I think we come into every game wanting to win, but I think throughout the whole game we knew we were going to win, just the way we were playing, how we were aggressive, especially in the first half, getting a lot of stops and steals, getting out in transition,” Canada said. “I think in the fourth quarter we did have a little low, but we tried to come together and make sure we were valuing our possessions and just having that mindset that we needed to finish the game.”

Four Dream starters finished in double figures, with Gray (22), Howard (19), Reese (18) and Canada (14) leading the way. Howard added a team-high four steals and four made three-pointers, while Reese recorded her league-leading 15th double-double of the season. Canada nearly posted a triple-double with 14 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.

The victory improved Atlanta’s all-time record against Seattle to 21-27 overall and 14-10 at home while giving the Dream a much-needed confidence boost heading into the weekend.

Up Next: The Dream remain at Gateway Center Arena to host the Portland Fire on Saturday, July 11. Tipoff is set for 4:00 p.m. ET as Atlanta looks to build on Thursday’s win and start a new streak.