Barbie Night Celebration Ends in Defeat as Aces Snap Dream’s Five-Game Winning Streak

ATLANTA — State Farm Arena was transformed into a Dream House on Monday night as the Atlanta Dream celebrated Barbie Game Day, honoring Angel Reese’s historic Barbie Signature Role Model Doll release. With pink towels waving throughout a sold-out arena, fans embraced the festivities, but the celebration ended in disappointment as the Las Vegas Aces defeated the Dream 109-87, snapping Atlanta’s five-game winning streak.

The Dream started Jordin Canada, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Naz Hillmon, and Angel Reese, a lineup that now owns an 18-7 record this season. The loss dropped Atlanta to 18-29 all-time against the Aces, including 11-13 at home.

Despite the setback, Angel Reese once again delivered a dominant performance on a night that celebrated her impact both on and off the court. Reese recorded her 20th double-double of the season, finishing with 23 points, 16 rebounds, two assists and one block.

Rhyne Howard added 19 points and two assists while recording her 121st career block, tying her for fifth all-time in franchise history.

Jordin Canada continued to facilitate Atlanta’s offense, finishing with seven points and seven assists, marking her 26th game this season with at least five assists.

Brionna Jones contributed nine points and seven rebounds, while Allisha Gray added seven points, one rebound and two assists.

The Dream also received valuable production from its bench. Jaylyn Sherrod scored seven points in just over seven minutes, while Shatori Walker-Kimbrough chipped in six points in just over six minutes of action.

Atlanta converted 85 percent of its free throws, but struggled to keep pace with a Las Vegas team that shot the ball exceptionally well and played one of its strongest games of the season.

Following the game, Dream head coach Karl Smesko credited the Aces’ performance while acknowledging his team’s need to improve.

“This was one of their best games of the season,” Smesko said. “They reached a level today that was definitely championship level. We are capable of playing better and shooting better than we did today.”

While the result wasn’t the one Atlanta wanted, Barbie Game Day still marked another memorable milestone for Reese, whose groundbreaking partnership with Mattel continues to inspire the next generation of athletes and fans.

The Dream will have little time to regroup as they return to the court tomorrow, August 5, when they host the Phoenix Mercury at Gateway Center Arena @ College Park. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. ET as Atlanta looks to bounce back and return to the win column.