The Atlanta Dream continue to show why they’re one of the WNBA’s most dangerous teams.
Behind another balanced offensive attack, crisp ball movement and lights-out shooting from beyond the arc, the Dream defeated the Phoenix Mercury while adding another milestone-filled night to an already impressive season.
Atlanta improved to 19-7 with its preferred starting lineup of Jordin Canada, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Naz Hillmon and Angel Reese, while Head Coach Karl Smesko continued climbing the franchise record books. With the victory, Smesko moved into third place all-time in coaching wins in Atlanta Dream history, collecting his 49th career win in just his second season. He now trails only Michael Cooper and Marynell Meadors.
The Dream’s offense was firing on all cylinders from start to finish.
Atlanta knocked down 14 three-pointers, tying its season high, while shooting 42.4% from beyond the arc and an outstanding 94.1% from the free-throw line. The unselfish play stood out just as much as the shooting, as the Dream recorded 29 assists on 33 made field goals, consistently making the extra pass and creating quality scoring opportunities.
Even more impressive, every member of Atlanta’s starting five finished in double figures.
Rhyne Howard once again led the charge, finishing with 23 points, six rebounds, eight assists, two steals and one block. Howard connected on a team-high five three-pointers while recording her 10th 20-point game of the season. She also reached another career milestone, moving into fifth place on the Dream’s all-time blocks list with 122 career blocks after recording her first rejection of the night.
Allisha Gray continued her All-Star caliber campaign with 20 points, three rebounds, three assists and one block, marking her 14th 20-point game of the season. Gray’s ability to score from all three levels once again gave Atlanta a steady offensive presence throughout the night.
Jordin Canada continued orchestrating the Dream offense at an elite level. The veteran point guard finished with 17 points, five rebounds and four assists, but it was her fourth assist that etched her name into franchise history. Canada broke the Atlanta Dream single-season assists record, reaching 227 assists in just 30 games. She currently ranks second in the WNBA in steals and third in assists per game, continuing one of the best all-around seasons by a point guard in franchise history.
Angel Reese added another chapter to her remarkable season, recording 14 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and one block for her 21st double-double of the year. The performance ties the Atlanta Dream franchise record for most double-doubles in a single season, while Reese continues to lead the WNBA in the category.
Naz Hillmon added another efficient performance with 10 points, five rebounds, one assist and one block, while Brionna Jones quietly filled the stat sheet with nine points, four rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block, showcasing the versatility that has become a staple of Atlanta’s frontcourt.
The Dream’s defensive effort matched its offensive rhythm. Hillmon, Howard, Gray, Reese and Jaylyn Sherrod each recorded a block as Atlanta consistently disrupted Phoenix’s offensive flow and turned defensive stops into transition opportunities.
The victory improved Atlanta’s all-time record against the Phoenix Mercury to 19-29 overall and 13-12 at home, while reinforcing the balanced identity that has fueled the Dream throughout the season.
With milestone after milestone continuing to pile up, Atlanta is proving it has one of the league’s deepest and most complete rosters. Whether it’s Howard’s scoring, Gray’s consistency, Canada’s playmaking, Reese’s dominance on the glass, or Smesko’s leadership from the sidelines, the Dream continue to check every box as they push toward the postseason.
Next Up: The Dream won’t have much time to celebrate. Atlanta heads to the nation’s capital Friday August 7., for another Eastern Conference showdown against the Washington Mystics. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET as the Dream look to carry their momentum onto the road and continue climbing the WNBA standings.
