Dream Make Statement in Vegas, Beat Aces 97-82

The Atlanta Dream opened another key stretch of their road trip with a statement win, defeating the Las Vegas Aces 97-82.

Atlanta started Jordin Canada, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Naz Hillmon and Angel Reese, and that starting five improved to 22-8 this season.

The victory also moved the Dream’s all-time record against Las Vegas to 19-29 overall and 8-16 on the road.

Atlanta set the tone with aggressive offense and strong defense, finishing with 44 points in the paint and 15 steals while holding the Aces to just 39.7% shooting from the field.

The Dream were especially efficient at the free-throw line. Atlanta was a perfect 17-for-17 through the first three quarters and finished the game shooting 92.6%, making 25 of 27 attempts.

The second quarter was one of Atlanta’s strongest offensive stretches of the night, with the Dream shooting 64% from the field.

The win marked Atlanta’s 12th double-digit victory of the season, tying the second-most double-digit wins in a single season in franchise history.

Four Dream starters finished in double figures, led by Rhyne Howard, who scored 23 points to go along with four rebounds, three assists, four steals and two blocks.

Howard’s performance moved her into second place in franchise history for 20-plus-point games. She also recorded her 18th game this season with at least three steals.

Allisha Gray added 21 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals, recording her 18th 20-plus-point game of the season.

Angel Reese finished with 21 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and four steals, recording her 24th double-double of the season and her ninth 20-plus-point performance.

Reese continues to make her presence felt on both ends of the floor, and this time she helped Atlanta control the glass while also creating extra possessions defensively.

Jordin Canada delivered another complete performance with 17 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals.

Naz Hillmon finished with seven points and four rebounds. With those four boards, Hillmon moved into sixth place on the Dream’s all-time rebounding list.

Madina Okot added six points and one assist off the bench.

The Dream now turn their attention to the next stop on the road trip.

Atlanta will face the Los Angeles Sparks tomorrow, with tipoff set for 7 p.m. The Dream then travel to Phoenix to take on the Mercury on August 22, before facing the Sparks again on August 24.

Atlanta will finally return home on Friday, August 28, to take on the Portland Fire, followed by a matchup with the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday, August 30.

With another convincing win added to the résumé, the Dream continue to build momentum at a critical point in the season.