Woohoo, Dream Nation! Get ready to let loose and celebrate because our very own Rhyne Howard made Atlanta basketball history! In a heart-stopping, edge-of-your-seat thriller, Howard and Team USA battled their way to an epic 16-13 bronze medal victory over Canada in the 3×3 basketball event at the 2024 Paris Olympics. This high-energy, non-stop action game was an absolute rollercoaster ride, but our girl Rhyne refused to let the Dream down. Her clutch game-winning shot in OT was the ultimate mic drop moment that had us all jumping for joy! Let’s give a massive ATL shoutout to Rhyne and her teammates for repping the A to the fullest on the world’s biggest stage.
Dream Teammates Turn Foes 🌎
While repping the red, white and blue, Howard and the bronze medal winning team was comprised of Dearica Hamby, Haley Van Lith and Cierra Burdick. The team began its Olympic campaign dropping its first three games, only to go on a five game win streak to secure a place in the semifinal.
Defying the Odds
Against all odds, Rhyne Howard and Team USA rallied from an 0-3 start to win five straight games and secure a spot in the 3×3 basketball semifinals. Their perseverance and grit were on full display as they battled back from early adversity.
Clutch Performances
Howard shined brightest on the biggest stages. In a must-win game against Canada, she drained the game-winning shot in overtime to keep the medal hopes alive. Her eight points and four rebounds against Australia were also a team-high.
Historic Achievement
With the bronze medal victory, Howard becomes the first Atlanta Dream player since Angel McCoughtry in 2016 to reach the Olympic podium. She now joins elite company as one of just three current Dream players, alongside Allisha Gray and Tina Charles, to have an Olympic medal.
A Breakout Star
Howard’s Olympic debut was a coming out party on the international stage. The energetic, cheerful 24-year-old showed she has the skills and mentality to excel at the highest level. Her future looks incredibly bright after this breakout performance in Paris.
Comeback Kids 💪
Down but never out! Team USA faced an uphill battle, dropping their first three games in the 3×3 tournament. But these women are made of steel – fueled by grit and determination, they rallied for an incredible five-game winning streak to book their semifinal spot. When the pressure was highest, Rhyne Howard rose to the occasion. Her clutch gene was on full display, leading the team in scoring thrice – including a monster 8-point, 4-rebound outing against Australia. But her biggest moment came against Canada in the bronze medal thriller.
Game-Winner for the Glory 🥉
Scores tied at 17 apiece in overtime, the ball swung to Howard on the wing. Exhale…focus…SPLASH! Her cold-blooded game-winner sealed the 18-17 victory and that elusive Olympic podium finish. A star-making performance from Atlanta’s rising talent!
Howard’s international success raises expectations for her and the Dream. She has proven she can perform on the biggest stages against the world’s best players. Atlanta fans should be salivating at the prospect of Howard leading the franchise to new heights.
It’s just great,” Howard said. “To be able to put on for a city that loves you so much. I know that they’re proud regardless of the outcome that we have and being able to get this here and go back to them, to that fanbase, to Atlanta, it’s great. It’s a great feeling. And I know I’m going to be super happy when I get home.”
You heard it straight from Rhyne herself – this bronze medal triumph is a dream come true! What an exhilarating ride it’s been for our girl Howard and Team USA on the road to Olympic glory. From the thrilling overtime thriller against Canada to Rhyne’s clutch game-winner, this squad refused to back down. They embodied the indomitable American spirit every step of the way. Savor this magical moment, Atlanta – your hometown hero has etched her name into the history books! With Rhyne leading the charge, the future looks brighter than ever for the Dream franchise. Get ready to welcome our bronze beauties home with open arms and bask in their hard-earned glory. The best is yet to come!