Griner Shines in Debut as Atlanta Dream Open Preseason with 80-70 Win Over Washington Mystics

The Atlanta Dream opened their preseason with an impressive 80-70 victory over the Washington Mystics, offering fans a first look at a revamped lineup and an impactful debut from Brittney Griner.

Making their preseason debut, the Dream rolled out a new starting five of Jordin Canada, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Brionna Jones, and Griner. The group wasted no time establishing chemistry and control. Griner, appearing in her first game in a Dream uniform, delivered a dominant performance—recording a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while shooting a flawless 2-for-2 from beyond the arc.

Atlanta commanded several key statistical categories, including rebounds (33), assists (19), steals (10), and blocks (6), while shooting better than 40% from the field.

Quarter-by-Quarter Recap:

First Quarter:

Griner got off to a blazing start, draining two three-pointers to open Atlanta’s scoring. Brionna Jones and Shatori Walker-Kimbrough followed up with strong plays to help build a nine-point cushion. The Dream defense smothered the Mystics, limiting them to just 10 points while Atlanta surged to a 20-point lead. Griner led all scorers with 10 points, and Nia Coffey came off the bench to hit both of her shots from long range.

Second Quarter:

The pace slowed slightly as both teams traded baskets, but the Dream stayed in control. Rookie guard Te-Hina Paopao knocked down her first three-pointer of the preseason to keep the lead in double digits. Griner finished the half with 14 points and nine boards, while Howard added 11 points, hitting 3-of-6 from deep. The Dream held a dominant 24-9 edge in rebounding and took a 15-point lead into halftime.

Third Quarter:

Griner continued her standout debut, completing her double-double midway through the third quarter. Howard remained aggressive offensively, finishing the period with 14 points. Walker-Kimbrough brought defensive intensity, collecting four steals and helping Atlanta notch three blocks and three steals in the quarter. The Dream pushed their lead to 19 before the Mystics began to push back.

Fourth Quarter:

Washington briefly cut into the lead early in the final frame, but Atlanta responded with composure. Coffey and Paopao stepped up in clutch moments, stabilizing the Dream’s offense and extending the lead back to 13 with five minutes remaining. Coffey delivered an all-around performance, finishing with 14 points and seven rebounds to help seal the win.

With a strong opening performance, the Dream showcased their depth, defensive pressure, and the potential of their new core. Griner’s seamless integration, combined with a balanced team effort, sets a promising tone for the upcoming season.