Howard Nearly Triple-Doubles, Paopao Shines, but Dream Fall Short to Liberty in Commissioner’s Cup Finale

The Atlanta Dream wrapped up Commissioner’s Cup play on a tough note, falling 86-81 to the New York Liberty at Barclays Center. The loss brings Atlanta’s Cup record to 3-2, and their all-time series against New York to 23-40 overall, including 12-19 on the road. Despite the outcome, $11,000 was donated to the Center for Black Women’s Wellness as part of the WNBA’s Commissioner’s Cup initiative.

The Dream’s starting five—Jordin Canada, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Brionna Jones, and Brittney Griner—dropped to 3-2 in games started together this season. But there were still several standout performances.

Rhyne Howard flirted with a triple-double, finishing with 13 points, 9 assists, 7 rebounds, 3 steals, and 3 blocks. Te-Hina Paopao led the team in scoring for the second straight contest, matching her career high with 16 points and knocking down four threes. Gray also had a well-rounded night, contributing 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists.

Veteran point guard Jordin Canada reached a career milestone, becoming the 40th player in WNBA history to surpass 1,000 assists. She sparked a strong third-quarter push, scoring seven of her 9 points during that stretch and facilitating the offense with pace.

The game opened with back-to-back threes from Gray and Griner. Howard quickly got into rhythm as a facilitator, assisting on Atlanta’s first three baskets, and Paopao gave the Dream a big first-quarter boost off the bench. She scored 7 points in under three minutes, and Atlanta hit four threes in the opening frame but trailed 24-20 after one.

In the second quarter, the Dream came alive behind a dominant bench performance. A 20-8 run fueled by Paopao, Jones, and Griner gave Atlanta the edge. The Dream hit 8 first-half threes and held a 43-40 lead at the break.

Atlanta’s best stretch came in the third. Canada’s offensive burst, Howard’s sharpshooting, and back-to-back buckets by Naz Hillmon pushed the lead to 15. They held New York to just 9 points in the frame and carried a 68-60 lead into the fourth.

The final quarter was a back-and-forth battle. Canada and Gray kept the Dream ahead early, while Howard made key plays on the defensive end—including a block on Breanna Stewart. Gray’s late-game three tied things up at 79 before she hit another to notch her 141st career triple with Atlanta, tying Iziane Castro Marques for 5th all-time in franchise history.

In the end, New York closed stronger, handing the Dream a narrow defeat. Atlanta now looks to regroup as they return home to face the Washington Mystics on Friday, June 20. Tip-off is set for 7:30 PM EDT.