ARLINGTON, TX - JUNE 24: Brittney Griner #42 of the Atlanta Dream looks to pass the ball during the game against the Dallas Wings on June 24, 2025 at the College Park Center in Arlington, TX. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)

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Howard Hits Milestone, But Dream Fall Short Against Dallas on Tuesday Night

By Yakiri Thomas / June 25, 2025

 

Despite a milestone performance from Rhyne Howard, the Atlanta Dream came up short on Tuesday night, falling 68-55 to the Dallas Wings on the road. The loss drops Atlanta to 4-10 all-time in Dallas, though they still lead the overall series 15-13.

The Dream started Jordin Canada, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Brionna Jones, and Brittney Griner—improving to 5-2 when using that lineup. The group showed flashes of strong chemistry, particularly on the defensive end, but an early offensive slump proved costly.

Howard reached a significant career milestone in the game, surpassing 2,000 career points. She became just the fifth player in franchise history to achieve the feat—and did so as the youngest and second-fastest to reach the mark, accomplishing it in only 118 games.

Howard led Atlanta with 23 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 steals, connecting on four three-pointers and providing the offensive spark throughout the night. Brionna Jones added 13 points, including seven in the fourth quarter, while Allisha Gray also contributed 13 and led the team’s third-quarter push.

Atlanta trailed 19-10 after the first quarter, but tightened up defensively in the second. The Dream held Dallas to just 12 points—matching their season-low for opponent scoring in a quarter, last set against the Wings on May 24. A 12-4 run to close the half, fueled by Howard and Naz Hillmon, brought Atlanta within two at the break, 31-29.

Dallas pulled away in the third, building a 10-point lead as the Dream struggled to convert defensive stops into offense. Howard and Gray hit threes to keep the game within reach, but Atlanta trailed 50-40 entering the final quarter.

Jones led the fourth-quarter surge, scoring with a jumper, a pair of free throws, and a layup off a pass from freshman guard Te-Hina Paopao. Howard added two more three-pointers to cut the deficit to single digits, but Dallas closed strong at the line to seal the win.

While the loss stung, Howard’s historic night offered a bright spot for Atlanta. Her leadership and consistency continue to power the Dream, who will look to bounce back on Friday, June 27, when they return home to face the Minnesota Lynx at Gateway Center Arena.

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