ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 3: Rhyne Howard #10 of the Atlanta Dream drives to the basket during the game against the Los Angeles Sparks on September 3, 2025 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Joe Boatman/NBAE via Getty Images)

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Dream Double Up: Atlanta Drops Sparks with Balanced Attack

By Yakiri Thomas / September 4, 2025

The Atlanta Dream stayed hot at Gateway Center Arena, knocking off the Los Angeles Sparks 86-75 in front of a fired-up home crowd. With the win, the Dream improved to 25-20 all-time against the Sparks and now hold a 2-0 edge in this year’s series.

Rolling out a fresh starting five of Jordin Canada, Te-Hina Paopao, Rhyne Howard, Naz Hillmon, and Brionna Jones, Atlanta looked sharp from the jump—improving to 1-0 with that lineup. This win also marked the Dream’s 20th game this season scoring at least 85 points, a clear formula for victory.

Eastern Conference Player of the Week Rhyne Howard once again set the tone, leading Atlanta in scoring for the fourth straight game. She finished with 19 points, four rebounds, and five assists, continuing her tear as one of the league’s most consistent two-way forces.

Brionna Jones was her usual dominant self inside, notching her 12th double-double of the season with 16 points, 13 rebounds, and two blocks. Jones, who recently broke the franchise record for offensive rebounds in a single season, has tied her career mark for double-doubles in a year—and she’s still not done.

The Dream’s bench came alive thanks to Maya Caldwell, who delivered a spark with 14 points, eight rebounds, and four assists. Canada ran the show with poise, recording her first double-double of the season—10 points and 10 assists—while adding four steals in 36 minutes. Hillmon gave Atlanta a huge boost as well, dropping 15 points and grabbing seven boards, her fifth game this season with 15+ points.

In total, five Dream players hit double figures: Howard (19), Jones (16), Hillmon (15), Caldwell (14), and Canada (10). Atlanta also showed off their defensive edge, stringing together runs fueled by steals, blocks, and strong rebounding to keep the Sparks at bay.

The win pushes Atlanta one step closer to the postseason spotlight, and the vibes are sky-high in College Park. But no time to rest—the Dream and Sparks go at it again tomorrow night, Friday, September 5, back at Gateway Center Arena. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m., and you already know—it’s going to be a show.

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