The Atlanta Dream opened the 2026 season with a statement comeback win Saturday night, rallying from a 17-point halftime deficit to defeat the Minnesota Lynx 91-90 at Target Center in a thrilling season opener.
Atlanta looked out of sync early, turning the ball over repeatedly and struggling to slow down Minnesota’s fast start. The Lynx controlled much of the first half behind strong play from rookie Olivia Miles and veteran Kayla McBride, taking advantage of Dream miscues to build momentum and eventually a double-digit lead heading into halftime.
But the second half was a completely different story.
The Dream came out with more energy, better ball movement and far more defensive intensity, slowly chipping away at the Lynx lead possession by possession. Atlanta used an explosive 18-4 run in the third quarter to swing momentum and suddenly turn the game into a battle heading into the fourth.
Allisha Gray led the comeback effort with 24 points, scoring 16 in the second half while consistently attacking the basket and getting to the free throw line. Naz Hillmon and Rhyne Howard each added 15 points, while Jordin Canada finished with 12 points and six assists.
One of the biggest storylines of the night was the Atlanta debut of Angel Reese.
Reese recorded a double-double with 11 points and 14 rebounds while making several key defensive plays late in the game. After battling through an up-and-down first half, she became a major factor in Atlanta’s fourth-quarter push with physical rebounding, hustle plays and interior defense. Reese also delivered the game-saving block in the final seconds to preserve the victory.
With under a minute remaining, Atlanta tied the game before Te-Hina Paopao delivered the biggest shot of the night — a pull-up jumper with 11.3 seconds left that gave the Dream their first lead of the contest at 91-90.
Minnesota had one final opportunity, but the Dream defense stood tall in the closing seconds as Reese and Gray came up with huge defensive stops to secure the dramatic road win.
The victory gives Atlanta an early confidence boost to open the new season, showing resilience and composure after looking overwhelmed early. The Dream now head to Dallas looking to build on one of the league’s most exciting opening-night wins.
