The Atlanta Dream are officially headed back to the postseason.
Atlanta defeated the Phoenix Mercury 99-89 on the road, clinching a spot in the 2026 WNBA Playoffs and securing the franchise’s fourth consecutive postseason appearance.
The Dream started Jordin Canada, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Naz Hillmon and Angel Reese, and that starting five improved to 24-8 this season.
Atlanta’s all-time record against Phoenix now stands at 20-29 overall and 6-18 on the road.
The Dream controlled the paint, scoring 48 points inside, while also converting 87.5% from the free-throw line.
Defensively, Atlanta forced 16 turnovers and turned those mistakes into 18 points. The Dream also came away with 12 steals, helping create extra possessions throughout the night.
Four Atlanta starters finished in double figures, but the biggest performance belonged to Angel Reese.
Reese delivered a career-high 31 points to go along with 14 rebounds, two assists and four steals, recording her 26th double-double of the season.
She also made more league history.
Reese posted her third consecutive game with at least 20 points, 10 rebounds and three steals, becoming just the third player to accomplish that feat, joining A’ja Wilson and Nneka Ogwumike.
Her recent stretch has been one of the strongest of her season, and the timing could not be better with Atlanta now officially playoff bound.
Rhyne Howard added 20 points, three rebounds, five assists and two steals, recording her 15th 20-plus-point game of the season.
Allisha Gray finished with 17 points, five rebounds, four assists and one steal, continuing to provide steady production on both ends.
Jordin Canada contributed 12 points, five assists, two steals and a season-high two blocks. It marked Canada’s 31st game this season with at least five assists.
Naz Hillmon added eight points, four rebounds, two assists and one block, while Isobel Borlase finished with four points and a career-high six assists.
The win gave Atlanta another important road victory and, more importantly, officially punched the Dream’s ticket to the postseason.
With a playoff spot secured, Atlanta can now turn its attention to positioning and finishing the regular season strong.
The Dream will return home on Friday, August 28, to host the Portland Fire, followed by a matchup with the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday, August 30.
