COLLEGE PARK, Ga. — Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray powered the Atlanta Dream to another impressive victory Wednesday night, leading the team to a 96-82 win over the Phoenix Mercury at Gateway Center Arena.
Howard finished with 23 points and eight assists, while Gray added 20 points as Atlanta continued its strong push toward the postseason. The Dream improved to 19-11 on the season and have now won six of their last seven games.
Atlanta’s perimeter shooting proved to be a major difference. The Dream knocked down 14 three-pointers, with Howard accounting for five of them. Phoenix struggled to keep pace from beyond the arc, connecting on just seven of its 24 attempts.
Angel Reese added another milestone performance, recording 14 points and 10 rebounds for her 21st double-double of the season. The rookie standout continues to be one of the league’s most dominant rebounders and a consistent force on both ends of the floor.
Veteran point guard Jordin Canada also made franchise history during the victory. Canada recorded her 227th assist of the season, setting a new Atlanta Dream single-season record and surpassing the previous mark established by Layshia Clarendon in 2017.
The Dream controlled the game from the opening tip and never allowed Phoenix to establish momentum. Gray helped ignite Atlanta’s offense during the first half, scoring 17 points on an efficient 7-of-8 shooting performance before halftime. Howard added 15 first-half points as Atlanta carried a 54-47 advantage into the locker room.
Atlanta created separation in the third quarter.
After Phoenix attempted to stay within striking distance, Jaylyn Sherrod drilled a three-pointer with less than three minutes remaining in the period to extend the Dream’s lead to 76-56. The basket capped a dominant stretch that effectively put the game out of reach.
Phoenix fell to 12-20 despite a balanced scoring effort. Kelsey Plum, making her first start for the Mercury, led the team with 19 points. Alyssa Thomas added 17 points, while veteran forward DeWanna Bonner recorded a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.
The Mercury never held a lead and struggled to slow Atlanta’s ball movement and outside shooting throughout the night.
With the victory, the Dream continue to strengthen their playoff position while showcasing one of the league’s most balanced offenses. Howard, Gray, Reese, and Canada once again demonstrated why Atlanta has emerged as one of the WNBA’s most dangerous teams entering the final stretch of the regular season.
Phoenix will continue its road trip Friday night with a matchup against the Connecticut Sun, while Atlanta travels to face the Washington Mystics looking to maintain its recent momentum.
