The Atlanta Dream extended their winning streak to four games after a successful home game against the Toronto Tempo. This streak began on June 14 with a decisive 102-77 victory over the Tempo in Toronto. Following this, Atlanta secured back-to-back wins against the Indiana Fever. The first, a challenging 108-101 battle at home, and then a remarkable 113-96 triumph on Saturday, setting a franchise record for scoring.
Rhyne Howard led the team with 24 points, while Allisha Gray contributed 22 points. Naz Hillmon added 19 points, and Jordin Canada came close to a double-double with 12 points, 12 assists, and seven rebounds. Meanwhile, Angel Reese impressed with 18 points and eight rebounds, achieving a WNBA milestone by becoming the fastest player to reach 1,000 career rebounds.
With this win, Atlanta improved their season record to 11-4, ranking first in the Eastern Conference with a .733 winning percentage. The only team with a superior record in the league is the Minnesota Lynx at 13-4.
Angel Reese expressed optimism following the game, saying, “In June, we looked so great. I’m just wondering what it would look like in October and September.” She also highlighted the team’s depth, noting that all five starters average double figures while praising Coach Karl Smesko and the supportive fans.
“Our bench is also so great. Karl (Smesko) is an amazing coach, and the fans here are amazing. I don’t know how much better it’s gonna look, but I’m excited for what it’s gonna look like in September.” – Angel Reese
As of mid-year, the Dream have already defeated top-seeded teams, including the Minnesota Lynx, the 10-6 Dallas Wings twice, and the 9-7 Fever twice. They’ve also claimed victories over the Tempo, Portland Fire, and Washington Mystics, teams considered playoff contenders.
Reese emphasized the potential impact of Brionna Jones, a four-time WNBA All-Star, who has yet to play due to a knee injury. Reese, a standout in Chicago and now in Atlanta, is averaging 15.3 points and leads the league with 11.9 rebounds per game. If Atlanta maintains their performance and incorporates Jones by September, they could be a formidable presence in the upcoming playoffs.