What is the story about?
What's Happening?
The Atlanta Dream defeated the Los Angeles Sparks 86-75, moving into sole possession of second place in the WNBA standings. Rhyne Howard led the Dream with 19 points, while Brionna Jones contributed a double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds. The victory marks Atlanta's fifth win in their last six games, positioning them half a game ahead of Las Vegas and Phoenix. The Dream will face the Sparks again on Friday, followed by a two-game series against Connecticut to conclude the regular season. The Sparks, currently trailing Indiana by a game and a half for the final playoff spot, were led by Dearica Hamby with 21 points and Kelsey Plum with 18 points.
Why It's Important?
This victory is crucial for the Atlanta Dream as it solidifies their position in the playoffs and enhances their chances of securing a favorable seed. For the Los Angeles Sparks, the loss complicates their path to the playoffs, as they are now further behind in the race for the final playoff spot. The outcome of the upcoming games will be pivotal for both teams, with the Dream aiming to maintain their momentum and the Sparks needing to secure wins to keep their playoff hopes alive. The performance of key players like Rhyne Howard and Brionna Jones will be instrumental in Atlanta's playoff push.
What's Next?
The Atlanta Dream will play the Los Angeles Sparks again on Friday, providing an opportunity to further cement their standing. Following this, they will face Connecticut in a two-game series to close out the regular season. The Sparks, with four games remaining, including two at home, must capitalize on these opportunities to improve their playoff chances. The outcomes of these games will be critical in determining the final playoff standings and seedings.
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