The Atlanta Dream showed resilience, star power, and championship-level composure Tuesday night, overcoming a physical challenge from the Connecticut Sun to secure a 91-75 victory at Gateway Center Arena and open Commissioner’s Cup play with a statement win.
After trailing late in the third quarter and battling through a game filled with whistles, Atlanta responded with a dominant closing stretch fueled by Rhyne Howard’s season-best performance and a milestone moment from Angel Reese.
Howard delivered
one of her finest games of the season, scoring a season-high 36 points while connecting on eight three-pointers, also a season high. The former No. 1 overall pick finished 12-of-24 from the field, added four assists and three steals, and took complete control of the game in the fourth quarter.
The Dream improved to 6-2 on the season, while the struggling Sun fell to 2-9.
The game was anything but easy for Atlanta during the first three quarters. Connecticut came into the contest determined to compete despite its record and made life difficult for the Dream with physical defense and relentless pressure. The Sun closed the first half on a 7-1 run and capitalized on Atlanta’s turnovers, turning four Dream miscues into five points.
Foul trouble also played a significant role throughout the night. Officials called 38 total fouls, disrupting the game’s rhythm and sending both teams frequently to the free-throw line. Connecticut took advantage early, converting 10 of 16 free throws in the opening half and keeping Atlanta from establishing offensive momentum.
Despite the challenges, Howard and Allisha Gray carried the offensive load. Howard scored 22 first-half points, while Gray added 18 of her own to keep Atlanta within striking distance.
The turning point arrived late in the third quarter.
Trailing 65-61 with just over a minute remaining in the period, Atlanta desperately needed a spark. That spark came from Reese.
Checking back into the game with exactly one minute left in the quarter, Reese immediately made her presence felt. Off a pass from Jordin Canada, she buried a 23-foot corner three-pointer—her first made three-pointer as a member of the Dream. The shot cut Connecticut’s lead to 65-64 and ignited the home crowd.
The basket carried even greater significance. Reese’s sixth point of the night marked the 1,000th point of her WNBA career, another milestone for one of the league’s fastest-rising stars.
Atlanta finished the quarter on a 7-0 run. Reese followed her three-pointer with a defensive stop and a free throw, while Canada added a driving layup to give the Dream a 68-65 advantage heading into the fourth.
The momentum swing proved decisive.
What began as a 7-0 run quickly ballooned into a 14-0 surge spanning the third and fourth quarters. Connecticut never recovered as Atlanta’s defense tightened dramatically, holding the Sun to just 10 points in the final period.
Howard took over offensively, knocking down key shots and helping the Dream stretch the lead into double digits. Atlanta eventually built a 17-point advantage and cruised to the finish line.
Gray provided outstanding support with 26 points and seven rebounds on an efficient 9-of-17 shooting night. Canada orchestrated the offense masterfully, recording a double-double with 12 points and 10 assists.
Reese continued her impressive first season in Atlanta by posting her fifth double-double in eight games, finishing with 12 points and 13 rebounds. The All-Star forward has been dominant on the glass all season, leading the league in offensive rebounds and ranking among the WNBA leaders in total rebounds.
Just days after becoming the fastest player in league history to reach 900 career rebounds, Reese added another accomplishment to her growing résumé while helping spark Atlanta’s comeback.
For the Dream, Tuesday’s victory showcased more than just offensive firepower. It highlighted their toughness and ability to respond when challenged. Against a Connecticut team that refused to back down, Atlanta stayed composed, delivered when it mattered most, and opened Commissioner’s Cup competition with an impressive come-from-behind victory.
If Tuesday night’s performance is any indication, the Dream are quickly emerging as one of the WNBA’s most dangerous teams.
