The Atlanta Dream continued their strong start to the 2026 WNBA season with a hard-fought 82-80 victory over the Phoenix Mercury on Saturday night, surviving a late comeback attempt at Gateway Center Arena.
Atlanta improved to 4-1 on the season behind another balanced offensive performance led by Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray. Howard finished with 24 points, six assists and five rebounds, while Gray added 21 points and knocked down four three-pointers as the Dream maintained control for most of the night.
The Dream opened the game with aggressive perimeter defense and fast-paced transition offense, building a double-digit lead midway through the second quarter. Atlanta’s ball movement consistently created open looks, and the team finished with 20 assists on 31 made field goals. The Dream also dominated the glass early behind Angel Reese, who recorded another double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds. Reese has quickly become one of Atlanta’s most important offseason additions after arriving with high expectations entering the season.
Phoenix responded in the second half behind veteran star Kahleah Copper, who scored 26 points and attacked the rim consistently during the fourth quarter. Alyssa Thomas added 15 points and nine assists while helping the Mercury erase much of a 15-point deficit late in the game.
The Mercury had an opportunity to take the lead in the closing seconds, but Atlanta forced a contested final possession and escaped with the win. Phoenix dropped to 2-5 on the season and has now lost four consecutive games after opening the year with promise.
Atlanta’s depth again proved to be a major difference. Rookie center Madina Okot provided strong minutes off the bench, while Te-Hina Paopao added timely perimeter shooting that helped the Dream maintain momentum during Phoenix runs. The Dream have now established themselves as one of the Eastern Conference’s early surprises thanks to improved defense, rebounding and offseason roster additions.
For Phoenix, the loss highlighted both the offensive firepower and inconsistency that have defined the Mercury through the opening weeks of the season. Despite strong individual performances from Copper and Thomas, defensive breakdowns and slow starts continue to hurt Phoenix against stronger teams.
