Atlanta toppled the Dallas Wings 83-78 in the home opener.
Atlanta, GA — The Atlanta Dream secured a triumphant victory in their first home game of the season as they defeated the Dallas Wings, 83-78. The Dream hope the win will set a positive tone for the remainder of the season. The arena, packed with enthusiastic fans, vibrated with energy and anticipation as the team played their home season opener.
“We know they drive us every game no matter the circumstances. They really helped us get the win tonight,” said Rhyne Howard.
The Dream battled in the first half, but it was the second half again that allowed them to pull away for good after there were eight lead changes and three ties in the first half. Head coach Tanisha Wright liked the energy the team displayed in the second half.
“Thought that we did a great job coming up second half and refocusing, maintaining our focus. There were a lot of defensive mishaps I think in the first half. But the second half, we really came out just brilliant,” said Wright.
Allisha Gray led all Atlanta scores for the second-consecutive game with 21 points, three steals and three assists. Tina Charles recorded the 175th double-double of her career with 12 points and 11 rebounds. It also marked her second double-double across Atlanta’s first three games.
Howard recorded her first double-double of the season with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Aerial Powers was huge off the bench as she recorded a new season-high in a game this season with 10 points while also playing a season-high in minutes with 16:46 played.
Coach Wright was impressed how she attacked the Wings throughout the game, saying “she was being aggressive. She was hunting opportunities for herself, which we’ve asked her to do, and I thought today she saw the ball go in a couple of times and so that made her more confident to do that.”
The fourth quarter was the biggest difference in the game as the Dream outscored the Wings 24-16. Crystal Dangerfield found Naz Hillmon for a layup to hand the Dream its first lead of the game. The Dream went on a 26-9 run that lasted almost eight minutes. They shot 52.9% from the field in the fourth quarter and 25% from the three.
As the final buzzer sounded, the scoreline reflected a significant lead — a fitting end to a game that had the home crowd on their feet for much of the night. The victory not only boosts the team’s morale but also set a high benchmark for their performance in the upcoming games of the season.
Fans, leaving the arena, shared a sense of optimism about the team’s prospects this year. With such a promising start, the season ahead holds great potential, possibly even hinting at a deep playoff run based on the sheer talent and determination displayed in this home opener.
This win has certainly set the tone for the season, suggesting that this team is not only here to compete but to leave a mark in the league standings. The journey ahead is long, and challenges will come, but if the home opener is anything to go by, the Dream are more than ready to face them head-on.