Tough last-second loss, but positives to be found.
The Atlanta Dream’s three game winning streak ended with a 82-80 loss against the Phoenix Mercury on Friday.
During their three-game winning streak, the Dream displayed a combination of offensive firepower, defensive tenacity, and strategic execution. Key players, such as Tina Charles, Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard led the charge, putting up significant numbers both on the scoreboard and in crucial defensive plays. Their chemistry on the court was clear, as they moved the ball efficiently, found open looks, and played with a level of intensity that made them difficult to beat.
Charles had another double-double for the Dream as she had 14 points and 13 rebounds. Gray added 22 points, and Howard added another 16 points as she reached another milestone, scoring her 500th career field goals. She became the eighth player in Dream history to achieve such an accomplishment.
“Our group showed tons of resiliency in this game. Just super resilience, and the energy from the crowd was really great. Any time you have players in foul trouble like we did tonight in the first half, it can be hard to bounce back from, so I’m proud of our effort,” said head coach Tanisha Wright.
Phoenix took advantage of scoring 40 points in the paint as Brittney Griner was huge for Mercury. She finished the game with 22 points and six rebounds. Diana Taurasi added 18 points and Kahleah Copper finished with 16 points.
With the loss, the Dream’s overall record is 10-18 on the season as they are currently in fifth place in the Eastern Conference. They are a half game behind the Chicago Sky for the last playoff spot. The regular season ends on September 19 and the playoffs will begin on September 22.
The Dream will be back in action on Monday at State Farm Arena against the Indiana Fever. Every game going forward is big for the Dream as they look to climb up the standings to clinch a playoff berth.