Photo courtesy of Atlanta Dream
May 24, 2026 | The W 365 Report
If you need proof that this Atlanta Dream team has a different kind of grit, look no further than Sunday afternoon at Gateway Center Arena.
Down 15 points and being thoroughly outplayed by the Phoenix Mercury through three quarters, the Dream refused to fold. Instead, they put together one of the gutsiest fourth-quarter performances of the young season, completing an 82-80 comeback victory that pushed Atlanta’s record to 4-1.
This one wasn’t pretty for three quarters. Phoenix came out with purpose, dominating the opening period 25-13 and making it look like a long afternoon was ahead for the Dream faithful. Atlanta chipped away enough to trail 44-37 at the half — a 3-pointer from Indya Nivar helping close the second quarter on a positive note — but the deficit stretched back out to eight heading into the fourth.
Then the Dream woke up.
Rhyne Howard was the offensive anchor all game, finishing with a team-high 21 points on 46% shooting with three triples on 50% from deep. When it mattered most, it was Howard burying a clutch triple off a Jordin Canada feed with under a minute remaining that essentially iced the game.
Jordin Canada was exceptional in her playmaking role, recording a double-double with 11 points and 14 assists to go along with seven rebounds and three steals. Her and-one conversion with 1:03 left to tie the game — followed immediately by the free throw to take the lead — was the kind of moment that shifts the entire momentum of a contest.
Angel Reese did what Angel Reese does. The box score read 17 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, three steals, and a block — and a game-sealing steal to cap it all off. Complete basketball. The kind of performance that shows why Atlanta made the move to bring her in.
Allisha Gray added 18 points in a strong all-around effort.
For Phoenix, Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper each put up 20 points in a losing effort, and the Mercury made Atlanta earn every basket down the stretch by fouling and forcing free throws. The Dream answered every time.
The win matters beyond the standings. After opening the season 2-0, dropping a narrow one-point game to the defending champion Las Vegas Aces, then bouncing back with a 17-point blowout of Dallas, this team continues to show resilience and depth. They don’t panic. They compete for 40 minutes.
Next up for Atlanta: a Wednesday road trip to Minnesota to face Natasha Howard and the Lynx.
The Dream are not just off to a hot start — they’re building something. 4-1, and counting.
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