Angel Reese delivered a stellar performance, scoring 30 points and grabbing 10 rebounds to lead the Atlanta Dream to a decisive 103-59 victory over the Connecticut Sun in College Park, Georgia, on Thursday night.
Why it matters: This win marks a strong comeback for the Dream following a nearly three-week break for the FIBA World Cup. It reinforces their playoff ambitions and showcases Reese's continued dominance on the court.
Reese scored 19 of her game-high 30 points in the first half, helping Atlanta build a solid lead.
The Dream improved to 27-14, winning six of their last seven games, solidifying their position in the playoff race.
Atlanta's defense was impressive, holding Connecticut to just 24 points in the second half.
Driving the news: The Atlanta Dream returned to action with a bang, dominating the Connecticut Sun right from the start. Reese's performance marked her 30th double-double of the season and showcased her efficiency, going 11-of-14 from the field.
Reese reached the 30-point milestone on a free throw with 5:38 left in the game, contributing significantly to the team's blowout win.
She played just 25 minutes, demonstrating her effectiveness in limited time on the court.
Rhyne Howard made history during the game, setting a new WNBA season record with 129 three-pointers.
State of play: The Dream's offense was firing on all cylinders, with multiple players contributing to the scoreline. Rhyne Howard, who has been a standout player this season, added 10 points, including a record-breaking three-pointer.
Allisha Gray also chipped in with 10 points and six rebounds, breaking her own franchise record for points in a season with 782.
Madina Okot and Te-Hina Paopao each scored 10 points, adding depth to Atlanta's scoring.
In stark comparison, the Sun struggled offensively, making only 3 of 20 attempts from beyond the arc.
The big picture: The Dream's victory is a statement as they gear up for the playoffs. Their recent form suggests they are peaking at the right time, with Reese leading the charge.
Atlanta's ability to hold opponents to low scoring, as evidenced by the 31-11 advantage in the third quarter, highlights their defensive prowess.
Connecticut, now at 10-31, faces challenges as they continue to struggle, marking their fourth consecutive loss.
Reese's performance, combined with Howard's record-setting game, positions the Dream as a formidable contender in the league.
What they're saying: Post-game comments from players and coaches emphasized the team's focus and determination moving forward.
“We knew we had to come out strong after the break,” Reese said. “Every game counts as we aim for the playoffs.”
Coach Tanisha Wright praised the team’s effort, stating, “Our defense was key tonight, and we executed our game plan well.”
Olivia Nelson-Ododa, who led the Sun with 13 points, acknowledged the team's struggles, saying, “We need to regroup and find our rhythm again.”
By the numbers: The game statistics reveal the extent of Atlanta's dominance over Connecticut.
Atlanta shot 47.8% from the field compared to Connecticut’s 37.1%.
The Dream outscored the Sun 27-13 in the fourth quarter, capping off a commanding performance.
Connecticut's offensive woes were highlighted by their inability to hit three-pointers, making just 15% of attempts.
Between the lines: The disparity in performance between the two teams was evident throughout the game.
Atlanta's ability to extend their halftime lead from 10 to 50-35 early in the third quarter was a turning point.
The Dream's reserves also contributed significantly, with Isobel Borlase and Okot adding to the score when called upon.
Connecticut's lack of offensive production, especially in the second half, raises concerns for their upcoming matches.
What's next: Both teams have upcoming games that will be important for their respective seasons.
The Dream will host the Chicago Sky on Saturday, looking to build on their momentum.
Connecticut will face the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday, hoping to turn their fortunes around.
With the playoffs approaching, every game is increasingly important for teams vying for a spot.