Allisha Gray led the Atlanta Dream with a game-high 27 points on Saturday afternoon, steering the team to an 83-75 victory against the Dallas Wings in College Park, Georgia. This matchup marked an important moment for Atlanta as they seek to improve their record with Gray’s scoring playing a crucial role.
Supporting Contributions Bolster Atlanta’s Offense
Brittney Griner added a strong presence on the boards with 15 points and eight rebounds, while Brionna Jones contributed 11 points alongside 15 rebounds. Rhyne Howard provided a near triple-double effort, recording nine points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds, helping the Dream secure their second win in three games.
For Dallas, NaLyssa Smith led all scorers with 13 points, followed by Maddy Siegrist’s 12 and Paige Bueckers’ 11 points. Teaira McCowan and Tyasha Harris each scored 10 points, but the Wings continue to face struggles, remaining winless in the Western Conference after four games.
Dream Build a Lead and Maintain Control Throughout
Atlanta took control early by securing a seven-point lead at halftime. The Dream’s margin extended to 13 points after Brionna Jones completed a three-point play and a layup, pushing the score to 48-35 with 6:24 left in the third quarter, forcing a timeout from Dallas.
Nia Coffey’s three-pointer further increased the Dream’s lead to 59-39 before Dallas staged a response. Arike Ogunbowale and Maddy Siegrist’s baskets helped the Wings narrow their deficit to 15 points nearing the end of the third quarter.
Late Quarter Runs Fuel Dallas but Atlanta Holds Firm
After a successful three-pointer from Gray, Dallas replied with Ogunbowale’s jumper, but Atlanta entered the final quarter on top, 68-50. The Wings opened the fourth quarter with an 11-0 run capped by Siegrist’s layup at 6:29, signaling a late push.
Gray’s basket with 5:35 to play reignited the Dream’s offense, but Dallas responded with five consecutive points to cut the lead to five. Kaila Charles’ layup reduced the gap to eight points with just over two minutes remaining, yet Howard’s clutch free throws ensured the Dream sealed the victory.
Early Game Details and Momentum Shifts
Dallas held a slight 18-17 advantage heading into the second quarter despite limited success from beyond the arc, shooting only 1-for-6 on three-point attempts. The lead exchanged hands multiple times until Griner’s layup gave Atlanta a 30-26 edge with just over three minutes left in the second quarter.
Myisha Hines-Allen’s basket brought Dallas close, but Maya Caldwell’s three-pointer, combined with Gray’s free throws, helped Atlanta finish the half with a 37-30 lead. Gray scored 11 points in the first quarter, leading all players, as the teams struggled from long range, combining to shoot 5-for-22 from three-point territory.
Implications of Atlanta’s Win in Season Context
The victory, powered by Allisha Gray’s dynamic scoring and balanced team efforts, boosts the Atlanta Dream’s record to 2-2, providing momentum for the upcoming games. Meanwhile, the Dallas Wings face continued challenges, remaining the Western Conference’s only team without a win this season. Atlanta’s ability to build and maintain leads during the contest highlights their promising potential as the season progresses.