The Atlanta Dream secured an 83-75 victory over the Dallas Wings at Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia, in a tense WNBA matchup that highlighted the growing rivalry between Rhyne Howard and Paige Bueckers. This contest showcased both young guards’ talents as Atlanta evened their season record to 2-2, while Dallas struggled to find their first win.
Strong Third Quarter Helps Dream Overcome Late Dallas Surge
The Dream built momentum during a dominant third quarter, which ultimately helped them hold off a late comeback attempt from the Wings. Allisha Gray led the charge for Atlanta with an impressive 27 points, complementing her scoring with five rebounds, six assists, and three blocks. Her all-around game was pivotal in maintaining the Dream’s edge throughout the match.
Despite the loss, Paige Bueckers demonstrated why she was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. She contributed 11 points, four rebounds, five assists, and two steals, continuing a promising start to her professional career. Bueckers opened the game confidently with a smooth step-back jumper and matched skills against Dream guard Rhyne Howard, who responded early with a three-pointer. Howard finished the night with 9 points, seven rebounds, and ten assists, showcasing her playmaking ability.
Respectful Exchange Highlights Emerging Competition
After the final buzzer, the two rising stars shared a brief but warm handshake and conversation midcourt, a gesture that captured the attention of fans and underscored the mutual respect between these elite young players. This moment also suggested a budding rivalry that could add excitement to future matchups in the league.
Bueckers’ Continued Growth Amid Wings’ Winless Start
Although the Wings remain searching for their first victory this season, Bueckers has begun turning heads with her performance. She became the fastest guard since Sue Bird to reach 50 career points and 25 assists, a milestone reflecting her rapid rise in the league. Among the crowd was Azzi Fudd, Bueckers’ close friend and former University of Connecticut teammate, who expressed pride in her progress.
To see her living out her dreams, it’s amazing.
—Azzi Fudd, Former UConn Teammate
Fudd also praised Bueckers’ defensive talents and court vision, highlighting her passing skills as a key asset.
She’s an incredible passer, these last couple games…it’s going to be fun.
—Azzi Fudd, Former UConn Teammate
As both Bueckers and Howard continue to develop their games, their friendly rivalry is shaping up to be one of the WNBA’s most compelling storylines. With their contrasting styles and competitive spirits, fans can look forward to more thrilling encounters between these two dynamic guards.