Rhyne Howard led the Atlanta Dream with 14 points, six assists, and five rebounds as the team claimed a 79-63 victory over the Golden State Valkyries on Sunday night in San Francisco. The Dream’s strong third quarter performance helped them overcome an uneven shooting start and take control of the game.
Key Contributions Despite Early Struggles from Atlanta
Although Atlanta struggled with their three-point shooting, making only 2 of 17 attempts in the first half and finishing 9 of 35 overall, Allisha Gray managed to score 13 points despite shooting 3 for 13 from the floor. Brionna Jones added 13 points and grabbed nine rebounds, providing a solid presence inside. Te-Hina Paopao came off the bench to add 10 crucial points, supporting the Dream’s late surge after snapping their six-game winning streak in their prior game against Seattle.
Golden State Valkyries’ Efforts Hindered by Injury and Shooting Slump
The Valkyries, who entered the game on a four-game winning streak, faced setbacks that contributed to their defeat. Veronica Burton led Golden State with 16 points and five assists, but the team’s shooting cooled off dramatically, making only 7 of 29 three-pointers after connecting on 29 across their previous two games combined. Center Iliana Rupert suffered a hard hit to the face during the third quarter and did not return after being placed in concussion protocol, a development that affected the Valkyries’ interior presence.
Coaching Challenges and Upcoming Games for Both Teams
Golden State coach Natalie Nakase, who had urged for better defensive communication following their earlier win in Atlanta, saw her team’s streak halted at home with this loss, dropping their record to 10-6 on their court. Meanwhile, the Dream prepare to face the Las Vegas Aces on Tuesday, aiming to build on their recovery, while the Valkyries host the Phoenix Mercury in the first of two consecutive matchups.
Significance of the Game and Future Outlook
This game marked a turning point for Atlanta, where Rhyne Howard’s leadership helped the Dream reestablish momentum after recent setbacks. The Valkyries, while strong earlier in the season, must now cope with the impact of Rupert’s injury and address their shooting inconsistencies moving forward. Both teams face critical upcoming contests that will shape their postseason prospects in the competitive <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/wnba/”>WNBA environment.