Dream snaps skid in dazzling win against Seattle

Against the Golden State Valkyries, the team agreed that missed free throws in their previous matchup ultimately cost them the game. This was instantly corrected against Seattle, as the Dream made 23 of 26 free throws. Add the 14 steals the team picked up, and you have the dominant Atlanta squad they showed so early in the season.

Slowing their pace in the fourth quarter, the Dream allowed the Storm to knock down open baskets, giving their opponent a little hope as they slowly clawed back into the game. The Dream, however, snapped back to finish the job and put themselves back in the win column for the first time since June 22.

Key Moment

The moment the Dream decided to establish themselves came after their first basket, following Seattle’s 5-0 run to open the game. Angel Reese then stole the ball after Seattle’s Jade Melbourne committed a turnover and converted a fast-break layup, giving Atlanta their first basket of the night and sparking an 8-2 run. From there, the Dream took control of the game.

Top performers

Dream

Allisha Gray: 22 PTS, 3 REB, 5 AST

Rhyne Howard: 19 PTS, 4 REB, 2 AST

Angel Reese: 18 PTS, 11 REB, 2 AST

Jordin Canada: 14 PTS, 9 REB, 8 AST

Storm

Dominique Malonga: 15 PTS, 9 REB

Natisha Hiedeman: 20 PTS, 5 REB

Flau’jae Johnson: 14 PTS, 5 AST

Highlight Play

Naz Hillmon knocked down a 3-pointer off an assist from Allisha Gray with 6:55 left in the second quarter, giving the Dream a 42-28 lead and sending the crowd into a roar before the timeout.

Quotable:

“I think this past week we’ve been very intentional about getting back to Atlanta Dream basketball and doing what works best for us. And we know when we come out aggressive on the defensive end, that initiates our offense. So as much as we can get stops and get out in transition, that’s when we’re at our best. So we tried to do that to start the game, and we did a really good job. We just have to keep that and be consistent for the whole 40 minutes.” -Jordin Canada on what’s been working for the team.

“Just coming to take advantage of what was given to me. I felt like just being aggressive against the basket. That’s what the game was giving me. So my biggest thing, just continue doing that and getting to the free throw line and hitting my free throws.” -Allisha Gray on her mindset going into the game.

“Obviously, the last thing we want is to go a game without Angel, so we’ll let her know that. Obviously, she was frustrated with a couple of calls, and we’re at that point where the next one is going to be a suspension. We’re all aware of it, and hopefully, we can push that off as far as possible.” -Coach Karl Smesko on Reese’s technical call.

“I thought the first half defensively was really good, and we had some really good pressure on the ball. We were able to get out and transition after we made plays. Second half, I thought the intensity went down a little bit, and they were able to get better shots. But we had a little bit of a lead, and we were able to hold on to it.”-Smesko on the ball screen defense improvement.