COLLEGE PARK, Ga. — After a frustrating loss to Indiana earlier in the week, the Atlanta Dream responded exactly how championship-caliber teams are supposed to.
The Dream overwhelmed the Washington Mystics 109-77 Saturday night at Gateway Center Arena, delivering one of the most complete performances of the season in front of a sold-out crowd of 3,609 fans. Atlanta shot 48.5% from the field, knocked down 13 three-pointers, forced 17 turnovers, and received contributions from virtually every player who stepped on the floor.
The 109 points marked one of the highest scoring outputs in franchise history and came as Atlanta improved by returning to the identity that has fueled its early-season success: defense, ball movement, and depth.
“We came back home and protected our house,” Angel Reese said after the game. “You don’t want anybody to come in your house and beat you at your house. Everybody took a look in the mirror after the last game and figured out how we can individually be better for the team.”
Angel Reese Dominates on Both Ends
Reese once again proved why she has quickly become one of the most impactful players in the WNBA.
The All-Star forward finished with 18 points, 17 rebounds, four steals, three assists, and three blocks in just under 25 minutes of action. She was especially efficient from the free throw line, converting 10-of-10 attempts.
When asked about her perfect night at the stripe, Reese credited her daily work ethic.
“I work on it every single day,” Reese said. “I know that I’m going to get to the free throw line a lot. Me, Toya and Karl work a lot on swishes and making sure it’s going straight in and coming right back to me. It’s something I can always rely on.”
Four of Reese’s steals came during Atlanta’s dominant third quarter, when the Dream effectively put the game away.
“I think our defense is our identity,” Reese said. “Making sure we emphasize ball pressure and give ourselves extra opportunities. If we get defensive stops, we can get out in transition quickly and that’s easy points for us.”
Rhyne Howard Sets the Tone Defensively
While Atlanta’s offense grabbed headlines, Rhyne Howard’s defensive effort may have been just as impressive.
Howard finished with 19 points and a career-high six steals, spending most of the evening guarding Washington standout Sonia Citron.
Dream head coach Karl Smesko didn’t hesitate when asked whether Howard deserves consideration for the WNBA All-Defensive Team.
“I don’t think there’s any question about that,” Smesko said. “Her defense has been just outstanding this season.”
Smesko recalled a moment when Howard insisted on staying matched up against Citron despite foul trouble.
“We were talking about moving somebody else on Citron so she wouldn’t get her fifth foul, and she said, ‘I’ll guard her.’ So I said, ‘Okay, you got her.’ She didn’t pick up the foul. That’s part of building trust.”
Howard’s defensive pressure helped fuel Atlanta’s transition game, where the Dream converted turnovers into easy baskets throughout the night.
Medina Okot Continues to Shine
Perhaps the biggest storyline beyond the final score was the continued emergence of rookie center Medina Okot.
Okot scored 11 points in 18 minutes, showcasing the physicality, confidence, and skill set that have quickly made her one of Atlanta’s most intriguing young players.
Reese has become one of Okot’s biggest supporters.
“I tell her when she comes in the game, ‘You are the best. You are a beast, and nobody in front of you can guard you but you,’” Reese said. “She continues to dominate.”
When asked what those words mean to her, Okot became emotional.
“Sometimes that’s what I need to hear,” Okot said. “She tells me to do things that I think I’m not able to do. She does a great job of being a big sister and bringing out what I don’t really see.”
Smesko was equally enthusiastic about Okot’s long-term potential.
“She’s good right now, but she has so much potential,” Smesko said. “I think she has the ability to be one of the best players in the league. She’s physical, she’s strong, she has skills, and she’s still learning the game.”
The coach continued:
“She’s not intimidated by anybody. She’s going at some of the best players in this league. I’m proud of her performance today.”
Atlanta’s Depth Takes Center Stage
One of the most encouraging developments for Atlanta was the production from its bench.
The Dream received meaningful contributions from throughout the roster:
- Allisha Gray — 15 points
- Jordyn Canada — 11 points and 5 assists
- Madina Okot — 11 points
- Isabel Borlase — 9 points
- Sika Koné — 9 points
- Angel Reese — 18 points
- Rhyne Howard — 19 points
Every available player scored.
“It’s always good when everybody’s playing well and there’s positive energy throughout the team,” Smesko said. “The bench got extended minutes and everybody came in and contributed. That’s exactly what you’d hope to see.”
Smesko also praised Isabel Borlase’s continued development.
“I think she’s feeling more comfortable out there,” he said. “You can see the skill she possesses. She can get by people, she can shoot the three, she’s crafty. Each week she gets a little more comfortable.”
Ball Movement Sparks Offensive Explosion
Atlanta’s offense looked significantly sharper than it did against Indiana.
The Dream recorded 21 assists, shot 52% from three-point range (13-of-25), and consistently generated quality looks through patient ball movement.
“It was obviously a lot better,” Smesko said. “The ball moved, it got to open people. We attacked space, and when we didn’t have a good shot, we passed it to somebody else.”
The result was a season-best offensive rhythm that saw Atlanta score:
- 28 points in the first quarter
- 18 points in the second
- 32 points in the third
- 31 points in the fourth
By game’s end, Atlanta had built a lead as large as 35 points.
Looking Ahead
The victory serves as an important reset for the Dream as they continue Commissioner’s Cup play and prepare for the next stretch of the season.
Perhaps most importantly, Saturday showed what Atlanta can look like when its defense creates offense, the ball moves freely, and the bench provides meaningful production.
The Dream entered the night looking for a response.
They left with a statement.
“I think our defense is our identity,” Reese said.
On Saturday night, Atlanta looked every bit like a team ready to build on that identity.
