The Atlanta Dream fell just short in a heartbreaker at home, losing 80–79 to the Seattle Storm in a back-and-forth battle that came down to the final possession. Despite standout efforts from Jordin Canada and Brionna Jones, Atlanta couldn’t complete the comeback, hindered late by a lower leg injury to Allisha Gray that kept her out of the final offensive and defensive plays. The loss opens the second half of the Dream’s season at 0–1 and brings their all-time record against Seattle to 19–25.
The Dream opened the contest with energy, fueled by Brionna Jones who scored back-to-back buckets at the rim to give Atlanta an early lead. Allisha Gray knocked down her first three-pointer, while Jordin Canada added her first points off a Jones assist. Jones finished the opening quarter with 4 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist, helping to keep the game close, but Atlanta trailed 15–13 heading into the second.
In the second quarter, Canada remained aggressive, scoring on the opening possession off a dish from Shatori Walker-Kimbrough. That bucket ignited a 12–2 run for the Dream, pushing them ahead by seven midway through the frame. Canada and Jones combined for 21 of Atlanta’s first 28 points as the duo dictated the pace. Te-Hina Paopao came off the bench with an impactful shot, while Gray added another three-pointer and Naz Hillmon got on the board. Both teams scored 24 in the quarter, and Seattle held a narrow 39–37 lead at halftime.
The third quarter saw Brittney Griner come alive, scoring four quick points to start the half. Gray answered with a strong and-one finish and continued cleaning up the boards. Canada added key free throws, and Hillmon’s second three-pointer closed the gap. Atlanta ended the period on an 8–0 run, during which Gray reached her first double-double of the season with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Canada entered the final quarter with a season-high 20 points, but the Dream still trailed 59–56 heading into the fourth.
Jones continued to shine in the final frame, scoring the first four points to keep Atlanta in striking distance. Griner’s second basket of the quarter gave the Dream a one-point lead, and a layup by Haley Caldwell off a Gray assist extended the margin to three. Canada added two more free throws, finishing the night shooting 83.3% from the line. The Dream dominated the glass, tying their season high with 15 offensive rebounds—six of them coming in the final quarter alone. Jones, powering the Dream late, added eight more points in the fourth and secured her eighth double-double of the season with 18 points and 15 rebounds.
But with just seconds left and trailing by one, Atlanta couldn’t execute the final possession, especially after Gray went down with an apparent lower leg injury. Her absence was palpable in the closing moments, as the Dream failed to get the final stop or bucket. Despite a gritty 15–6 run and outscoring the Storm 23–21 in the fourth, Atlanta was edged by a single point.
Jordin Canada was spectacular, posting a career-high 25 points to go with 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals. Brionna Jones continued her season-long dominance inside with her eighth double-double, while Gray delivered her first of the season (12 points, 11 rebounds) before the injury. Atlanta also outrebounded Seattle by a stunning 46–24 margin, including a dominant performance on the offensive glass. Yet again, the Dream showed resilience, but finishing in close games remains their Achilles’ heel.
This loss comes on the heels of a statement win over the defending champion New York Liberty—a game that cost the Dream their star Rhyne Howard, who is currently day-to-day. Encouragingly, Howard appeared on the bench without a brace, signaling a likely return soon. Meanwhile, Seattle entered this contest determined, coming off a tough loss to the Golden State Valkyries. Gabby Williams, who struggled in that game, responded well with 6 assists, helping the Storm close this one out. The Dream showed fight, but ultimately, execution in the final seconds separated victory from another frustrating defeat.
All Photos Provided by Joe Boatman/NBAE via Getty Images
