After trailing 25-13 in the opening quarter, Atlanta responded with a dominant 34-point second quarter and never looked back, rolling to a 102-77 victory over Tempo on Sunday.
The win improved Atlanta’s momentum following a difficult loss earlier in the week and showcased the depth that has made the Dream one of the league’s toughest teams to contain.
Allisha Gray led the way with 26 points, seven assists and five three-pointers, while Rhyne Howard added 24 points, six rebounds and three blocks. Angel Reese delivered another monster performance in the paint with 15 points and 17 rebounds, including 11 offensive boards that repeatedly created extra possessions.
But the story of the afternoon belonged to rookie Isobel Borlase.
The Australian guard scored a career-high 17 points in just 18 minutes, finishing 5-for-6 from the field, 2-for-3 from three-point range and a perfect 5-for-5 from the free throw line.
For Borlase, the breakout performance represented another step in a journey that began when Atlanta selected her in the 2024 WNBA Draft.
Rather than immediately joining the league, Borlase elected to remain in Australia to continue her development.
“I was 19 when I got drafted and coming into the league at that age was probably, in my opinion, a bit too young,” Borlase said earlier this season. “Coming to the decision now to move over here, it felt right.”
The decision has paid dividends.
Over the last two seasons in Australia, Borlase’s rise accelerated rapidly. She earned Breakout Player of the Year and Sixth Woman of the Year honors before becoming the youngest MVP winner in more than a decade.
Now that confidence is beginning to translate to the WNBA floor.
“It’s always nice to see your first one go in,” Borlase said after Sunday’s win. “The players kept finding me and sometimes it just happens to be your day.”
Her scoring came in every possible fashion transition baskets, back cuts, free throws and timely three-pointers exactly the style that has quickly earned the admiration of her teammates.
During the broadcast, Reese jokingly searched for the perfect nickname to describe Borlase’s game.
“Silky Smooth” was one option.
“Smooth Criminal” was another.
Whatever the nickname becomes, the performance backed it up.
“I feel like I’m good at not forcing the game,” Borlase said. “Just getting easy buckets, back-cutting, getting out in transition. There’s nothing better than getting an open layup.”
Atlanta’s veterans were equally impressed.
Gray credited the Dream’s defensive turnaround for changing the game after the sluggish opening quarter.
“From a defensive standpoint, we were letting them get to the basket,” Gray said. “Once we locked in and started attacking in transition, we were able to get back in the game.”
That defensive pressure completely shifted the contest.
The Dream held Tempo’s primary scoring threats in check, limiting Brittney Sykes and Marina Mabrey to a combined 20 points. Atlanta also forced 15 turnovers while committing only eight of its own.
Head coach Karl Smesko praised the collective defensive effort.
“They were our main focal point,” Gray said of Sykes and Mabrey. “The biggest thing was trying to contain them as much as possible and force them into difficult shots.”
Smesko echoed those sentiments afterward.
“Rye just played incredible defense,” Smesko said. “Leash really did a good job as well. It was definitely a team effort.”
While Gray and Howard supplied the scoring punch, Reese once again controlled the interior.
Her 17 rebounds marked yet another dominant performance on the glass, and Smesko credited her relentlessness for helping Atlanta seize control during the second half.
“That third quarter in particular and early fourth, she was just relentless on the boards,” Smesko said. “Getting position, grabbing it, putting it back in. Just a great job by her to get us extra possessions.”
The Dream finished with a 44-24 rebounding advantage and grabbed 14 offensive rebounds.
For Borlase, Sunday’s performance may be remembered as the moment her WNBA arrival truly began.
The rookie has spent the season adjusting to the speed and physicality of the league, but she believes patience has been critical.
“It’s just taken a bit of time to adjust to the speed of the game,” Borlase said. “You’ve got to get your shot off a bit faster. I’ve just tried to be kind to myself and allow the game to come to me.”
Atlanta’s coaching staff has seen the growth firsthand.
“Each game she looks a little more comfortable,” Smesko said. “She’s really talented, so that talent’s coming out now.”
If Sunday’s performance is any indication, the Dream may have found another valuable weapon for a team already loaded with scoring options.
Whether she ultimately becomes known as “Silky Smooth” or “Smooth Criminal,” Borlase delivered a performance Atlanta won’t soon forget.
Key Stats:
- Allisha Gray: 26 points, 7 assists, 5 three-pointers
- Rhyne Howard: 24 points, 6 rebounds, 3 blocks
- Angel Reese: 15 points, 17 rebounds (11 offensive)
- Isobel Borlase: Career-high 17 points in 18 minutes
- Atlanta outrebounded Tempo 44-24
- Dream forced 15 turnovers while committing just 8
- Atlanta outscored Tempo 89-52 after the first quarter
