The Atlanta Dream used a dominant first half and balanced offensive attack to defeat the Toronto Tempo 94-87 on Monday night at State Farm Arena.
Atlanta led by 17 points at halftime and appeared in control for much of the evening before Toronto mounted a second-half comeback behind Marina Mabrey and Isabelle Harrison.
Rhyne Howard paced the Dream with 20 points and seven rebounds while connecting on five 3-pointers. Allisha Gray added 18 points and five steals, while rookie center Madina Okot delivered one of the best performances of her young career with 18 points and seven rebounds on 7-of-9 shooting.
Jordin Canada continued her strong recent play with 11 points and 13 assists, helping Atlanta generate quality looks throughout the game.
Howard said Atlanta’s offensive depth makes the Dream difficult to defend because multiple players are capable of reaching double figures on any given night. She added that the team’s spacing and willingness to move the ball have been key factors in its recent success.
Okot’s impact was especially noticeable in the first half as she repeatedly established deep position near the basket and finished efficiently around the rim.
The rookie credited her teammates and coaches for helping her find favorable spots on the floor and said confidence has grown as she becomes more comfortable within Atlanta’s system.
Coach Karl Smesko was pleased with Okot’s aggressiveness in the paint.
“It was nice to see her get deeper catches where she could just go finish,” Smesko said. “When she catches it that deep, she can score before the double team gets there.”
Toronto refused to go away quietly.
Mabrey finished with a game-high 23 points while Harrison added 21 points and 10 rebounds. The Tempo opened the third quarter with a strong run and steadily cut into Atlanta’s lead.
Smesko said the challenge for his team is maintaining the same level of focus after building a large advantage.
“Every team in this league is too good for that,” Smesko said. “It takes a lot of discipline when you have a lead to care about the current possession as much as you would if it was a tie game.”
Despite Toronto’s surge, Atlanta maintained enough offensive production to stay in front. Canada’s playmaking remained steady throughout the night, and Howard answered several key stretches with timely baskets.
Smesko praised Canada’s recent form.
“She’s had a great season, but the last three games in particular have been exceptional,” Smesko said.
The victory sent Atlanta into a demanding stretch of games with momentum and another example of the balanced offensive attack the Dream hope will carry them through the season.
Photo by KK Hansbrough
