The Atlanta Dream’s return from the Olympic break was nothing short of thrilling. Entering the break on an eight-game losing streak, the Dream found themselves searching for both identity and momentum. They faced injuries to key players like Jordin Canada, Rhyne Howard, and Aerial Powers, which derailed what had been a promising start to the season. However, the break seemed to be exactly what the team needed, as they came back looking rejuvenated, healthy, and determined. In a sold-out Gateway Center Arena, Atlanta secured a dramatic 83-81 victory over the Seattle Storm, showcasing their growth and resilience.
The game was highly anticipated, marking the first time this season that Atlanta had its core trio of Jordin Canada, Rhyne Howard, and Allisha Gray all healthy and on the court together. Head Coach Tanisha Wright emphasized the significance of this moment. “I thought today was a day that we grew up a little bit. In the past, this would have been a game where we kind of couldn’t find our footing, couldn’t find our way back,” Wright said after the game. “Ry did an amazing job of really keeping things calm for everybody, keeping things poised. And then obviously she took over in the third quarter. But yeah, this is a good win for us against a really good Seattle team.”
The game started with Seattle setting the pace, as Skylar Diggins-Smith attacked the rim early and often, putting the Dream in a quick 5-0 hole. But Atlanta responded, led by Rhyne Howard’s aggressive play. Howard kept the Dream in the game, eventually finding her groove in the third quarter where she erupted, hitting three consecutive three-pointers to ignite the crowd and keep the Dream within striking distance.
Seattle, led by Diggins-Smith’s 29 points and Jewell Loyd’s 21, remained a constant threat, but the Dream were determined to stay in the fight. The Storm targeted Canada’s size by running her through multiple screens, and Diggins-Smith capitalized with tough finishes, including a key and-one play in the fourth quarter. But Jordin Canada, who had been quiet offensively, stepped up when it mattered most. With the game tied at 65-65, Canada hit critical free throws and facilitated key possessions that allowed Atlanta to take the lead late.
One of the defining moments came with just over a minute remaining. The game was knotted at 81-81 after a clutch three from Loyd, and the Dream had possession. Coach Wright trusted her veterans and called a play for Tina Charles, who received the ball on the block and nailed a mid-range jumper with 1.8 seconds left to give Atlanta an 83-81 lead. Charles reflected on the moment, saying, “They called my number for a play. I went up to T to make sure that she wanted me to go and score. And, um, you know, Ry was the last person I saw and she put confidence in me. She was like, ‘Go get a bucket.’ I like to think I’m a bucket, so I went and got it. That’s exactly what happened.”
The Dream’s resilience in this game can be attributed to the return of Jordin Canada, a player who knows what it takes to win in this league, having captured championships with the Storm in 2018 and 2020. Wright emphasized the impact of Canada’s presence: “There’s a confidence when you have your best players out on the floor. We’ve been missing Jordan…she’s somebody who has experience in this league, who’s won championships. To have somebody out there just a floor general that can create and find the right people at the right time, that makes all the difference.”
Naz Hillmon also played a pivotal role, dominating the boards with 13 rebounds, including 5 on the offensive glass. Hillmon’s effort provided crucial second-chance opportunities and kept the Dream in the game, especially in the first quarter when Seattle threatened to run away with it. “I thought Naz was amazing on the rebounds, on the boards,” said Wright. “Her ability to rebound tough rebounds, snagging five offensive boards today, really got us going at times. It’s just an energy boost when you can rebound like that.”
The victory also highlighted the importance of staying poised under pressure. Atlanta’s defense tightened late, with Allisha Gray playing lockdown defense on Diggins-Smith and forcing key turnovers. Gray was also effective on the offensive end, finishing with 19 points and knocking down critical free throws down the stretch to seal the win.
As the Dream celebrated the victory, it was clear that this game meant more than just a mark in the win column. “We like to say that this is a new season for us,” Charles added. “But you know sometimes you gotta look back, and you know we’ve had a losing streak going. So I think it was just a breath of fresh air. It was a great team win.”
With a fully healthy roster and a newfound sense of confidence, the Dream have their sights set on turning their season around. If this game was any indication, they’re ready to make some noise in the weeks ahead.
