Atlanta Dream claimed a 96–82 result over Phoenix Mercury at Gateway Center, with Rhyne Howard’s 23 points and eight assists providing the pivotal influence in a 14-point WNBA win. No goal events apply in this basketball fixture, but Atlanta’s 33-point opening period supplied the decisive early separation.
The Dream set the tempo from the opening quarter, taking a 33–24 lead before Phoenix steadied itself in the second. The Mercury posted 23 points in the period and reduced the interval deficit to seven, but Atlanta retained control at 54–47 through the break.
Atlanta then created the key margin after the restart. A 27–19 third quarter extended the home side’s advantage to 81–66, leaving Phoenix with too much ground to recover over the final 10 minutes. The Dream closed out the match with a 15–16 fourth period to secure the 96–82 final score.
Ball movement was central to Atlanta’s success. The Dream finished with 29 assists to Phoenix’s 22, made 14 three-pointers at a 42.4 percent rate, and converted 16 of 17 free throws. Phoenix made just seven three-pointers and shot 40.6 percent overall, despite taking 26 free throws.
Key performers
Howard was the standout performer, combining her 23 points with six rebounds and eight assists to steer Atlanta’s attack. Angel Reese added a team-high 10 rebounds, helping the Dream win the overall rebounding contest 38–28.
For Phoenix, Kelsey Plum led the way with 19 points. DeWanna Bonner collected 11 rebounds, while Alyssa Thomas contributed seven assists, but the Mercury could not match Atlanta’s perimeter efficiency or sustained passing rhythm.
NerdSports Stat: Atlanta’s 14 made three-pointers were exactly double Phoenix’s seven, accounting for a 21-point advantage from beyond the arc in a 14-point result.
The victory moves Atlanta to 19–11 overall and 11–5 at home, while Phoenix falls to 12–20 and 7–10 on the road. The Dream’s next fixture was not provided in the match data, but this result strengthens their position as the regular-season race continues; Phoenix will need a sharper response in its next outing.
Frequently Asked Questions
No goals were scored, as this was a WNBA basketball match. Rhyne Howard led Atlanta with 23 points; Kelsey Plum led Phoenix with 19 points.
Atlanta Dream 96 – 82 Phoenix Mercury.
Atlanta improved to 19-11 overall and 11-5 at home, while Phoenix dropped to 12-20 overall and 7-10 on the road.
Rhyne Howard was the standout performer with 23 points, six rebounds and eight assists.