The Atlanta Dream secured a solid victory over the Connecticut Sun with a final score of 88-72 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. The Dream's bench players made a significant impact on the game, with Brittney Griner leading the scoring with 17 points, closely followed by Rhyne Howard with 15 points. This win propelled Atlanta c30-14c to the second spot in the WNBA standings, marking an impressive achievement as they became just the sixth team in the league's history to reach 30 wins during a regular season.
The Dream's successful performance against the Sun puts them in contention for the No. 2 seed in the upcoming playoffs. The potential to secure this seeding depends on the outcome of the Las Vegas Aces' c29-14c upcoming game against the Los Angeles Sparks on Thursday. If the Aces falter, Atlanta could lock in their position for the playoffs.
Noteworthy contributions also came from Brionna Jones and Allisha Gray, who each added 13 points, and Nia Coffey, who scored 10 points for the Dream. Howard's sharpshooting from beyond the arc was standout, as she became the ninth player in WNBA history to make 100 or more 3-pointers in a single season. On the other side, Marina Mabrey shone for the Sun with 22 points, while rookie Saniya Rivers set a Sun record with 43 3-pointers. Tina Charles added nine points to surpass 700 points this season, marking a significant milestone in her long WNBA career.
The game's momentum favored Atlanta early on, as they closed the first quarter with a commanding 31-13 lead after a 17-2 run. The Dream's impressive shooting performance, particularly their 64.7% field goal percentage, allowed them to build a substantial lead. Although Connecticut made a late surge, cutting the deficit to nine points in the third quarter, Atlanta maintained their composure and closed out the game effectively.
Looking ahead, the Sun face an uncertain offseason following a challenging season that saw them finish among the bottom teams in the league. With ownership discussions and the prospect of potential relocation looming, Connecticut is set for a period of transition. The negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement between the WNBA and the players' union add another layer of complexity, affecting the Sun's ability to make roster moves and plan for the future.
In contrast, the Dream's strong performance against the Sun sets a positive tone as they head into the playoffs with momentum on their side. The balanced scoring and solid team effort displayed in this game reflect Atlanta's depth and resilience, qualities that could serve them well in the postseason. As the regular season draws to a close, the Dream will be eager to carry this winning mentality into the playoff series.
Overall, Atlanta's victory over Connecticut showcased their strength and determination as they continue to push for success in the WNBA. With postseason aspirations in sight, the Dream's performance against the Sun serves as a statement of their readiness to compete at the highest level. As the league gears up for the playoffs, Atlanta's position as a formidable contender is firmly established, setting the stage for an exciting postseason journey.