By: Jennifer Portee
5/12/2026
The Atlanta Dream didn’t have their best shooting night, but they had enough toughness to walk out of Dallas with a win.
Atlanta spoiled the Wings’ home opener with a 77-72 victory, improving to 2-0 on the season behind a all-around performance and a second-half shift that changed everything.
Allisha Gray led the way with 26 points, but it was how she scored them that stood out. With the game tightening late, Gray knocked down back-to-back threes in the fourth quarter that gave Atlanta breathing room and quieted the building. When the Dream needed control, she delivered it.
Jordin Canada followed with a strong all-around performance 19 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals. She stayed aggressive throughout and came up with a big three late that helped seal it. More than anything, she kept Atlanta composed on both ends.
Rhyne Howard didn’t have it from deep, but she didn’t let that stop her. She kept attacking, got to the line, and went a perfect 7-for-7 on free throws to finish with 14 points. It wasn’t flashy, but it was steady and Atlanta needed that.
Angel Reese made her presence felt where it mattered most on the glass. She pulled down 16 rebounds and added 12 points, controlling possessions and creating second chances. Her putback in the third quarter helped Atlanta regain momentum right when Dallas was starting to build some.
The Dream came out flat early, missing shots and struggling to find rhythm. They went just 1-for-12 from three in the first quarter and fell behind by as many as nine. But instead of letting the game slip, they stayed within reach and went into halftime down just three.
The second half told a different story.
Atlanta came out sharper, more focused. Howard got things started, Gray followed with a three, and just like that, the Dream had the lead. From there, they settled in and gradually took control, stretching the lead to double digits in the fourth.
Dallas had its own sparks. Arike Ogunbowale finished with 20 points, and Paige Bueckers added 15 in her home debut. But the Wings struggled from deep, shooting just 4-for-26 from three and that made it hard to keep up down the stretch.
Atlanta didn’t shoot lights out either, but they made up for it with effort. They controlled the boards 44-34 and grabbed 11 offensive rebounds, giving themselves extra chances that made the difference in a close game.
It wasn’t perfect basketball, but it was winning basketball.
And right now, that’s all the Dream need.