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Angel Reese, Allisha Gray Lead Atlanta Dream Past Seattle Storm

8 days agoUS
Angel Reese, Allisha Gray Lead Atlanta Dream Past Seattle StormSource: reutersconnect.com
The Atlanta Dream snapped a five-game losing streak with an emphatic 89-78 home victory over the Seattle Storm at Gateway Center Arena on Thursday night. Angel Reese and Allisha Gray led the charge, combining for 40 points in what became a decisive win for Atlanta as they continue their push in the WNBA Eastern Conference standings.

Key Insights

Angel Reese recorded her 15th double-double: of the 2026 WNBA season, finishing with 18 points and 11 rebounds, along with 2 assists and 2 steals.\n- **Allisha Gray led all scorers** with 22 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists, providing critical offensive stability for the Dream.\n- **Rhyne Howard added 19 points and 4 steals**, helping Atlanta build a commanding 55-38 lead by halftime.\n- **The Dream improved to 13-9** with the win, while the Storm dropped to 6-18.\n- **Why this matters**: After a five-game skid, this victory is crucial for Atlanta's playoff positioning in the competitive WNBA Eastern Conference. Reese's consistent double-double production (now 15 on the season) solidifies her as one of the league's top rookies-turned-sophomores.

In-Depth Analysis

Game Breakdown

The Dream set the tone early, closing the first quarter on an 11-2 run to turn an 18-17 nail-biter into a 29-19 advantage. Atlanta carried that momentum into the second quarter, outscoring Seattle 26-19 to enter halftime with a comfortable 55-38 lead.

The Dream extended their lead to 20 points midway through the third quarter, but the Storm showed resilience. Seattle cut the deficit to 84-76 with under three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. However, Atlanta responded with five straight points to extinguish any hopes of a comeback.

Key Performances

Atlanta Dream:

Allisha Gray: 22 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists

Rhyne Howard: 19 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals

Angel Reese: 18 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals (7-of-15 FG)

Seattle Storm:

Natisha Hiedeman: 20 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists

Dominique Malonga: 15 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists

Flau'jae Johnson: 14 points, 5 assists, 2 rebounds, 2 steals (5-of-12 FG)

Rookie Flau'jae Johnson struggled from beyond the arc, missing all three of her three-point attempts, but still contributed a team-high five assists in a promising season for the young guard.

FAQs

What was Angel Reese's stat line in the game?\nA: Reese scored 18 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and added 2 assists and 2 steals on 7-of-15 shooting, recording her 15th double-double of the season.\n\nQ: How did the Atlanta Dream snap their losing streak?\nA: The Dream built a double-digit lead by halftime and held off a late fourth-quarter surge from Seattle, scoring five unanswered points in the final minutes to secure the 89-78 victory.\n\nQ: What are the current standings for both teams?\nA: The Atlanta Dream improved to 13-9 with the win, while the Seattle Storm fell to 6-18 in the 2026 WNBA season.\n\nQ: How did Flau'jae Johnson perform for Seattle?**\nA: Johnson scored 14 points with a team-high 5 assists, 2 rebounds, and 2 steals, though she struggled from three-point range (0-of-3).

Key Takeaways

For WNBA Fans: Angel Reese continues to prove her consistency as one of the league's premier rebounders and double-double threats. Watch her development as the Dream push toward playoff contention.\n- **For Atlanta Dream Supporters**: The team showed resilience in snapping their losing streak with a strong start and clutch finishing. Keep an eye on Rhyne Howard's defensive impact (4 steals) as a key factor in future matchups.\n- **For Seattle Storm Followers**: Despite a tough season, rookie Flau'jae Johnson is showing playmaking ability (5 assists) that bodes well for the Storm's future. Dominique Malonga's near double-double (15 points, 9 rebounds) is also a positive takeaway.

Discussion

Can the Atlanta Dream build on this win and make a serious playoff push? Do you think Angel Reese will finish the season as the league's double-double leader? Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!

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