The Atlanta Dream cruised past the Chicago Sky 86-70 on Tuesday night at the Gateway Center in Atlanta, GA. Jordin Canada, Allisha Gray, and Tina Charles led the Dream against the injury-hampered visitors and increased their chances of making the 2024 WNBA Playoffs.
Canada headlined the home side with 18 points, five assists, three steals, two rebounds, and a block for good measure. Tina Charles was right behind her with a double-double after grabbing 16 points and 14 rebounds—a stat that leaves her tied with Sylvia Fowles for the most career double-doubles in WNBA history (her 20th of the season, 193rd of her career).
Peaking at the right time has been helpful, but I’d be remiss to mention the lengthy list of injuries to a Chicago side that looked all but playoff-bound two months ago. The Dream had notable names that were out as well: Aerial Powers (left calf) and Cheyenne Parker-Tyus (left ankle), but Chicago’s list could be a starting five on any team anywhere in the world. Angel Reese (wrist), Elizabeth Williams (knee), Diamond DeShields (ankle), Kamilla Cardoso (Shoulder), and Chennedy Carter (foot) were unavailable for the night’s match.
Factors such as the extensive injury list was only partly why Atlanta’s bench outscored Chicago’s 16-3 on the night. The Dream were simply “on” tonight and even finished the game on a 19-11 run.
Seemingly primed and ready for the playoffs, their final hurdle will come on Thursday, Sept. 19, as they head to New York to face Sabrina Ionescu and the Liberty. The game will air at 7:00 PM/ET on WNBA League Pass.
-Jon Jones
Photo: Adam Hagy for Getty Images
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