On Wednesday, May 29, the Atlanta Dream picked up a big road victory overtaking the Washington Mystics 73-67. The victory boosted the Dream to a win percentage over .500 (3-2) and kept the Mystics winless at (0-7). Allisha Gray led the Dream with 19 points while Aerial Powers performed well off the bench with 12 points and five rebounds. Tina Charles had a double-double with 17 points and 15 rebounds. She recorded her 31st WNBA game with 15+ points and 15+ rebounds, extending her lead for the most in WNBA history.
The game was tied three times and the lead changed once in the first quarter after the Mystics led 22-18. But the Dream bounced back in the second quarter thanks to Allisha Gray and Tina Charles. The duo led the Dream on a 10-0 run in the final two minutes of the first half.
Ariel Atkins led the Mystics with 21 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and two steals. With the help of Shakira Austin (12 points, nine rebounds) and Stefanie Dolson (10 points, two assists, one block) the Mystics fought hard to keep the game competitive but couldn’t come up with an answer to Atlanta’s 14-4 run in the fourth quarter.
Atlanta’s defense came up strong in the fourth quarter, holding the Mystics to 9.1% from 3-point range and 22.2% from the field. Rhyne Howard helped keep the game out of reach after shooting a perfect 100% from the free throw line (6-6).
Sometimes you just got to do whatever needs to be done. You know what I mean? It’s not always the prettiest thing. But I thought tonight we did a good job of getting things done when we needed.”
Head coach Tanisha Wright on the team’s play
The Atlanta Dream has a tight turnaround, flying back to Atlanta to host the two-time defending champion Las Vegas Aces on Friday, May 31 at 7:30 PM.
-Jon Jones
Photos: Getty Images
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