Alisha Gray led the Atlanta Dream with 25 points as they held off a late surge from the Los Angeles Sparks, securing an 88-82 victory on Tuesday night. Kelsey Plum contributed six points and sparked a 14-3 run for the Sparks in the fourth quarter, narrowing Atlanta’s lead from 17 to just two points with five minutes left. However, key three-pointers from Rhyne Howard and Gray helped Atlanta maintain a five-point cushion with three minutes remaining. Azura Stevens made a three-pointer for the Sparks, trimming the gap to 81-77 under a minute to play, but Naz Hillmon’s deep three-pointer responded for Atlanta, and Gray sealed the win with four free throws.
Howard finished with 15 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists for the Dream (4-2), while Bryona Jones, Hillmon, and Shatri Walker Kimbrough added 13, 11, and 10 points, respectively. The Sparks (2-4) were led by Diaika Humvee with 28 points, eight assists, six rebounds, and four steals, and Plum added 27 points, five assists, and four steals. Azura Stevens contributed a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
The Dream took an early lead with a three-pointer from Maya Caldwell, and after scoring three more three-pointers in the second quarter, they led 40-31 at halftime. The Sparks stayed close, getting within six points mid-third quarter following a three-point play by Plum, but Atlanta extended their lead to 66-53 by the end of the quarter, courtesy of scoring from Gray and Howard. Notably, Atlanta played without Britney Griner, who is sidelined due to a knee injury.
Looking ahead, the Sparks will travel to Las Vegas to face Plum’s former team, the Aces, on Friday, while Atlanta heads to Seattle the same day.
Fan Take: This game highlights the depth and resilience of the Atlanta Dream, showcasing their ability to withstand fierce comebacks without their star player. For WNBA fans, it reinforces the league’s growing competitiveness and the thrilling basketball that continues to elevate the sport’s profile.
