Dream Close Out Sun, Set Sights on Commissioner's Cup Showdown with the Fever
- Hayley Moore
- Jun 4
- 3 min read
The Atlanta Dream entered Tuesday night's game against the Connecticut Sun carrying the same mentality that has defined the beginning of their season, and that was to compete all 40 minutes. Before tipoff, Te-Hina Paopao, Naz Hillmon, and Head Coach Karl Smesko all emphasized that while this is a Commissioner's Cup game, it adds a little more significance, but they still prepared as if it were a regular game. And that mindset showed up early on as the Dream battled against the Sun through a tightly contested first quarter that featured eight lead changes.
Rhyne Howard opened up the game hot with eleven points in the first quarter, while Allisha Gray tacked on seven more, and Atlanta finished the quarter with five made 3-pointers. However, four big turnovers by Atlanta gave Connecticut the boost they needed to keep this game competitive. The Sun capitalized on these turnovers, leading to extra possessions and giving them a slim advantage over the Dream, winning the quarter 25-24.
This back-and-forth battle continued into the second quarter, with neither team being able to separate themselves from the other. Atlanta briefly snagged a 6-point advantage midway through the second quarter behind more hot shooting from Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray. Combined, this duo accounted for 40 of the Dream's 50 first-half points. Overall, Atlanta shot an efficient 53.1% from the field and 50% from three as they continued to find success from behind the arc. But Connecticut responded with a strong closing of the quarter, built on second-chance points and points in the paint, trimming the Dream's momentum late in the quarter.
Connecticut came out of halftime looking to take over the game, firing off with a 16-5 run that started at the end of the second quarter, taking a 5-point advantage. But the Dream responded the same way they have all season. Atlanta answered Connecticut with a 12-4 run of their own, fueled by the defensive efforts of Jordin Canada, Rhyne Howard, and Allisha Gray. Rhyne continued an already electrifying night, knocking down a pair of 3-pointers in the third. Angel Reese also knocked down her first 3-pointer of the season, while the Dream forced multiple turnovers to swing the momentum back their way. Despite the clear advantage in second-chance points and points in the paint by the Sun, the Dream showed glimpses of their resiliency again, taking a 68-65 lead into the fourth quarter.
Atlanta came out firing in the fourth quarter with a 23-10 advantage, behind their transition offense and tough defense. The Dream forced multiple Cun turnovers, which allowed them to push the pace on the other end. Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray knocked down timely shots, while Jordin Canada controlled the offense with 10 assists and four steals for the game. Angel Reese finished with another double-double as the Dream dominated the glass and extended their lead to as much as 17 points. After a game that was full of multiple lead changes through three quarters, Atlanta showed their dominace in the fourth, securing a 91-75 win.
After the game, Courtisde Cousins caught up with Allisha Gray on when she and Rhyne Howard knew they were both about to go off and have a good game, this is what she had to say:
Courtside Cousins also caught up with Head Coach Karl Smesko to ask what he saw specifically in the fourth quarter on the defensive end that helped them create that separation. He gave big props to the tough Connecticut team as well. This is what he had to say:
The Dream now turn their attention to a game against the Indiana Fever on the road for their second Commissioner's Cup game. The Dream enters tonight's game on a three-game winning streak, with the last game holding a reminder that when their stars connect all at once, it is scary hours for the rest of the league. The Fever enters tonight's matchup at 4-4 and are looking to regain some momentum after a difficult stretch. With the Commissioner's Cup still hanging in the balance. Tonight's matchup should prove to be another test for both teams.
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