By Milton Kirby – September 15, 2024

In a high-stakes battle for their playoff future, the Atlanta Dream pulled off a crucial overtime victory against the Washington Mystics, winning 76-73 on the road to keep their postseason aspirations alive. The win brought both teams to an identical 13-25 record, heightening the intensity of the playoff race.

The Dream came out strong from the tip-off, with veteran Tina Charles scoring six of the team’s first eight points, igniting a 12-3 run to open the game. Charles and Rhyne Howard were offensive driving forces, combining for 15 of the Dream’s 21 points in the first quarter. Defensively, Atlanta’s pressure stifled the Mystics, holding them to just 35.7% shooting while the Dream converted 53.3% of their attempts. Key contributions on the boards came from Charles and Allisha Gray, who grabbed three rebounds each.

Atlanta’s momentum carried into the second quarter as the team extended their lead to 19-8. Howard drained a deep three-pointer to push the lead to eight, while Charles continued her stellar play, ending the half with 14 points and six rebounds on a near-perfect 7-for-8 shooting. Guard Jordin Canada sparked the offense with seven points in the second, orchestrating the Dream’s attack with three assists.

The third quarter saw the Dream’s first double-digit lead, thanks to a layup from Naz Hillmon. Gray, Hillmon, and Canada each added critical points as Atlanta executed a 10-2 run to push their advantage. Despite the lead, Washington fought back, but the Dream maintained their edge thanks to strong defensive efforts, including two steals by Howard.

As the game wound down, Washington made a late push, with just 30 seconds left on the game clock, Charles, who set a franchise record with her 19th double-double of the season (20 points, ten rebounds), found Hillmon for a clutch jumper, forcing the game into overtime.

In the extra period, Atlanta remained poised. Hillmon, Charles, and Howard each scored key baskets while the Dream were perfect from the free-throw line, going 4-for-4. Atlanta’s defense was suffocating, holding the Mystics to just 20% shooting in overtime. Hillmon and Charles both recorded steals, sealing the win for Atlanta.

After the game, head coach Tanisha Wright praised Hillmon’s resilience. “Naz obviously was frustrated with herself from the last game, but you know, we just kept talking to her about being prepared and being ready and trusting her preparation and understanding that sometimes games happen like that – you gotta be short-term memory for the next game and stay confident she did that today. she stayed confident and when those opportunities came, especially at the end of the clock, she didn’t hesitate and she knocked down two big shots.”

Charles, reflecting on the win, said, “The goal was to win by any means necessary,” as her leadership on both ends of the court helped keep the Dream’s playoff dreams alive.

This overtime victory marked Atlanta’s second OT win this season, improving their record to 2-1 in extra time. All five Dream starters finished in double figures for just the second time this season. With the win, Atlanta improved their all-time record against Washington to 29-33 overall and 13-19 on the road.

As the Dream continue their fight for the postseason, Charles is now just one double-double away from surpassing Sylvia Fowles for the most in WNBA history.