In a dramatic Friday night matchup, the Atlanta Dream faced off against the Washington Mystics at Gateway Center Arena with a crucial playoff spot on the line. Despite a strong performance from the Dream, they fell short in a heart-stopping 72-69 final.
The Dream, who have relied on the starting lineup of Jordin Canada, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Naz Hillmon, and Tina Charles for much of the season, came out strong in the opening quarter. Their offense quickly established a 4-0 lead, with Canada leading the transition game and finding Hillmon to secure an early 9-5 advantage. This prompted the Mystics to call their first timeout.
Atlanta’s dominance in the paint was evident, as they scored six of their first nine points from inside. The Dream ended the quarter with a 15-5 run, fueled by Howard’s impressive performance, including six points, two steals, one assist, and one block. Howard’s assist to Gray also marked a milestone, moving her up to sixth on the Dream’s All-Time Assists List. By the end of the first quarter, the Dream led 20-14, having outscored the Mystics in points in the paint (12-8), second-chance points (4-0), and fast break points (7-2).
Gray finished with a team-high 17 points and 10 rebounds as the game progressed, earning her ninth career double-double. Hillmon also recorded a double-double, contributing 10 points and 11 rebounds, which was her first of the season. Additionally, Tina Charles set a new franchise record for the most rebounds in a single season, surpassing Érika de Souza’s previous record of 337. Charles achieved this milestone with her third rebound of the night and ended the game with 13 points and five rebounds, bringing her season total to 340.
Video courtesy of the Atlanta Dream
Despite these individual achievements and a strong start, the Dream couldn’t hold off the Mystics, who ultimately secured the win. The defeat was a tough blow for Atlanta, as they now face a challenging road to the playoffs.
The Dream have three games remaining in the regular season: they will play the Mystics again on Sunday, September 15, at Washington’s home court, followed by a matchup against Chicago at Gateway Center Arena on Tuesday, September 17, and concluding with a final regular season game in New York against Lynx on Thursday, September 19.
While New York has already clinched a playoff berth and is playing for home-court advantage throughout the playoffs, Chicago and Washington are still fighting for their playoff positions.
From the moment she entered the WNBA, Caitlin Clark has helped boost TV audiences, grow attendance and vault the league into the sports mainstream. The most-watched games have featured Clark’s Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese—rivals since they faced off in the 2023 NCAA women’s championship game.
But as the WNBA surged this year, an undercurrent of ugly discourse has circulated between followers of Clark, who is white, and Reese and many of the rest of the league’s players, who are Black. Players have received racist abuse online, physical intimidation and even death threats.
Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images
The issue burst into the open Tuesday, when WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert was asked during a TV interview about her efforts to curb social-media discourse that takes a “more menacing” tone regarding players’ race or sexuality. Engelbert responded that this season is the WNBA’s Larry Bird-Magic Johnson breakout moment and advised those being targeted to simply ignore the abuse.
The reaction from the players was swift. Several posted on social media or gave interviews criticizing Engelbert’s comments.
“This is not about rivalries or iconic personalities,” the WNBA Players Association posted on X. “Racism, and the toll it takes on everyone, is NEVER tolerable, let alone justifiable, in the name of economic growth.”
On Friday morning, in response to the fallout, Engelbert sent an apology to all of the league’s players. In the letter, reviewed by The Wall Street Journal, she wrote: “I was asked a question about WNBA rivalries and the dark side of social media and race and simply put, my answer missed the mark and I’m sorry.”
She continued: “I regret that I didn’t express, in a clear and definitive way, condemnation of the hateful speech that is all too often directed at WNBA players on social media. This is a teachable moment and one that I embrace with humility.”
Engelbert pledged that the league would be swift in denouncing racism, misogyny and homophobia, would continue providing mental-health resources and would listen to its players.
Players have long received sexist barbs from the public, said Nneka Ogwumike, Seattle Storm forward and president of the players’ association. But this season has brought a surge in racially motivated abuse, she said, adding that she has experienced it herself.
“Players have had to shut down their (social-media) accounts,” she said. “Players have had to be escorted away from certain high-concentrated fan environments.”
Reese, who recently suffered a season-ending injury, said on a podcast that she had received death threats and even been followed home.
Ogwumike spoke with Engelbert on Thursday and said, “We’re looking to move forward together. I encouraged her, you know, to develop that personal relationship with players, to maybe understand our lived experiences and, in fact, help the league grow bigger and better.”
This season, the league instituted league-wide charter flights for every game. In one incident last season, a man shouted at and filmed WNBA star Brittney Griner as she and the Phoenix Mercury traveled through a commercial airport.
The league also requires teams to include security in their travel parties and in arenas, and has security representatives in each market and at all games.
Audiences for the WNBA on ESPN networks have jumped 170% this season, to an average of 1.2 million per game. The WNBA playoffs begin Sept. 22.
Atlanta Dream Secures Dramatic 83-81 Victory Over Seattle Storm. In a nail-biting finish, Tina Charles sank the game-winning shot, marking a milestone in her career and improving the Dream’s all-time record against the Storm.
Atlanta, GA – August 18, 2024
In a nail-biting finish, the Atlanta Dream secured a dramatic 83-81 victory over the Seattle Storm at the Gateway Center Arena Friday night, with a game-winning shot by nine-time All-Star Tina Charles.
With just 10.7 seconds left on the clock and the Storm trailing by three, Jordan Horston inbounded the ball to Skylar Diggins-Smith, whose three-point attempt fell short, landing in the hands of Jewell Loyd. Loyd, in a desperate attempt, dribbled through heavy traffic, launched a high-arching three-pointer from the right wing in front of the Storm’s bench, that swished through the net, tying the game at 81 with only 4.6 seconds remaining.
Photo Adam Hagy/NBAE/Getty Images
Following a timeout, the Dream executed a perfectly drawn-up play. Jordin Canada, returning from a broken finger injury that had kept her sidelined since early July, inbounded the ball to Charles. With one bounce, Charles rose and sank the decisive basket, sealing the win for Atlanta.
The game marked the return of both teams from the Olympic break, with the Storm entering the contest with a 17-8 record and the Dream struggling at 7-17. Seattle’s starting lineup featured Skylar Diggins-Smith, Jewell Loyd, Jordan Horston, Nneka Ogwumike, and Ezi Magbegor, while Atlanta started Jordin Canada, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Naz Hillmon, and Tina Charles. Due to injuries, this starting lineup was a first for the Atlanta Dream.
Seattle took control early in the game, with Diggins-Smith scoring 10 points in the first four minutes. The Storm led 22-18 at the end of the first quarter, with Diggins-Smith continuing her strong performance throughout the first half, finishing with 17 points, 2 assists, and 2 steals.
Despite Seattle’s dominance early on, shooting 50% from the floor and forcing 14 Dream turnovers in the first half, Atlanta fought back in the second half, led by Rhyne Howard’s stellar 30-point performance. Howard’s three-point shooting in the third quarter and a crucial free throw in the fourth gave Atlanta its first lead of the game.
Charles’ final shot not only clinched the victory but also marked a milestone in her career, as she became the second player in WNBA history to reach 3,000 career field goals.
This victory improves the Dream’s all-time record against the Storm to 18-23 overall and 13-8 when playing in Atlanta. For Seattle, it was a hard-fought game, but they couldn’t hold off the resurgent Dream in the closing moments.
Photo Adam Hagy/NBAE/Getty Images
The 25th game of the season for the Dream marked their first match since the nearly month-long Olympic break. During the 2024 Olympics in Paris, Rhyne Howard represented her country as a member of the USA Basketball 3×3 Women’s National Team, helping the team secure a bronze medal for their performance.
Atlanta Dream Extends Post-Olympic Winning Streak to Two Games: The Atlanta Dream defeated the second-ranked Connecticut Sun with a decisive 19-2 run in the fourth quarter, showcasing their resilience and determination in the WNBA season.
Atlanta, GA – August 19, 2024
The Atlanta Dream extended their post-Olympic break winning streak to two games after a hard-fought victory over the second-ranked Connecticut Sun on Sunday. The Sun, who entered Gateway Arena with an 18-6 record and a number two WNBA ranking, faced a determined Dream squad fresh off a win against the Seattle Storm.
Although the Sun won the opening tip-off, but Atlanta quickly set the pace with a top-of-the-key three-pointer from Rhyne Howard scored six points in the first quarter while Tina Charles matched her with six points, added five rebounds to her tally, as Atlanta outpaced Connecticut in fast-break points, 5-2. The Dream led by as many as seven points during the opening period, with Marina Mabrey’s layup finally putting the Sun on the board at the 6:55 mark. However, a scare came when Cheyenne Parker-Tyus took a hard fall and had to be assisted to the locker room with five minutes remaining in the quarter.
In the second quarter, the Atlanta Dream seized control with a 12-4 run spearheaded by Jordin Canada, who contributed six points, two assists, and created four additional points from her assists in just five minutes. Charles added five more points as the Dream dominated the paint, outscoring the Sun 12-6 and forcing 10 turnovers while committing only six turnovers themselves. Atlanta also recorded six steals in the first half, including two by Howard. The Dream had a five-point lead at the half.
Tina Charles releases jump shot over three Sun defenders.
The Dream maintained their lead throughout the third quarter, bolstered by eight points from Canada and five from Charles. Despite Connecticut trimming the lead to just one point with four minutes left, Atlanta responded with three consecutive three-pointers—two from Canada and one from Charles—giving the Dream a seven-point cushion heading into the final quarter. The Dream continued to dominate in transition, outscoring the Sun 7-0 in fast break points.
In the fourth quarter, the Sun briefly tooked the lead, 68-63, but Atlanta countered with a decisive 19-2 run. Alisha Gray, who scored seven of her 11 points in the final period, ignited the run with a basket and a bonus point. In the final minute, Charles secured a crucial jump ball at midcourt, passing it to Gray, who found Howard for a three-pointer that pushed the Dream’s lead to six. Canada and Charles then sealed the victory by going 2-for-2 from the free throw line, as the Dream shot an impressive 10-for-11 as a team in the fourth.
With this win, the Atlanta Dream showcased their resilience and determination, toppling one of the league’s top ranked teams and solidifying their momentum as the season progresses.
Naz Hillmon puts up shot against three Sun defenders, Marina Mabry, Brionna Jones & Tyasha Harris
Next up for the Atlanta Dream is the Phoenix Mercury on Wednesday, August 21, and Friday, August 23. As of August 19, 2024, the WNBA has the Mercury ranked sixth in the nation and fourth in the WNBA Western Conference at 15-13. The Phoenix team won two of its last three matches by double digits. The Mercury has momentum and confidence at their backs.
When head coach Tanisha Wright was asked with two days to prepare for Phoenix, how do you keep the team’s confidence up? “They will take a day off for sure, the day off will allow their bodies to repair, then we will prepare like we prepare for any other team. We will focus on ourselves and look at anything that we need to cleanup. Then focus on the challenges that Phoenix presents, but most of all focusing on ourselves.”
The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo celebrates its 40th anniversary with a Legacy Tour stop in Conyers, Georgia, honoring Black cowboy culture and history with thrilling events and a $200,000 prize purse.
Atlanta, GA – August 4, 2024
The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo (BPIR), widely celebrated as “The Greatest Show on Dirt,” made a Legacy Tour stop at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, Georgia, this past weekend, marking its 40th anniversary with three sold-out performances. The rodeo, which took place on August 3rd and 4th, showcased a dazzling array of events and underscored its ongoing commitment to honoring Black cowboy culture and history. The BPIR’s Legacy Tour, travels across the United States, bringing its unique blend of history and excitement to new and returning audiences.
The Conyers stop included two thrilling shows on Saturday and a final, exhilarating performance on Sunday. Audiences were treated to a spectacular lineup featuring Ranch Bronc and Bareback Riding, Bull Dogging, Lady’s Barrel Racing and Breakaway, Lady’s Steer Undercoating, and the crowd favorites, Junior Barrel Racing and Peewee Barrel Racing. The weekend’s events highlighted the rodeo’s rich tradition but also the diverse skills of its participants, leaving the audience in awe of their talent and dedication.
Founded in 1984 by the late Lu Vason, the BPIR has become a hallmark of rodeo entertainment and cultural celebration. Vason, a native of Berkeley, California, and a trailblazing figure in event marketing brought over 50 years of experience to his innovative venture. His move to Denver in 1977 set the stage for creating the BPIR, inspired by his experiences at the Cheyenne Frontier Days in Wyoming and his discovery of Bill Pickett’s legacy at the Black American West Museum of History.
Valeria Howard Cunningham, President and Chief Executive Officer, was elevated to the helm after the passing of her husband, Mr. Vason. Under her leadership and guidance, the BPIR, the only touring Black rodeo, continues growing in size, scope, education, and entertainment value. When asked why the tour does not go to every major city, she said, “I would love to be able to go everywhere. This is a huge ship that we have to turn. We try to look at those cities that have large populations that look like us and have first class facilities that we can offer a first-class rodeo.
The whole reason the BPIR exists is because of the Black cowboys and cowgirls. We have four and five generations of cowboys and cowgirls that have traveled with us the last forty years. And that’s because we have elevated their presence in the community. People did not know that there were Black cowboys and cowgirls. We’ve created the platforms for them to perform and reach higher levels in this rodeo sport.
I am so excited and proud of these cowboys and cowgirls, especially our little peewees, who are three to five years old and already participating in the rodeos. I think we are building a foundation for them so that one day they will be running this rodeo.”
Willie M. Pickett (Bill Pickett), a pioneering figure in rodeo history, is credited with developing steer wrestling, also known as bulldogging. Born in 1870 in Travis County, Texas, Pickett and his brothers formed the Pickett Brothers Bronco Busters and Rough Riders. They gained fame for their expertise in taming wild cattle. Pickett’s contributions laid the groundwork for the rodeo traditions the BPIR celebrates today.
The BPIR’s Legacy Tour’s final event will feature a significant increase in prize money. Contestants are competing for a total of $200,000. This year’s prize purse marks a historic achievement for the BPIR, representing the most significant sum ever offered by a Black-owned rodeo. Contestants qualify for this prestigious event through top placement at rodeos held in Memphis, TN; Oakland, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Denver, CO; and Conyers, GA (Atlanta). At the final bell, over 280 cowboys will have participated, each vying for a share of the substantial prize money.
Acynthia Villery, a key figure in the BPIR’s history, has been with the rodeo for over 37 years. As the Social Media Director and the first African American female rodeo announcer with the Bill Pickett Rodeo, Villery’s contributions have been instrumental in the organization’s success. “This milestone year is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the BPIR,
Villery said. We’re thrilled to celebrate 40 years of rodeo excellence and cultural pride.”
Throughout its history, the BPIR has served not only as a premier rodeo but also as a cultural event that educates and entertains. It provides a platform for families to embrace and enjoy cowboy culture while learning about the contributions of Black cowboys and cowgirls to the American West. By highlighting these stories and celebrating this vibrant tradition, the BPIR continues to make history with every performance, leaving the audience feeling enlightened and entertained.
The BPIR’s Legacy Tour, celebrating four decades of education and entertainment, travels across the United States, bringing its unique blend of history and excitement to new and returning audiences.
“A testament to the richness in tradition and appeal is the fact that many families plan their vacations and family reunions around the BPIR dates and schedule,” said Margo Wade-Ladreww, National Development/Sponsorship Director.
The Legacy Tour will culminate at the 5,800 seat Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, MD, on September 20-21, 2024. Both Saturday shows are already sold out.
This final event of the tour promises to be a grand conclusion to a landmark year, highlighting the enduring appeal of Black cowboy culture and the BPIR’s role in preserving and celebrating this vital heritage.
tlanta Dream Teams Up with Barack and Michelle Obama Academy for Annual Backpack Drive: Equip students with new backpacks and school supplies, featuring a mini-resource fair, voter registration, and more, on July 31 at Gateway Center Arena in Atlanta, GA.
Atlanta, GA – July 29, 2024
The Atlanta Dream is teaming up with the Barack and Michelle Obama Academy for their Annual Backpack Drive. They are equipping students in the metro Atlanta area with the necessary resources to start the school year. The event will take place on Wednesday, July 31, from 9 a.m. to noon at 970 Martin St SE, Atlanta, GA 30315.
This year’s initiative is a testament to the Dream’s unwavering commitment to community support. The Dream collected new backpacks during three home games at the Gateway Center Arena and welcomed online donations. Students attending the event will receive a new backpack filled with school supplies, and teachers will be given additional supplies to enhance their classroom environments.
In addition to the backpacks, the event will feature the Atlanta Fulton Public Library Bookmobile, which will allow students to get a new book for the first day of school. The Dream will also host a mini-resource fair, including a voter registration table, health and wellness resources, and more.
Key partners contributing to the event include:
Jim Ellis Buick GMC Atlanta – school supplies.
HoneyPot – school supplies and resources for parents.
Zaxby’s – food for families and staff.
Atlanta Fulton Public Library Bookmobile – available to provide new library books and assist with parent library card registrations.
Founded in 2006, the Atlanta Dream is the only Womens National Basketball Association (WNBA) franchise in the Southeast. They currently play their home games at the Gateway Center Arena, College Park, GA. The team, featured on Peachtree TV and Peachtree Sports Network, boasts a record of 11 WNBA All-Stars, three first-place regular-season finishes, nine playoff appearances, and three WNBA finals appearances.
For more information about the Atlanta Dream, visit dream.wnba.com and follow them on social media @AtlantaDream on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.
Allisha Gray Makes History at WNBA All-Star Weekend: Gray wins both the Kia Skills Challenge and the WNBA STARRY 3-Point Contest, earning $115,150 and cementing her status as a standout in basketball.
Atlanta, GA – July 20, 2024
In a thrilling display of skill and precision, Allisha Gray of the Atlanta Dream soared to victory in two competitions at the WNBA All-Star weekend. The festivities at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, AZ, showcased Gray’s exceptional talent across multiple disciplines, cementing her status as a standout in basketball.
The Kia Skills Challenge, a rigorous test of fundamental basketball abilities, featured a timed obstacle course designed to challenge participants with tasks such as dribbling, bounce passes, and three-point shooting from various spots on the court. Gray navigated these challenges with finesse, ultimately clinching victory in this highly competitive event.
Adding to her accolades, Gray also triumphed in the WNBA STARRY® 3-Point Contest, where sharpshooters compete to sink shots from designated spots around the arc. Her precision and consistency were unmatched, securing her a historic win as the first player in WNBA history to conquer both the Skills Challenge and the 3-Point Contest in the same year.
Allisha Gray’s performance in the two competitions was exceptional. Her ability to excel in the Skills Challenge and the 3-Point Contest underscores her versatility and dedication to the game.
Gray’s journey to WNBA stardom began in 2017 when she was drafted fourth overall by the Dallas Wings, a pivotal moment in her career when the rookie salary stood at $51,591. Fast forward to today, and Gray’s stellar performance at the 2024 All-Star event has earned her a prize of $115,150. By winning both contests, Gray’s Allstar earnings are 62% of her 2024 WNBA salary of $185,000. Winners of each event received $2,575 from the league and $55,000 from Aflac in sponsorship deals, highlighting the significant growth and recognition of women’s basketball
As the WNBA continues to grow in popularity and recognition, athletes like Allisha Gray serve as inspirations both on and off the court, pushing boundaries and breaking records with each game. Her triumphs at the All-Star weekend will elevate her career and shine a spotlight on the immense talent within the league.
With her dual victories at the forefront, Allisha Gray has etched her name in WNBA history, marking a milestone that will be remembered for years to come.
Dallas Wings edge Atlanta Dream 84-82 in high-intensity WNBA matchup, with Arike Ogunbowale and Odyssey Sims leading the Wings to a crucial win and improving their season record to 5-16.
Dallas, TX – July 5, 2024
In a high-octane battle at the College Park Center, the Dallas Wings narrowly defeated the Atlanta Dream with a final score of 84-82 on Friday night. The game, which saw both teams missing key players due to injuries, unfolded as a testament to perseverance and skill on the court.
The Atlanta Dream entered the contest aiming to bounce back from their previous loss to the Chicago Sky, but faced a tough challenge without star player Jordin Canada, sidelined with a broken finger sustained against the New York Liberty on June 30th. Adding to the pre-game dynamics, the Dream bolstered their roster by signing Destanni Henderson to a seven-day hardship contract. Henderson, a former Indiana Fever draft pick and participant in the Dream’s preseason, injected energy into the lineup.
Meanwhile, the Wings, with a record of 4-16 entering the game, capitalized on home court advantage and opened strong with early baskets from Odyssey Sims and Jacy Sheldon. Both teams battled intensely in the first quarter, ending with the Wings holding a slight lead at 20-16.
The second quarter saw a resurgence from Atlanta, fueled by Haley Jones’ aggressive play and effective shooting. Jones, along with Alisha Gray and Tina Charles, led a charge that saw the Dream shooting 53% from the floor, narrowly trailing the Wings 42-41 at halftime.
Jacey Sheldon continued to shine for Dallas in the third quarter, hitting crucial three-pointers to keep the momentum on the Wings’ side. However, Atlanta staged a comeback led by Tina Charles, reclaiming the lead briefly before Dallas’ Arike Ogunbowale responded with a clutch three-pointer. The quarter ended with Atlanta narrowly ahead, 61-60, setting the stage for a tense final quarter.
In the fourth quarter, Tina Charles secured a crucial layup to give the Dream a 67-65 lead, a pivotal moment in the game. This basket also marked a significant personal milestone for Charles, as it propelled her into third place on the All-Time Leading Scorers list with an impressive total of 7,381 points.
The teams traded baskets and fouls in a tightly contested battle. Odyssey Sims emerged as a key player for Dallas, scoring key points down the stretch, including a crucial three-pointer and a steal that shifted momentum in favor of the Wings. Despite a valiant effort by Atlanta in the closing seconds, including a last-minute basket by Haley Jones, Dallas managed to hold on for the 84-82 victory.
The win improved Dallas’ record to 5-16, while Atlanta’s record dropped to 7-12 for the season. Despite shooting an impressive 66.7% from the field and showing resilience throughout, Atlanta struggled with turnovers, tallying a season-high 28 for the game.
The game showcased the competitive spirit and determination of both teams, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer. For the Atlanta Dream, the loss serves as motivation heading into their next matchups as they continue to strive for success in the competitive landscape of the WNBA.
Baseball Legend Willie Mays Passes Away: Willie Mays, a Hall of Famer and baseball icon, passed away at 93. His legacy as a pioneer, icon, and gentleman of the game will forever be cherished by fans and players alike.
Atlanta, GA – June 19, 2024
Willie Howard Mays, a titan of baseball whose Major League career spanned decades and impact transcended the sport itself, passed away peacefully at home, as confirmed by his son Michael Mays, in a statement released by the San Francisco Giants.
Born in Westfield, Alabama, on May 6, 1931, to Ann and Willie Howard Mays, Sr., Willie Mays began his illustrious baseball journey at a remarkably young age. By the time he was 15, Mays was already making a name for himself playing with the Birmingham Black Barons in the Negro Leagues.
Commissioner of Baseball Robert D. Manfred, Jr. expressed the sentiments of the entire baseball community, stating, “All of Major League Baseball is in mourning today as we are gathered at the very ballpark where a career and a legacy like no other began.” He was referring to the game scheduled for Thursday, June 20, 2024 between the San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals at Birmingham’s Rickwood Field, a tribute to Mays’ incomparable career.
Mays’ contributions to the game were vast and enduring. He emerged as a star with the New York Giants and later the San Francisco Giants, winning the National League most valuable player (MVP) in 1954 and leading his team to a World Series victory with his iconic “Catch” in the Polo Grounds. Mays earned numerous accolades throughout his career, including 24 All-Star selections, 12 Gold Glove Awards, and two MVP titles. In 2015, he was rightfully honored as one of the game’s greatest living players. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom later that year.
At the time of his passing, Willie Mays held the distinction of being the oldest living Hall of Famer, a title he inherited in 2021 upon the death of Tommy Lasorda. Shortstop Luis Aparicio, aged 90, now holds that honor.
Mays’ impact extended beyond statistics and awards; he helped redefine the role of center fielders, making it one of the game’s most glamorous positions alongside contemporaries like Mickey Mantle and Duke Snider. His prowess as a power hitter and base-stealer set new standards, becoming the first player to exceed 300 home runs and 300 stolen bases in 1969.
Willie Mays’ legacy as a pioneer, icon, and gentleman of the game will forever be cherished by fans and players alike. His influence on baseball and society at large remains indelible, a testament to his enduring greatness.
Atlanta Dream Falls Short to New York Liberty in Thrilling WNBA Matchup: The Dream struggled to find their rhythm, ultimately losing 78-61, despite a valiant effort, and now holds a 4-4 record for the season.
Atlanta, GA – June 7, 2024
In a highly anticipated matchup at the Gateway Arena, the Atlanta Dream hosted the New York Liberty on Thursday, June 6, 2024, before a sellout crowd. The Liberty entered the game boasting a four-game winning streak and an impressive 8-2 record, while the Dream, at 4-3, sought to regain momentum after recent setbacks.
The stage was set for an intense showdown as Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones spearheaded the Liberty’s offense, averaging an impressive 51.30 points per game collectively. The Liberty’s starting lineup, rounded out by Betnijah Laney-Hamilton and Kayla Thornton, showcased formidable talent.
Meanwhile, the Dream took to the court with Haley Jones, Alisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Cheyenne Parker-Tyus, and Tina Charles in their starting lineup, a combination they’ve deployed eight times this season.
The game kicked off with Jonquel Jones notching the first basket at the 8:32 mark of the first quarter, followed by a spirited 8-0 run from the Liberty. The quarter ended with the Liberty leading 15-12, setting the stage for a closely contested battle.
The Dream surged in the second quarter, with Arieal Powers sinking a crucial three-pointer to tie the game at 17. However, the Liberty maintained their composure, closing the half with a 38-32 advantage.
The Dream faced adversity in the third quarter as the game progressed, struggling to find their rhythm on offense. Despite Alisha Gray’s efforts, the team trailed by as many as 13 points before rallying to end the quarter 55-48.
In the final stretch, the Liberty maintained their lead, capitalizing on key plays from players like Fiebich and Jonquel Jones. Despite a valiant effort from the Dream, they ultimately fell short, with the final score standing at 78-61 in favor of the Liberty.
Notable highlights from the game included the Dream’s impressive 100% free-throw shooting in the first and second quarters, which showcased their efficiency from the line.
With this loss, the Dream holds a 4-4 record for the season and will look to bounce back as they travel to Chicago for their next matchup on Saturday.
The game provided fans with thrilling moments and showcased the competitive spirit of both teams as they continue to vie for success in the WNBA.
