Gray Scores 22, Reese Records 14th Double-Double as Atlanta Drops Season Series
By Milton Kirby | College Park, GA | July 4, 2026
The Atlanta Dream battled until the final buzzer Saturday afternoon but came up just short, falling 88-83 to the Golden State Valkyries at Gateway Center Arena @ College Park.
The loss completed a season sweep for the expansion Valkyries, who improved to 4-2 all-time against Atlanta. The Dream dropped to 2-4 in the series despite another strong afternoon from Allisha Gray, Angel Reese and Rhyne Howard.
Atlanta also unveiled a new starting lineup featuring Jordin Canada, Gray, Howard, Isobel Borlase and Reese. The game marked the first WNBA career start for Borlase as Head Coach Karl Smesko continued evaluating new lineup combinations entering the second half of the season.
Turning Point
The Dream stayed within striking distance throughout much of the afternoon, but Golden State delivered the game’s biggest plays in the closing minutes. Every time Atlanta threatened to erase the deficit, the Valkyries answered with timely baskets and defensive stops to preserve the victory.
Gray Continues Her All-Star Campaign
Gray once again led Atlanta offensively, scoring a game-high 22 points while adding four rebounds, three assists and a steal. The performance marked her eighth game this season with at least 20 points, continuing one of the most consistent scoring seasons in the WNBA.
Howard provided another steady performance with 19 points, five rebounds and three assists, giving the Dream a reliable scoring option throughout the contest.
Reese Keeps Making History
Angel Reese continued her remarkable sophomore season by recording her 14th double-double of the year with 17 points and 13 rebounds. She also contributed three assists and two steals while controlling the glass and creating second-chance opportunities for Atlanta.
Reese’s relentless rebounding and defensive energy kept the Dream within reach throughout the afternoon, even as Golden State maintained its lead late in the game.
Okot Provides the Spark
Center Madina Okot delivered one of Atlanta’s most efficient performances of the season.
Okot scored 11 points while shooting a perfect 4-for-4 from the field and 3-for-3 from the free-throw line, providing an important offensive lift off the bench.
Canada continued directing Atlanta’s offense with poise, finishing with seven points, four rebounds, eight assists and two steals. The performance marked her 18th game this season with at least five assists.
A New Lineup Takes Shape
Saturday’s game offered Atlanta its first extended look at a new starting five.
Although the lineup fell to 0-1 together, Borlase’s first career start and the continued production from Gray, Howard, Reese and Canada provided encouraging signs as the Dream continue searching for the right combinations heading into the second half of the season.
What It Means
While the loss was disappointing, Atlanta’s core continues to produce at a high level. Gray remains one of the league’s most dependable scorers, Reese continues to pile up double-doubles, Howard delivers consistent two-way production, and Canada remains the catalyst for the Dream offense.
If the new starting lineup develops chemistry over the coming weeks, Saturday’s performance could prove to be an important step in Atlanta’s evolution.
Looking Ahead
The Dream will look to regroup and return to the win column as they continue their push through the second half of the WNBA season.
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