By Milton Kirby | San Francisco, CA. | June 25, 2026
The Atlanta Dream nearly turned one of their toughest nights of the season into one of their most memorable comebacks.
After trailing by as many as 26 points, Atlanta mounted a determined fourth-quarter rally before falling 77-66 to the Golden State Valkyries Wednesday night at Chase Center. The loss snapped the Dream’s four-game winning streak and evened the season series between the teams at 2-2.
For much of the night, the Dream struggled to find their offensive rhythm. But a spirited comeback led by Atlanta’s bench nearly erased what once looked like an insurmountable deficit.
“We brought in players off the bench, and that gave us a lot of energy,” Dream Head Coach Karl Smesko said. “We made a run that got us back in the game and gave us a chance to try to pull something off. Give the Valkyries credit. They hit a couple of 3-pointers to close it out.”
Slow Start Creates a Steep Climb
Atlanta’s starting lineup of Jordin Canada, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Naz Hillmon, and Angel Reese entered the game with an impressive 12-4 record together. Early on, however, the offense never found its usual rhythm.
The Dream scored on their first three possessions before cooling off dramatically. Atlanta finished the first half with just 27 points while shooting 30.3 percent from the field and making only one of its first 10 attempts from three-point range.
Golden State took advantage, connecting on 55.2 percent of its shots and 53.3 percent from beyond the arc to build a lead that eventually reached 26 points.
Atlanta’s challenge became even greater in the third quarter when Allisha Gray left the game with an upper-body injury after scoring eight points. The team did not immediately provide an update on her condition.
“We got the shots we wanted,” Angel Reese said. “We just didn’t hit them tonight.”
Bench Provides the Spark
Just when the game appeared out of reach, Atlanta’s reserves breathed life back into the contest.
Opening the fourth quarter with fresh energy, the Dream held Golden State scoreless for more than five minutes while putting together a 21-6 run that trimmed the deficit to 10 points. Atlanta shot an efficient 10-for-15 during the quarter while scoring 26 points, its highest output of the night.
The bench contributed 22 points and supplied the defensive intensity that fueled the comeback. Indya Nivar and Sika Kone each finished with a team-best plus-14 rating, the only positive plus-minus performances for Atlanta.
Although the comeback ultimately fell short, it showcased the resilience that has become a trademark of this Dream team.
Okot Continues to Grow
Center Madina Okot continued her impressive stretch of play, leading Atlanta with 16 points while adding five rebounds and one assist. It marked her second consecutive double-digit scoring performance.
“It’s just staying ready and being ready whenever my team needs me,” Okot said. “Bringing whatever I have to help my team win.”
Her play helped Atlanta dominate several key statistical categories despite the loss.
The Dream outscored Golden State 42-22 in the paint, won the rebounding battle 34-32, and held an 18-2 advantage in fast-break points. Those efforts were not enough to overcome the Dream’s cold shooting and the Valkyries’ hot hand from long distance.
Reese Extends Double-Double Streak
Angel Reese continued another remarkable chapter in her rookie season by recording her 11th double-double with 10 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, and one steal.
Rhyne Howard added 12 points, five rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block while playing a team-high 31 minutes.
Canada finished with eight points, four rebounds, and two assists before the final horn.
The loss leaves Atlanta 2-2 all-time against Golden State, including a 1-1 record on the road.
Quick Opportunity to Respond
The Dream will not have to wait long for another opportunity.
Atlanta returns to Chase Center on Friday night for an immediate rematch with the Valkyries, giving the Dream a chance to split the two-game road series and regain the momentum that fueled its recent four-game winning streak.
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