Atlanta Dream Finally Break Through, Snap Five-Game Losing Streak

 

After experiencing a challenging run of games, the Atlanta Dream defeated the Seattle Storm to snap their 5-game losing streak and start their 3-game homestand strong.

A Much-Needed Breakthrough

Game Recap

This matchup with the Seattle Storm was a must-win for the Atlanta Dream. Not only had the Dream lost their last 5 games, but they were looking to even the series with Seattle as they previously lost to them on June 27, 2026, by 15 points. With the odds stacked against them, the Atlanta Dream were not only able to come out victorious with an 89-78 win but also return to the style of Dream basketball that we all know and love. To start the game, the Storm would go on a 5-0 run in the 90 seconds of the game. As seen in previous matchups, this wasn't a good sign for the Dream as they hadn't done well when starting the game down several points. That said, Angel Reese got Atlanta going with a deflection that turned into a breakaway layup. It was only up from there for the Dream as the Storm's largest lead came in the first 90 seconds (5). Although Seattle would climb back to tie the game and take a 1-point lead halfway through the first quarter, they would not regain the lead over Atlanta again in this matchup. Led by Allisha Gray in scoring with 22 points, the Dream out their head down and never looked back as 4/5 starters scored in double-figures, resulting in a lead of up to 20 points that came midway through the third quarter. This was a defining game for the Dream, a confidence booster to say the least.

Back to Their Identity

Prior to their 5-game skid, the Atlanta Dream were ranked as the number one best offense in the entire WNBA. As this honor was dropped during their struggles, the Dream bounced back in commanding ways in this matchup with the Storm. In previous games, Atlanta found their greatest challenges in maximizing their defensive efforts to convert them into offensive success. That said, something was different this game as the Dream were not only able to capture 14 steals as a team, but they also converted them into points. Atlanta's recent offensive struggles also came from a lack of starting strong. Rather than starting half of the first quarter scoreless and down 10+ points, the Dream were able to turn on the jets and get things going as Allisha Gray went into takeover mode in the first quarter. As Gray gained the attention of Seattle's defense, the floor spacing opened up and gave Rhyne Howard and Angel Reese their turns to dominate. This changed the trajectory of not only this specific matchup, but the second half of the season for Atlanta as they returned to their true style of basketball.

Key Takeaways from the Win

Coach Karl Smesko was right, the Dream have every offensive asset they need to get hot; they just cannot start off weak and behind. This matchup with the Storm is a prime example of that. Impacting this success in offense was the increase in efficient shooting. In previous post-game interviews amid in the 5-game losing streak, Smesko also noted that he believes his team takes great shots and has good looks, but they couldn't convert at the time. As teams experience off games and shooting slumps all the time, this hit the Dream at a difficult point in the season. That said, although they didn't shoot great from three as a team (23%), the Atlanta Dream shot an efficient field-goal percentage of 42% last night. This is a notable improvement from the previous team field-goal percentage average during the skid (38%) and gives hope for continued improvements and growth. As the Dream look to finish the final few weeks before the All-Star break strong, they must continue to take good shots on offense and maximize opposing offense's struggles with their defense.

The Road Forward for Atlanta

Following this pivotal victory in their schedule, the Dream will continue this home stretch with 2 more games in Atlanta. On July 11, 2026, the Dream look to take on the Portland Fire. A scrappy and athletic team, the Fire are easily capable to run teams up and down the court and excel on all levels despite their young core. The Dream must play with poise and discipline as they look to dictate the pace of this matchup. Ending this 3-game run at home, the Dream will take on the Los Angeles Sparks on July 13, 2026. As the Sparks are still without their lead scorer, Kelsey Plum, the Dream should have the upper hand in this matchup. That said, they must control the post to ensure that Nneka Ogwumike and Dearica Hamby don't close the gap despite the absence of their leader. Will the Atlanta Dream continue this momentum and take another victory or two before they hit the road again?