Atlanta Dream Beat Dallas Wings 86-69 Behind Rhyne Howard

The Atlanta Dream defeated the Dallas Wings 86-69 at home on Friday night, improving their record to 3-1 while handing the Wings their third loss of the season. Rhyne Howard led all scorers with 25 points and eight assists in her return from a one-game absence due to the league's concussion protocol.

Atlanta established early control, opening the game with a 16-3 run. The Wings managed to rally and briefly took a 64-63 lead late in the fourth quarter, but the Dream closed the game on a decisive 23-5 run to secure the victory. Howard's backcourt teammate, Allisha Gray, contributed 16 points. Rookie Angel Reese added 15 points and nine rebounds for Atlanta.

The Dream's defense was a key factor, particularly in limiting Dallas star Paige Bueckers. Bueckers, who entered the game averaging over 20 points, was held to seven points on 3-of-13 shooting. As a team, the Wings' starting lineup combined for just 16 points in the first half. Odyssey Sims scored 14 points for Dallas, while Awak Kuier provided a spark off the bench with a team-high 16 points.

The win continues a strong start for the Dream, who began the season with two victories before a narrow loss to the defending champion...