Atlanta Dream erase 15-point deficit, beat Mercury 82-80

The Atlanta Dream continued their remarkable knack for comeback victories on Sunday, erasing a 15-point deficit to defeat the Phoenix Mercury 82-80 at home and improve to a league-best 4-1 record. The Dream trailed by as many as 18 points in their season opener before winning, and Sunday marked the second time this season they have overcome a deficit of 15 points or more. According to league data, Atlanta is 2-1 when trailing by 15 points this season; the rest of the WNBA is 0-23 in such situations.

Rhyne Howard led Atlanta with 21 points, shooting 46 percent from the field and 50 percent from 3-point range. Allisha Gray added 18 points, and Jordin Canada recorded a double-double with 11 points and 14 assists, along with seven rebounds and three steals. Angel Reese posted her third double-double of the season with 17 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, three steals and a block, including a game-sealing steal in the final minutes.

The Mercury took control early, outscoring Atlanta 25-13 in the first quarter. The Dream trimmed the deficit to 44-37 by halftime. Phoenix led by eight entering the fourth quarter after both teams struggled offensively in the third. Atlanta then...