Dream rally past Mystics to win Game 1, 92-77

The Atlanta Dream beat the Washington Mystics 92-77 in Game 1 of their first-round WNBA playoff series Sunday, rallying from an 11-point deficit with a decisive third quarter. The fourth-seeded Dream outscored the fifth-seeded Mystics 29-12 after halftime to take control at home in Atlanta. Rhyne Howard led Atlanta with 26 points and five steals, while Allisha Gray added 22. Angel Reese had 13 points and 12 rebounds in her playoff debut, though she made 4 of 15 shots from the field. The Dream also got 10 points and 11 assists from Jordin Canada. Washington’s Sonia Citron scored 25 points. Kiki Iriafen recorded 15 points and 14 rebounds, and Shakira Austin had 12 points and 16 rebounds. The Mystics led by five at halftime after building an advantage that reached 11 points, but Atlanta took its first lead of the second half during a 7-0 run to open the third quarter. Turnovers were a major factor in the swing. Washington committed 22, and Atlanta converted them into 27 points. Atlanta recorded 16 steals, a franchise playoff record, according to game statistics. The Dream’s pressure and improved scoring after the break helped them preserve the lead through the fourth quarter.