Atlanta, GA, September 3, 2025
News Summary
The Atlanta Dream achieved a crucial win over the Los Angeles Sparks with a score of 86-75, strengthening their playoff position. Rhyne Howard starred with 19 points, while Brionna Jones added a double-double. This victory further consolidates Atlanta’s strong performance, winning five of their last six games as the Sparks face increasing pressure to secure a playoff spot, positioned at 19-21. The upcoming rematch on Friday promises to be highly competitive as both teams strive for playoff success.
Atlanta – The Atlanta Dream secured a pivotal victory against the Los Angeles Sparks, winning 86-75 on Thursday night, which solidified their position in the WNBA playoff race. The win improved the Dream’s record to 27-14, placing them firmly in second place in the league standings.
The Sparks, on the other hand, fell to 19-21, now 1½ games behind the Indiana Fever (21-20) for the crucial eighth and final playoff berth. With only three regular-season games remaining, the Sparks find themselves at a crossroads with a dire need for wins. Atlanta’s recent performance has seen them triumph in five of their last six games, steadily climbing the standings.
Rhyne Howard was a standout for the Dream, scoring 19 points. Brionna Jones contributed significantly with 16 points and 13 rebounds, recording her 12th double-double this season. Other key performances for Atlanta included Naz Hillmon with 15 points and Maya Caldwell, who added 14 points off the bench.
The Sparks showcased a strong performance as well, with Dearica Hamby leading the team with 21 points, nine rebounds, and four assists. Kelsey Plum and Rickea Jackson also made notable contributions, scoring 18 and 15 points, respectively. Despite their efforts, the Sparks struggled to keep pace with the Dream throughout the game.
In the early minutes, the Sparks jumped to an early lead with 10 unanswered points. However, the Dream swiftly responded, closing the first quarter with a 12-3 run to take a 26-24 lead. The second quarter saw Atlanta extend their advantage with a dominant 15-3 run, which built a 41-27 lead midway through the period. By halftime, with Howard’s strong play, the Dream maintained a 53-41 lead.
Throughout the second half, Atlanta managed to keep the Sparks at bay, leading by 71-60 heading into the final quarter. A key moment occurred late in the game when Atlanta executed a 6-0 run, which solidified their lead to 82-66 after a Hillmon three-pointer, effectively sealing their victory.
This game sets the stage for a rematch between the two teams on Friday, with the Sparks hoping to bounce back against the Dream. Following this game, the Sparks have upcoming home matchups against Dallas and Las Vegas, as well as a challenging road game against Phoenix. Meanwhile, the Dream aim to keep their momentum going as they look towards finishing the regular season strong.
Playoff Standings Overview
As the playoff picture unfolds, the Dream currently lead the Las Vegas Aces and the Phoenix Mercury, both at 26-14, by a slim half-game margin. The Sparks, with their struggles, will rely on their existing tiebreakers against Seattle and Indiana as they fight for the final playoff spots.
Key Individual Performances
Atlanta’s Jordin Canada recorded her first double-double of the season with 10 points and 10 assists, showcasing her versatility as a player. In other notable updates, Allisha Gray of the Dream was recognized as the Kia WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Month for August 2025, marking her as a formidable two-way player in the league.
Injury reports show that Jordin Canada is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, while multiple players from other teams, specifically the Wings, are out due to season-ending injuries, affecting the competitive landscape in the final stretch of the season.
Upcoming Schedule
- Atlanta Dream vs. Los Angeles Sparks – Friday night
- Home Games: Dallas and Las Vegas for Sparks
- Road Game: Phoenix for Sparks
Conclusion
The Atlanta Dream’s victory not only bolstered their standings but also set them up favorably as they move toward the playoffs. The focus will now shift to the upcoming rematch where the stakes will be high for both teams in their playoff pursuits.
- What was the final score of the Atlanta Dream vs. Los Angeles Sparks game?
- The final score was Atlanta Dream 86, Los Angeles Sparks 75.
- Who were the standout players in the game?
- Rhyne Howard scored 19 points, Brionna Jones had a double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds, and Dearica Hamby led the Sparks with 21 points.
- What are the current playoff standings for the teams?
- The Atlanta Dream are in second place with a record of 27-14, while the Los Angeles Sparks are in a precarious position at 19-21, needing wins to secure a playoff berth.
- When do the Atlanta Dream and Los Angeles Sparks play again?
- The two teams are set to play again on Friday night.
- What is Allisha Gray recognized for?
- Allisha Gray received the Kia WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Month award for August 2025, and she is noted for her scoring and defensive abilities.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Sports Illustrated: Allisha Gray Makes WNBA History
- WFAA: Dallas Wings vs. Connecticut Sun Preview
- WNBA: Dallas Wings Game Preview
- Newsweek: How to Watch Seattle Storm vs. Dallas Wings
- NJ.com: Dallas Wings vs. Atlanta Dream Streaming Info
- Wikipedia: 2025 WNBA Season
- Google Search: WNBA Playoff Standings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Allisha Gray
- Google News: WNBA
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
