Full Breakdown
Atlanta Dream Ends Five-Game Slide with 89-78 Victory Over Seattle Storm
7/10/2026, 6:45:02 PM
Dream Breaks Losing Streak in Defensive Showcase
On July 9, 2026, the Atlanta Dream snapped a five-game losing streak by defeating the Seattle Storm 89-78 at Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. Atlanta led by as many as 20 points and held Seattle to 15 % shooting from three-point range (3-of-20). The Dream forced 21 turnovers, converting those miscues into 28 points, and shot 88 % from the free-throw line (23-of-26). The win moved Atlanta to a 13-9 record heading into the next game against the Portland Fire.
Key Performances
Allisha Gray led with 22 points and five assists. Rhyne Howard added 19 points and recorded four steals. Angel Reese posted her league-best 15th double-double of the season with 18 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and two steals, surpassing Tina Charles for the most double-doubles in a player’s first three WNBA seasons. Jordin Canada contributed 14 points, nine rebounds and eight assists, while Seattle’s Natisha Hiedeman led the Storm with 20 points.
Defensive Focus and Turnover Generation
Coach Karl Smesko emphasized that the team rehearsed ball-screen defense roughly 500 times in the three days before the game. The Dream’s aggressive defensive approach generated a season-high 14+ steals for the third straight contest and limited Seattle to 19 points in the second quarter. Rhyne Howard highlighted the link between forced turnovers and transition scoring.
Concerns and Upcoming Schedule
Reese received her seventh technical foul of the season, putting her one more foul away from an automatic one-game suspension under WNBA rules. She also rolled her right ankle and was helped off the court with 1:19 remaining. Smesko noted the team’s desire to keep Reese healthy as they prepare for the Saturday matchup with Portland.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We were really poor playing ball screen defense, and we really locked in. I feel like we executed at will tonight.” — Allisha Gray, Guard
- “When we come out aggressive on the defensive end, that initiates our offense. As much as we can get stops and get out in transition, that's when we're at our best.” — Jordin Canada, Guard
- “I think that's one of the reasons we forced some turnovers and got out in transition.” — Rhyne Howard, Guard
