May 15, 2024 | Walter Pyramid, Los Angeles, CA
In their season opener on May 15, 2024, at the Walter Pyramid in Los Angeles, the Atlanta Dream faced off against the Los Angeles Sparks, delivering an impressive performance that secured a 92-81 win. The game saw the Dream’s starting lineup, including Haley Jones, Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, Cheyenne Parker-Tyus, and Tina Charles, take the court for the first time in the season, setting the tone for a promising campaign. Notably, Charles made a memorable debut, recording a double-double with 21 points and 14 rebounds, while Howard led all scorers with an outstanding 25 points, alongside three rebounds and three assists.
Score Box:
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final |
|----------------|----|----|----|----|-------|
| Atlanta Dream | 26 | 22 | 18 | 26 | 92 |
| Los Angeles Sparks | 26 | 22 | 18 | 15 | 81 |Throughout the game, the Dream showcased their depth and versatility, with contributions from newcomers like Crystal Dangerfield, who added six points, one rebound, and two assists in her debut. Four different players for Atlanta, including Howard, Charles, Jones, and Gray, finished with double-digit scoring, underscoring the team’s balanced offensive approach. One of the key highlights of the game was Atlanta’s dominance in the paint, outscoring the Sparks 50-30, reflecting their physical presence and strategic gameplay.
The matchup witnessed a back-and-forth battle, with Atlanta initially falling behind as the Sparks surged to a 9-2 lead in the first quarter. However, led by Charles, Howard, and Gray, the Dream quickly mounted a comeback, narrowing the gap to 26-26 by the end of the quarter. Momentum continued to shift throughout the game, with Atlanta seizing control in the second quarter, fueled by Charles’ impressive scoring streak. The third quarter saw a determined effort from Haley Jones, who led the Dream with eight quick points, ensuring a narrow lead of 58-56. The intensity escalated in the final quarter, with the Dream delivering an 11-point unanswered run and maintaining a solid defensive stance, holding the Sparks scoreless for four crucial minutes, highlighted by key blocks from Howard, Dangerfield, and Aerial Powers.
With this commanding victory, Atlanta’s record against Los Angeles improved to 21-20, with a notable 9-12 record when playing in Los Angeles. The Dream’s strong start to the season sets a promising trajectory for future matchups, leaving fans eager to see more standout performances on the court.