Atlanta, Ga. – May 4, 2024
In the first preseason matchup of the 2024 WNBA season, the Atlanta Dream clashed with the Washington Mystics in an electrifying encounter in Atlanta, Georgia. The game, which served as a precursor to the upcoming season, saw both teams vying for early momentum and fine-tuning their strategies.
Final Score:
Atlanta Dream: 87
Washington Mystics: 84
Box Score:
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 22 | 23 | 19 | 20 | 84 | |||
| Atlanta | 18 | 23 | 21 | 25 | 87 |
Game Summary:
From the tip-off, both teams exhibited tremendous energy and determination. The Mystics came out strong in the first quarter, establishing an early lead with 22 points, closely followed by the Dream with 18 points. The second quarter saw the Dream matching the Mystics’ intensity, each team scoring 23 points, setting the stage for an intense second half.
As the game progressed, both teams displayed exceptional skill and resilience. The Dream surged ahead in the third quarter, outscoring the Mystics by two points, setting the stage for a thrilling final quarter. In a dramatic finish, the Dream maintained their momentum, edging past the Mystics by a narrow margin of three points, securing a hard-fought victory.
Top Performers:
- Atlanta Dream: Myisha Hines-Allen led the charge for the Dream, contributing 13 points and 4 rebounds. Aaliyah Edwards and Queen Egbo showcased their prowess with 4 rebounds each, while Julie Vanloo dazzled with 8 points.
- Washington Mystics: Aerial Powers, Taja Cole, and Allisha Gray delivered stellar performances for the Mystics, each contributing 9 points. Khadijiah Cave and Khaalia Hillsman added to the Mystics’ efforts with 5 points each, while Taja Cole facilitated the offense with 6 assists.
Key Stats:
- The Dream’s starting lineup, featuring Hayley Jones, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Tina Charles, and Cheyenne Parker-Tyus, showcased their chemistry, producing 28 points collectively.
- Atlanta’s bench proved to be a formidable force, contributing a whopping 59 points, outscoring their counterparts from Washington.
- The Dream exhibited remarkable shooting accuracy, boasting a field goal percentage of 50.8%, with a 45.5% success rate from beyond the arc.
Next Steps:
Following their preseason opener, the Atlanta Dream will embark on a road trip to Indiana for their final preseason matchup on May 9, at 7:00 p.m. EST. Fans can anticipate an exhilarating showdown as the Dream gear up for their home opener on May 21, at 7:30 p.m. EST, against the Dallas Wings.
Photos courtesy of Dale Zanine/NBAE via Getty Images
In a display of sheer determination and skill, the Atlanta Dream emerged victorious in their preseason debut, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
