College Park, Ga. — Allisha Gray poured in 27 points, while Rhyne Howard added 16 to lead the Atlanta Dream to a gritty 75-73 win over the Minnesota Lynx on Thursday night. The victory ties Atlanta’s franchise record for most wins in a season (23), matching the mark set in 2018.
The win didn’t come easy, as the Dream had to fend off a late surge from the Lynx (28-7), who suffered back-to-back losses for the first time this season.
After trailing to start the fourth, Gray sparked a 12-0 Atlanta run, igniting it with a dramatic four-point play that gave the Dream the momentum. The run gave Atlanta a 66-60 lead with just over six minutes remaining, while Minnesota struggled out of the gate, missing its first six shots of the quarter.
Still, the Lynx fought back. Alanna Smith knocked down a clutch 3-pointer to cut the lead to 73-71 with under a minute left. Moments later, following a successful coach’s challenge, Atlanta was hit with a backcourt violation, giving Minnesota a chance to tie or take the lead.
Smith’s attempt in the lane came up short, and Maya Caldwell sank two free throws to extend Atlanta’s lead to four. Despite another eight-second violation by the Dream with 12.6 seconds left, Minnesota couldn’t capitalize—Courtney Williams missed a layup and then committed a costly turnover on the final inbound play, sealing the Dream’s win.
Gray notched her 15th 20-point game of the season in the victory for Atlanta (23-13).
Minnesota was led by Bridget Carleton with 16 points, while Jessica Shepard added a double-double of 15 points and 16 rebounds. Kayla McBride scored 15, and Smith chipped in 10.
Napheesa Collier missed her sixth straight game for the Lynx due to a lingering right ankle injury.
