{"results":[{"author":"","title":"Atlanta Dream Sign Forward/Center Lorela Cubaj to Training Camp Contrac","url":"https://dream.wnba.com/news/atlanta-dream-sign-forward-center-lorela-cubaj-to-training-camp-contrac/","description":"ATLANTA, Ga. \u2013 The Atlanta Dream has signed 6-foot-4 forward/center Lorela Cubaj to a training camp contract, the organization announced today.\r\n\r\nCubaj (coo-BYE) is currently playing in Europe for Umana Reyer Venezia in her home country of Italy, where she averages 8 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game.\r\n\r\nCubaj attended Georgia Tech, most notably by being named ACC Co-Defensive Player of the Year her senior year in 2021. In her final season with the Yellow Jackets, she averaged a double-double with 10.1 points and 11.1 rebounds.\r\n\r\nIn 2022 Cubaj played 11 games for the New York Liberty and most recently played three games for the Atlanta Dream in 2023.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nAbout Atlanta Dream:\r\n\r\nThe Atlanta Dream is a professional women\u2019s basketball team based in Atlanta, Georgia, that strives to build a place where our team, our fans and our city come together to represent the community we seek to serve. We celebrate diversity, represent Atlanta, and empower women both on and off the court. The team currently plays home games at the Gateway Center Arena @ College Park and has qualified for the WNBA Playoffs in nine of its first 16 seasons. To learn more about the Dream and purchase 2024 season tickets, please visit dream.wnba.com/tickets or call 877-977-7729.\r\n

###

","postId":28046,"datePublished":"03/25/2024","timestamp":"03/25/2024 3:25:40 PM","headline":"Atlanta Dream Sign Forward/Center Lorela Cubaj to Training Camp Contrac","guid":"https://dream.wnba.com/news/atlanta-dream-sign-forward-center-lorela-cubaj-to-training-camp-contrac/","slug":"atlanta-dream-sign-forward-center-lorela-cubaj-to-training-camp-contrac","section":"Atlanta Dream","tags":[],"postTime":"2024-03-25T15:25:40-04:00","modifiedDate":"2024-03-25T15:28:49-04:00","content":"

ATLANTA, Ga. \u2013 The Atlanta Dream has signed 6-foot-4 forward/center Lorela Cubaj to a training camp contract, the organization announced today.

\n

Cubaj (coo-BYE) is currently playing in Europe for Umana Reyer Venezia in her home country of Italy, where she averages 8 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game.

\n

Cubaj attended Georgia Tech, most notably by being named ACC Co-Defensive Player of the Year her senior year in 2021. In her final season with the Yellow Jackets, she averaged a double-double with 10.1 points and 11.1 rebounds.

\n

In 2022 Cubaj played 11 games for the New York Liberty and most recently played three games for the Atlanta Dream in 2023.

\n

\u00a0

\n

About Atlanta Dream:

\n

The Atlanta Dream is a professional women\u2019s basketball team based in Atlanta, Georgia, that strives to build a place where our team, our fans and our city come together to represent the community we seek to serve. We celebrate diversity, represent Atlanta, and empower women both on and off the court. The team currently plays home games at the Gateway Center Arena @ College Park and has qualified for the WNBA Playoffs in nine of its first 16 seasons. To learn more about the Dream and purchase 2024 season tickets, please visit dream.wnba.com/tickets or call 877-977-7729.

\n

###

\n","teamSlug":"dream","imageCredit":"NBAE via Getty Images","coverImage":"","thumbnailUrl":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/03/GettyImages-1256500166-scaled.jpg","thumbnail":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/03/GettyImages-1256500166-scaled.jpg","Images":{"Featured":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/03/GettyImages-1256500166-scaled.jpg","Large":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/03/GettyImages-1256500166-scaled.jpg?resize=1440px:*","Medium":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/03/GettyImages-1256500166-scaled.jpg?resize=1024px:*","Small":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/03/GettyImages-1256500166-scaled.jpg?resize=640px:*"}},{"author":"","title":"Atlanta Dream and Xbox To Host Block Party in Celebration of 404 Day","url":"https://dream.wnba.com/news/atlanta-dream-and-xbox-to-host-block-party-in-celebration-of-404-day/","description":"

\u00a0Atlanta Dream HoopFest Powered by Xbox will celebrate basketball, gaming and Atlanta culture

\r\nATLANTA, Ga. \u00a0\u2013 The WNBA\u2019s Atlanta Dream, in partnership with Xbox, will host HoopFest, a family-friendly, festival-style block party to celebrate Atlanta, showcase talented local high school athletes and build excitement for the upcoming WNBA season. The event will take place on Friday, April 5, from 3-8 p.m. at Atlantic Station.\r\n\r\n\"\"\r\n\r\nThe Atlanta Dream HoopFest Powered by Xbox will serve as a culminating event of \u2018404 Day,\u2019 an annual celebration of all things unique to Atlanta.\r\n\r\nFestivities for the day will include entertainment and activities headlined by a 3-on-3 basketball tournament featuring high school athletes from Metro Atlanta Schools, with tournament winners receiving custom Dream Xbox Series S consoles. Teams interested in participating should contact the Atlanta Dream via email at communityimpact@atlantadream.com.\r\n\r\nAttendees will be able to unleash their inner gamer and discover more about STEM in The Locker Room, an Xbox x Microsoft technology space that will serve as a hub for fans to play a range of new Xbox Game Pass titles including NBA 2K24, EA Sports Madden NFL 24 and more.\r\n\r\nHoopFest will deliver the high-energy atmosphere that fans have come to expect from Atlanta Dream games. The voice of the Atlanta Dream, Bria Janelle, will play host to all the action on the court. A live DJ will serve up Atlanta\u2019s greatest hits, and the Atlanta Dream Hype Squad will give a special performance.\r\n\r\nDream forward-guard and 2023 AP All-Rookie Haley Jones will be in attendance to cheer on the teams, mingle with fans and sign autographs.\r\n\r\nThe event will feature games and entertainment, photo booths, concessions, and much more. Fans will also have a chance to win prizes, unique to Atlanta, including a custom Dream-Xbox Series S console, gear from The Athlete\u2019s Foot, tickets to Atlanta Dream home games and more. HobNob Atlantic Station is also offering event attendees a 10% discount on all food items all day on April 5.\r\n\r\nAll HoopFest attendees will have the opportunity to purchase single game tickets to Atlanta Dream games before they go on sale to the general public on April 25. The Dream led the WNBA in sellouts in 2023 and the excitement going into next season is even higher. Group and season tickets also available for purchase at the event.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, attendees can learn more and sign up for the Power Her Dreams program, which empowers young women and girls to lead through Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programming and basketball. Through the program, young ladies can attend clinics where they learn basketball skills and drills with the Dream while learning technical skills including coding with Microsoft Surface devices.\r\n\r\n\u201cWhen we began working on this idea last year with the Dream, it was crucial to Xbox to not only create an event that reflects the amazing global influence of Atlanta, but excites both Xbox and Dream fans,\u201d said Chris Munson, Head of Global Xbox Sports Partnerships. \u201cThis influenced everything from the date choice down to the design of the brand-new HoopFest logo, which creatively weaves in the Atlanta skyline against a distinctive Xbox Sphere with true basketball vibes. We\u2019re really excited to see this event come to life.\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cWe\u2019re excited to bring together Dream fans, the youth of Atlanta and basketball enthusiasts to celebrate the sport and celebrate our incredible city,\u201d said Dream President and Chief Operating Officer Morgan Shaw Parker. \u201cWith the 2024 season only a month away, we hope to grow the enthusiasm for our team, league and upcoming season while showcasing the relationship gaming and basketball share with Atlanta.\u201d\r\n\r\nThe Atlantic Station Greenspace is located at 1380 Atlantic Dr. NW Atlanta, GA 30363. Interested media can receive credentials to attend the event with this link.\r\n\r\n \r\n

###

\r\n \r\n\r\nAbout the Atlanta Dream \r\n\r\nThe Atlanta Dream is a professional women\u2019s basketball team based in Atlanta, Ga. that strives to build a place where our team, our fans and our city come together to represent the community we seek to serve. We celebrate diversity, represent Atlanta, reward innovation and imagination, and aim to empower women both on and off the court. The team currently plays home games at the Gateway Center Arena @ College Park and has qualified for the WNBA Playoffs in 10 of its first 16 seasons. To learn more about the Dream and purchase 2024 season and group tickets, please visit dream.wnba.com/tickets or call 877-977-7729.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nAtlanta Dream Contact\r\n\r\nLiam Branley, Public Relations & Communications Coordinator\r\n\r\n(762) 728-1095\r\n\r\nLiam.branley@atlantadream.com","postId":28032,"datePublished":"03/25/2024","timestamp":"03/25/2024 9:46:22 AM","headline":"Atlanta Dream and Xbox To Host Block Party in Celebration of 404 Day","guid":"https://dream.wnba.com/news/atlanta-dream-and-xbox-to-host-block-party-in-celebration-of-404-day/","slug":"atlanta-dream-and-xbox-to-host-block-party-in-celebration-of-404-day","section":"Atlanta Dream","tags":[],"postTime":"2024-03-25T09:46:22-04:00","modifiedDate":"2024-03-25T09:56:51-04:00","content":"

\u00a0Atlanta Dream HoopFest Powered by Xbox will celebrate basketball, gaming and Atlanta culture

\n

ATLANTA, Ga. \u00a0\u2013 The WNBA\u2019s Atlanta Dream, in partnership with Xbox, will host HoopFest, a family-friendly, festival-style block party to celebrate Atlanta, showcase talented local high school athletes and build excitement for the upcoming WNBA season. The event will take place on Friday, April 5, from 3-8 p.m. at Atlantic Station.

\n

\"\"

\n

The Atlanta Dream HoopFest Powered by Xbox will serve as a culminating event of \u2018404 Day,\u2019 an annual celebration of all things unique to Atlanta.

\n

Festivities for the day will include entertainment and activities headlined by a 3-on-3 basketball tournament featuring high school athletes from Metro Atlanta Schools, with tournament winners receiving custom Dream Xbox Series S consoles. Teams interested in participating should contact the Atlanta Dream via email at communityimpact@atlantadream.com.

\n

Attendees will be able to unleash their inner gamer and discover more about STEM in The Locker Room, an Xbox x Microsoft technology space that will serve as a hub for fans to play a range of new Xbox Game Pass titles including NBA 2K24, EA Sports Madden NFL 24 and more.

\n

HoopFest will deliver the high-energy atmosphere that fans have come to expect from Atlanta Dream games. The voice of the Atlanta Dream, Bria Janelle, will play host to all the action on the court. A live DJ will serve up Atlanta\u2019s greatest hits, and the Atlanta Dream Hype Squad will give a special performance.

\n

Dream forward-guard and 2023 AP All-Rookie Haley Jones will be in attendance to cheer on the teams, mingle with fans and sign autographs.

\n

The event will feature games and entertainment, photo booths, concessions, and much more. Fans will also have a chance to win prizes, unique to Atlanta, including a custom Dream-Xbox Series S console, gear from The Athlete\u2019s Foot, tickets to Atlanta Dream home games and more. HobNob Atlantic Station is also offering event attendees a 10% discount on all food items all day on April 5.

\n

All HoopFest attendees will have the opportunity to purchase single game tickets to Atlanta Dream games before they go on sale to the general public on April 25. The Dream led the WNBA in sellouts in 2023 and the excitement going into next season is even higher. Group and season tickets also available for purchase at the event.

\n

Additionally, attendees can learn more and sign up for the Power Her Dreams program, which empowers young women and girls to lead through Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programming and basketball. Through the program, young ladies can attend clinics where they learn basketball skills and drills with the Dream while learning technical skills including coding with Microsoft Surface devices.

\n

\u201cWhen we began working on this idea last year with the Dream, it was crucial to Xbox to not only create an event that reflects the amazing global influence of Atlanta, but excites both Xbox and Dream fans,\u201d said Chris Munson, Head of Global Xbox Sports Partnerships. \u201cThis influenced everything from the date choice down to the design of the brand-new HoopFest logo, which creatively weaves in the Atlanta skyline against a distinctive Xbox Sphere with true basketball vibes. We\u2019re really excited to see this event come to life.\u201d

\n

\u201cWe\u2019re excited to bring together Dream fans, the youth of Atlanta and basketball enthusiasts to celebrate the sport and celebrate our incredible city,\u201d said Dream President and Chief Operating Officer Morgan Shaw Parker. \u201cWith the 2024 season only a month away, we hope to grow the enthusiasm for our team, league and upcoming season while showcasing the relationship gaming and basketball share with Atlanta.\u201d

\n

The Atlantic Station Greenspace is located at 1380 Atlantic Dr. NW Atlanta, GA 30363. Interested media can receive credentials to attend the event with this link.

\n

 

\n

###

\n

 

\n

About the Atlanta Dream

\n

The Atlanta Dream is a professional women\u2019s basketball team based in Atlanta, Ga. that strives to build a place where our team, our fans and our city come together to represent the community we seek to serve. We celebrate diversity, represent Atlanta, reward innovation and imagination, and aim to empower women both on and off the court. The team currently plays home games at the Gateway Center Arena @ College Park and has qualified for the WNBA Playoffs in 10 of its first 16 seasons. To learn more about the Dream and purchase 2024 season and group tickets, please visit dream.wnba.com/tickets or call 877-977-7729.

\n

\u00a0

\n

Atlanta Dream Contact

\n

Liam Branley, Public Relations & Communications Coordinator

\n

(762) 728-1095

\n

Liam.branley@atlantadream.com

\n","teamSlug":"dream","imageCredit":"","coverImage":"","thumbnailUrl":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/03/image005.png","thumbnail":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/03/image005.png","Images":{"Featured":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/03/image005.png","Large":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/03/image005.png?resize=1440px:*","Medium":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/03/image005.png?resize=1024px:*","Small":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/03/image005.png?resize=640px:*"}},{"author":"","title":"CORE4 Athletic Complex Confirms Multi-Year Partnership as Atlanta Dream’s Official Practice Facility","url":"https://dream.wnba.com/news/core4-athletic-complex-confirms-multi-year-partnership-as-atlanta-dreams-official-practice-facility/","description":"\u00a0Atlanta, Ga. (March 15, 2024) \u2013 CORE4 Athletic Complex and the Atlanta Dream proudly announce the extension of their partnership to establish the complex as the official practice facility for the 2024 and 2025 WNBA seasons. The partnership solidifies a joint commitment to the development of women\u2019s professional basketball.\r\n\r\n\"\"\r\n\r\nCORE4 Athletic Complex, founded by former NBA All-Star Paul Millsap, ushered in this renewed collaboration with the Atlanta Dream after two successful years of supporting the team's rigorous training regimen. This agreement marks another milestone for the facility, which is carving out a reputation as a beacon for athletic development and sportsmanship in the Metro Atlanta area.\r\n\r\n\"We can\u2019t be more excited to announce our continued partnership with the Atlanta Dream. Having them back as a valued partner means the world to us. We're dedicated to providing a top-notch training and practice environment for their team and staff,\" said Paul Millsap, CEO of CORE4 Athletic Complex. \"Our relationship with the Dream is built on mutual trust and respect, and we are truly grateful for the opportunity to work together towards our shared goals.\"\r\n\r\nThe Atlanta Dream, a team renowned for its competitive prowess and dedication to community and diversity, aligns perfectly with CORE4's foundational values of Character, Commitment, Competition, and Community. With a track record of success in its first 15 seasons, the Dream looks to leverage CORE4's advanced features and expert leadership to gain an edge in upcoming competitions.\r\n\r\nThis partnership exemplifies a synergy between two organizations relentlessly pursuing advancement and prosperity in women's athletics while promoting a culture of empowerment and inclusion. \"Partnering with CORE4 Athletic Complex has given our athletes a training facility we can call home,\" said Atlanta Dream Head Coach Tanisha Wright. \"This partnership not only provides a space for athletic growth but also fosters a supportive environment where our players can thrive personally and professionally, embodying the spirit of Atlanta's resilient and united community.\"\r\n\r\nCORE4 Athletic Complex boasts 44,000 square feet of meticulously designed amenities to cater to the needs of elite athletes. From state-of-the-art basketball courts and a comprehensive weight room to cutting-edge agility and recovery areas, CORE4 provides an environment that embodies high standards and fosters athletes' growth. Their recent partnership with Sports Facilities Companies (SFC) aims to accentuate operational management further, promising continuous enhancements and unparalleled service provision.\r\n\r\nFor further details about CORE4 Athletic Complex and its partnership with the Atlanta Dream, please contact Shaka Johnson, General Manager at the below-listed information.\r\n\r\n \r\n

###

\r\n \r\n\r\nAbout CORE4 Athletic Complex\r\n\r\nCORE4 Athletic Complex is a premier training facility launched by Paul Millsap, providing an elite environment for all levels of athletes, from youth to professionals. With a commitment to fostering athletic talent and personal character, it serves as a hub for community growth and sports excellence in Chamblee, Georgia. CORE4 Athletic Complex is a member of the\u00a0SF Network, the nation's largest and fastest-growing network of sports facilities and is operated by the industry leader in outsourced operations,\u00a0The Sports Facilities Companies.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nAbout the Atlanta Dream \r\n\r\nThe Atlanta Dream is a professional women\u2019s basketball team based in Atlanta, Ga. that strives to build a place where our team, our fans and our city come together to represent the community we seek to serve. We celebrate diversity, represent Atlanta, reward innovation and imagination, and aim to empower women both on and off the court. The team currently plays home games at the Gateway Center Arena @ College Park and has qualified for the WNBA Playoffs in 10 of its first 16 seasons. To learn more about the Dream and purchase 2024 season and group tickets, please visit dream.wnba.com/tickets or call 877-977-7729.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nCORE4 Athletic Complex Contact:\r\n\r\nShaka Johnson, General Manager\r\n\r\nCORE4 Athletic Complex\r\n\r\n(770) 674-5694\r\n\r\nsjohnson@sportsfacilities.com\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nAtlanta Dream Contact:\r\n\r\nLiam Branley, Public Relations & Comms Coordinator\r\n\r\n(762) 728-1095\r\n\r\nLiam.branley@atlantadream.com","postId":28013,"datePublished":"03/18/2024","timestamp":"03/18/2024 2:00:48 PM","headline":"CORE4 Athletic Complex Confirms Multi-Year Partnership as Atlanta Dream’s Official Practice Facility","guid":"https://dream.wnba.com/news/core4-athletic-complex-confirms-multi-year-partnership-as-atlanta-dreams-official-practice-facility/","slug":"core4-athletic-complex-confirms-multi-year-partnership-as-atlanta-dreams-official-practice-facility","section":"Atlanta Dream","tags":[],"postTime":"2024-03-18T14:00:48-04:00","modifiedDate":"2024-03-25T09:49:09-04:00","content":"

\u00a0Atlanta, Ga. (March 15, 2024) \u2013 CORE4 Athletic Complex and the Atlanta Dream proudly announce the extension of their partnership to establish the complex as the official practice facility for the 2024 and 2025 WNBA seasons. The partnership solidifies a joint commitment to the development of women\u2019s professional basketball.

\n

\"\"

\n

CORE4 Athletic Complex, founded by former NBA All-Star Paul Millsap, ushered in this renewed collaboration with the Atlanta Dream after two successful years of supporting the team’s rigorous training regimen. This agreement marks another milestone for the facility, which is carving out a reputation as a beacon for athletic development and sportsmanship in the Metro Atlanta area.

\n

“We can\u2019t be more excited to announce our continued partnership with the Atlanta Dream. Having them back as a valued partner means the world to us. We’re dedicated to providing a top-notch training and practice environment for their team and staff,” said Paul Millsap, CEO of CORE4 Athletic Complex. “Our relationship with the Dream is built on mutual trust and respect, and we are truly grateful for the opportunity to work together towards our shared goals.”

\n

The Atlanta Dream, a team renowned for its competitive prowess and dedication to community and diversity, aligns perfectly with CORE4’s foundational values of Character, Commitment, Competition, and Community. With a track record of success in its first 15 seasons, the Dream looks to leverage CORE4’s advanced features and expert leadership to gain an edge in upcoming competitions.

\n

This partnership exemplifies a synergy between two organizations relentlessly pursuing advancement and prosperity in women’s athletics while promoting a culture of empowerment and inclusion. “Partnering with CORE4 Athletic Complex has given our athletes a training facility we can call home,” said Atlanta Dream Head Coach Tanisha Wright. “This partnership not only provides a space for athletic growth but also fosters a supportive environment where our players can thrive personally and professionally, embodying the spirit of Atlanta’s resilient and united community.”

\n

CORE4 Athletic Complex boasts 44,000 square feet of meticulously designed amenities to cater to the needs of elite athletes. From state-of-the-art basketball courts and a comprehensive weight room to cutting-edge agility and recovery areas, CORE4 provides an environment that embodies high standards and fosters athletes’ growth. Their recent partnership with Sports Facilities Companies (SFC) aims to accentuate operational management further, promising continuous enhancements and unparalleled service provision.

\n

For further details about CORE4 Athletic Complex and its partnership with the Atlanta Dream, please contact Shaka Johnson, General Manager at the below-listed information.

\n

 

\n

###

\n

 

\n

About CORE4 Athletic Complex

\n

CORE4 Athletic Complex is a premier training facility launched by Paul Millsap, providing an elite environment for all levels of athletes, from youth to professionals. With a commitment to fostering athletic talent and personal character, it serves as a hub for community growth and sports excellence in Chamblee, Georgia. CORE4 Athletic Complex is a member of the\u00a0SF Network, the nation’s largest and fastest-growing network of sports facilities and is operated by the industry leader in outsourced operations,\u00a0The Sports Facilities Companies.

\n

 

\n

About the Atlanta Dream

\n

The Atlanta Dream is a professional women\u2019s basketball team based in Atlanta, Ga. that strives to build a place where our team, our fans and our city come together to represent the community we seek to serve. We celebrate diversity, represent Atlanta, reward innovation and imagination, and aim to empower women both on and off the court. The team currently plays home games at the Gateway Center Arena @ College Park and has qualified for the WNBA Playoffs in 10 of its first 16 seasons. To learn more about the Dream and purchase 2024 season and group tickets, please visit dream.wnba.com/tickets or call 877-977-7729.

\n

 

\n

CORE4 Athletic Complex Contact:

\n

Shaka Johnson, General Manager

\n

CORE4 Athletic Complex

\n

(770) 674-5694

\n

sjohnson@sportsfacilities.com

\n

 

\n

Atlanta Dream Contact:

\n

Liam Branley, Public Relations & Comms Coordinator

\n

(762) 728-1095

\n

Liam.branley@atlantadream.com

\n","teamSlug":"dream","imageCredit":"","coverImage":"","thumbnailUrl":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/03/EmptyName-24-scaled.jpg","thumbnail":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/03/EmptyName-24-scaled.jpg","Images":{"Featured":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/03/EmptyName-24-scaled.jpg","Large":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/03/EmptyName-24-scaled.jpg?resize=1440px:*","Medium":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/03/EmptyName-24-scaled.jpg?resize=1024px:*","Small":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/03/EmptyName-24-scaled.jpg?resize=640px:*"}},{"author":"","title":"Atlanta Dream Sign Khadijiah Cave to Training Camp Contract","url":"https://dream.wnba.com/news/atlanta-dream-sign-khadijiah-cave-to-training-camp-contract/","description":"ATLANTA, Ga.\u00a0 \u2013 The Atlanta Dream have signed 6-foot-3 forward/center Khadijah Cave to a training camp contract, the organization announced today.\r\n
\r\n
\"\"\r\n
\r\n
\r\nCave is currently playing for Tarsus Belediyesi Mersin in Turkey, leading the team with an average of 21 points and 11.8 rebounds per game.\r\n\r\nCave attended Lucy Laney High School in Augusta, Ga., and committed to Baylor University in 2013. In three years with the Bears, Cave averaged 7.4 points and 4.5 rebounds. Cave earned the BIG 12 Conference Sixth Man Award in 2015.\r\n\r\nAfter declaring for the WNBA Draft in 2017, Cave signed training camp contracts with the Connecticut Sun and Los Angeles Sparks.\r\n\r\nAbout Atlanta Dream:\r\n\r\nThe Atlanta Dream is a professional women\u2019s basketball team based in Atlanta, Georgia, that strives to build a place where our team, our fans and our city come together to represent the community we seek to serve. We celebrate diversity, represent Atlanta, and empower women both on and off the court. The team currently plays home games at the Gateway Center Arena @ College Park and has qualified for the WNBA Playoffs in nine of its first 16 seasons. To learn more about the Dream and purchase 2024 season tickets, please visit dream.wnba.com/tickets or call 877-977-7729.\r\n

###

","postId":27889,"datePublished":"02/29/2024","timestamp":"02/29/2024 11:54:27 AM","headline":"Atlanta Dream Sign Khadijiah Cave to Training Camp Contract","guid":"https://dream.wnba.com/news/atlanta-dream-sign-khadijiah-cave-to-training-camp-contract/","slug":"atlanta-dream-sign-khadijiah-cave-to-training-camp-contract","section":"Atlanta Dream","tags":[],"postTime":"2024-02-29T11:54:27-05:00","modifiedDate":"2024-02-29T12:51:42-05:00","content":"

ATLANTA, Ga.\u00a0 \u2013 The Atlanta Dream have signed 6-foot-3 forward/center Khadijah Cave to a training camp contract, the organization announced today.

\n
\n
\"\"
\n
\n
\n

Cave is currently playing for Tarsus Belediyesi Mersin in Turkey, leading the team with an average of 21 points and 11.8 rebounds per game.

\n

Cave attended Lucy Laney High School in Augusta, Ga., and committed to Baylor University in 2013. In three years with the Bears, Cave averaged 7.4 points and 4.5 rebounds. Cave earned the BIG 12 Conference Sixth Man Award in 2015.

\n

After declaring for the WNBA Draft in 2017, Cave signed training camp contracts with the Connecticut Sun and Los Angeles Sparks.

\n

About Atlanta Dream:

\n

The Atlanta Dream is a professional women\u2019s basketball team based in Atlanta, Georgia, that strives to build a place where our team, our fans and our city come together to represent the community we seek to serve. We celebrate diversity, represent Atlanta, and empower women both on and off the court. The team currently plays home games at the Gateway Center Arena @ College Park and has qualified for the WNBA Playoffs in nine of its first 16 seasons. To learn more about the Dream and purchase 2024 season tickets, please visit dream.wnba.com/tickets or call 877-977-7729.

\n

###

\n","teamSlug":"dream","imageCredit":"","coverImage":"","thumbnailUrl":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/02/Tiraining-Camp-1920x1080-Khadijah-Cave-1.jpg","thumbnail":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/02/Tiraining-Camp-1920x1080-Khadijah-Cave-1.jpg","Images":{"Featured":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/02/Tiraining-Camp-1920x1080-Khadijah-Cave-1.jpg","Large":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/02/Tiraining-Camp-1920x1080-Khadijah-Cave-1.jpg?resize=1440px:*","Medium":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/02/Tiraining-Camp-1920x1080-Khadijah-Cave-1.jpg?resize=1024px:*","Small":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/02/Tiraining-Camp-1920x1080-Khadijah-Cave-1.jpg?resize=640px:*"}},{"author":"","title":"Atlanta Dream and Gray Television Announce Broadcast Partnership\u00a0","url":"https://dream.wnba.com/news/atlanta-dream-and-gray-television-announce-broadcast-partnership/","description":"

Peachtree TV and Peachtree Sports Network to air Dream games across the region\u00a0

\r\n\"\"\r\n\r\nATLANTA (Feb. 28, 2024) \u2013 The WNBA\u2019s Atlanta Dream has forged a partnership with Gray Television (NYSE:GTN) to broadcast its games during the 2024 season. All Dream non-national exclusive games will air locally on Peachtree TV (WPCH) and Peachtree Sports Network, giving more fans across the Southeast the opportunity to experience Dream games from their homes than ever before. The 2024 WNBA season spans May \u2013 September, and the Dream will tip off this season against the Los Angeles Sparks in LA on May 15.\r\n\r\nThrough the Gray partnership, Dream games will be available across the Atlanta market on Peachtree TV\u2019s free over-the-air broadcasts along with its carriage on all major cable and satellite pay-tv systems including Xfinity, Spectrum, DirecTV, and DISH Network. Peachtree TV is also available on YouTube TV and Hulu Live. In addition, Peachtree Sports Network will simulcast these games, as well as additional Dream-related programming, on its television stations in Albany, Augusta, Columbus, Macon, and Savannah in Georgia.\r\n\r\n\u201cWe are thrilled to partner with Gray Television to get the Atlanta Dream into even more households across our state and the Southeast region,\u201d said Dream President and Chief Operating Officer Morgan Shaw Parker. \u201cWe believe that 2024 is going to be the most exciting season yet for the Dream. The atmosphere inside our arena is the best in the WNBA, and we are excited to have a television partner who can help us bring that experience to an even bigger audience.\u201d\r\n\r\nPeachtree TV has served the Atlanta market since 1967, making it one of the longest running stations in the region. Peachtree Sports Network launched in October 2023 and focuses on live, local sports programming all year long.\r\n\r\nBased in Atlanta, Gray Television has made heavy sports investment in its home city, broadcasting Atlanta Hawks and College Park Skyhawks games, as well as high school football, the Atlanta Hustle, Atlanta Gladiators, Savannah Ghost Pirates and Georgia Swarm. Peachtree TV also provides additional sports content through its partnership with CW Sports, featuring LIV Golf, ACC college football and basketball games, \u201cInside the NFL\u201d and the NASCAR Xfinity Series beginning in 2025. Nationally, Gray has broadcast partnerships with the WNBA\u2019s Las Vegas Aces and Phoenix Mercury, as well as the NBA\u2019s Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Milwaukee Bucks.\r\n\r\n\u201cAcross the nation, interest in women\u2019s basketball has exploded over the past few years due largely to the amazing talent on the court. We are excited to be the Dream\u2019s official broadcast partner on Peachtree TV this season,\u201d WANF/WPCH Vice President and General Manager Erik Schrader said. \u201cIt\u2019s another incredible opportunity to grow new fans, on the best platform to reach them, with the top broadcasting company in local television.\u201d\r\n\r\nAbout Atlanta Dream:\r\n\r\nThe Atlanta Dream is a professional women\u2019s basketball team based in Atlanta, Georgia, that strives to build a place where our team, our fans and our city come together to represent the community we seek to serve. We celebrate diversity, represent Atlanta, and empower women both on and off the court. The team currently plays home games at the Gateway Center Arena @ College Park and has qualified for the WNBA Playoffs in nine of its first 16 seasons. To learn more about the Dream and purchase 2024 season tickets, please visit dream.wnba.com/tickets or call 877-977-7729.\r\n\r\nAbout Gray:\r\n\r\nGray Television, Inc. is a multimedia company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Gray is the nation\u2019s largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets in the United States. Its television stations serve 114 television markets that collectively reach approximately 36 percent of US television households. This portfolio includes 79 markets with the top-rated television station and 102 markets with the first and/or second highest rated television station. Gray also owns video program companies Raycom Sports, Tupelo Media Group, and PowerNation Studios, as well as the studio production facilities Assembly Atlanta and Third Rail Studios in Atlanta. Gray owns a majority interest in Swirl Films. For more information on Gray, please visit www.gray.tv.\u00a0 For more information on Gray Atlanta, please visit https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/\r\n

###

","postId":27881,"datePublished":"02/28/2024","timestamp":"02/28/2024 10:55:06 AM","headline":"Atlanta Dream and Gray Television Announce Broadcast Partnership\u00a0","guid":"https://dream.wnba.com/news/atlanta-dream-and-gray-television-announce-broadcast-partnership/","slug":"atlanta-dream-and-gray-television-announce-broadcast-partnership","section":"Atlanta Dream","tags":[],"postTime":"2024-02-28T10:55:06-05:00","modifiedDate":"2024-02-28T10:55:06-05:00","content":"

Peachtree TV and Peachtree Sports Network to air Dream games across the region\u00a0

\n

\"\"

\n

ATLANTA (Feb. 28, 2024) \u2013 The WNBA\u2019s Atlanta Dream has forged a partnership with Gray Television (NYSE:GTN) to broadcast its games during the 2024 season. All Dream non-national exclusive games will air locally on Peachtree TV (WPCH) and Peachtree Sports Network, giving more fans across the Southeast the opportunity to experience Dream games from their homes than ever before. The 2024 WNBA season spans May \u2013 September, and the Dream will tip off this season against the Los Angeles Sparks in LA on May 15.

\n

Through the Gray partnership, Dream games will be available across the Atlanta market on Peachtree TV\u2019s free over-the-air broadcasts along with its carriage on all major cable and satellite pay-tv systems including Xfinity, Spectrum, DirecTV, and DISH Network. Peachtree TV is also available on YouTube TV and Hulu Live. In addition, Peachtree Sports Network will simulcast these games, as well as additional Dream-related programming, on its television stations in Albany, Augusta, Columbus, Macon, and Savannah in Georgia.

\n

\u201cWe are thrilled to partner with Gray Television to get the Atlanta Dream into even more households across our state and the Southeast region,\u201d said Dream President and Chief Operating Officer Morgan Shaw Parker. \u201cWe believe that 2024 is going to be the most exciting season yet for the Dream. The atmosphere inside our arena is the best in the WNBA, and we are excited to have a television partner who can help us bring that experience to an even bigger audience.\u201d

\n

Peachtree TV has served the Atlanta market since 1967, making it one of the longest running stations in the region. Peachtree Sports Network launched in October 2023 and focuses on live, local sports programming all year long.

\n

Based in Atlanta, Gray Television has made heavy sports investment in its home city, broadcasting Atlanta Hawks and College Park Skyhawks games, as well as high school football, the Atlanta Hustle, Atlanta Gladiators, Savannah Ghost Pirates and Georgia Swarm. Peachtree TV also provides additional sports content through its partnership with CW Sports, featuring LIV Golf, ACC college football and basketball games, \u201cInside the NFL\u201d and the NASCAR Xfinity Series beginning in 2025. Nationally, Gray has broadcast partnerships with the WNBA\u2019s Las Vegas Aces and Phoenix Mercury, as well as the NBA\u2019s Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Milwaukee Bucks.

\n

\u201cAcross the nation, interest in women\u2019s basketball has exploded over the past few years due largely to the amazing talent on the court. We are excited to be the Dream\u2019s official broadcast partner on Peachtree TV this season,\u201d WANF/WPCH Vice President and General Manager Erik Schrader said. \u201cIt\u2019s another incredible opportunity to grow new fans, on the best platform to reach them, with the top broadcasting company in local television.\u201d

\n

About Atlanta Dream:

\n

The Atlanta Dream is a professional women\u2019s basketball team based in Atlanta, Georgia, that strives to build a place where our team, our fans and our city come together to represent the community we seek to serve. We celebrate diversity, represent Atlanta, and empower women both on and off the court. The team currently plays home games at the Gateway Center Arena @ College Park and has qualified for the WNBA Playoffs in nine of its first 16 seasons. To learn more about the Dream and purchase 2024 season tickets, please visit dream.wnba.com/tickets or call 877-977-7729.

\n

About Gray:

\n

Gray Television, Inc. is a multimedia company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Gray is the nation\u2019s largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets in the United States. Its television stations serve 114 television markets that collectively reach approximately 36 percent of US television households. This portfolio includes 79 markets with the top-rated television station and 102 markets with the first and/or second highest rated television station. Gray also owns video program companies Raycom Sports, Tupelo Media Group, and PowerNation Studios, as well as the studio production facilities Assembly Atlanta and Third Rail Studios in Atlanta. Gray owns a majority interest in Swirl Films. For more information on Gray, please visit www.gray.tv.\u00a0 For more information on Gray Atlanta, please visit https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/

\n

###

\n","teamSlug":"dream","imageCredit":"","coverImage":"","thumbnailUrl":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/02/1920x1080-Peachtree-TV-End-Card-3.jpg","thumbnail":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/02/1920x1080-Peachtree-TV-End-Card-3.jpg","Images":{"Featured":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/02/1920x1080-Peachtree-TV-End-Card-3.jpg","Large":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/02/1920x1080-Peachtree-TV-End-Card-3.jpg?resize=1440px:*","Medium":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/02/1920x1080-Peachtree-TV-End-Card-3.jpg?resize=1024px:*","Small":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/02/1920x1080-Peachtree-TV-End-Card-3.jpg?resize=640px:*"}},{"author":"","title":"WNBA’s Atlanta Dream Guard Rhyne Howard Selected to Compete In 2024 Olympic Qualifying Tournament\u00a0","url":"https://dream.wnba.com/news/wnbas-atlanta-dream-guard-rhyne-howard-selected-to-compete-in-2024-olympic-qualifying-tournament/","description":"

The two-time WNBA All-Star will travel with Team USA to Belgium to qualify for the Paris Olympics.\u00a0

\r\nATLANTA, Ga. (Feb. 4, 2024)\u00a0\u2013 Atlanta Dream guard Rhyne Howard is one of 12 players named to the 2024 USA Olympic Qualifying team, USA Basketball announced today.\r\n\r\nHoward, who has represented Team USA at the 2021 FIBA Americup, 2019 FIBA U19 World Cup and 2018 FIBA U18 Americas Championship, will make her senior women's national team debut at the qualifying tournament on February 8th-11th in Belgium.\r\n\r\nHoward will be accompanied by Atlanta Dream Head Coach Tanisha Wright who will also travel to Belgium as a court coach for Team USA.\r\n
\r\nThe following press release was shared by USA Basketball earlier today.\r\n
\r\n
\r\n

USA Basketball Women\u2019s Olympic Qualifying Tournament Team Announced

\r\n

USA will compete Feb. 8-11 in Antwerp, Belgium

\r\nNEW YORK (Feb. 4, 2024) \u2013\u00a0Following a three-day training camp in Brooklyn, New York, USA Basketball announced today the 2024 USA Women\u2019s Olympic Qualifying Tournament Team which will compete at the 2024 FIBA Women\u2019s Olympic Qualifying Tournament from Feb. 8-11 in Antwerp, Belgium.\r\n\r\nThe 2024 USA Olympic Qualifying Tournament Team includes Ariel Atkins, Aliyah Boston, Napheesa Collier, Kahleah Copper, Rhyne Howard, Sabrina Ionescu, Jewell Loyd, Kelsey Plum, Breanna Stewart, Diana Taurasi, Alyssa Thomas and Jackie Young.\r\n\r\nFive-time Olympic champion Taurasi (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020) is one of seven Olympians on the roster, including Atkins (2020), Collier (2020), Loyd (2020), Plum (2020, 3x3), Stewart (2016, 2020) and Young (2020, 3x3).\r\n\r\nAdditionally, Atkins, Copper, Ionescu, Loyd, Plum, Stewart and Thomas were members of the gold-medal-winning 2022 USA Women\u2019s World Cup Team.\r\n\r\nBoston and Howard, both of whom have previous USA Basketball experience, will make their USA Basketball senior debuts in Belgium.\r\n\r\nThe USA Women\u2019s Olympic Qualifying Tournament roster is attached.\r\n\r\n2021-24 USA Basketball Women\u2019s National Team head coach Cheryl Reeve (Minnesota Lynx) will lead the USA in training camp and at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament. She will be assisted by Mike Thibault (Washington Mystics) and Curt Miller (Los Angeles Sparks).\r\n\r\nUSA Basketball, in pursuit of its eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal, continues to evaluate the 2021-24 USA Women\u2019s National Team player pool prior to naming a team for the Paris 2024 Olympics.\r\n\r\nThough the United States qualified for the 2024 Olympic Summer Games following the gold medal finish at the 2022 World Cup, the USA participates in the quadrennial qualifying tournament. The four-nation pool in Antwerp will feature matchups vs. Belgium on Feb. 8 at 2:45 p.m. ET, Nigeria on Feb. 9 at 12:15 p.m. ET and Senegal on Feb. 11 at 1:15 p.m. ET. USA Basketball games will stream free for\u00a0Courtside 1891\u00a0subscribers.\r\n\r\nThree additional four-team Olympic Qualifying Tournaments will take place concurrently in Brazil, China and Hungary. The United States, as reigning World champions, and France, as Olympic hosts, are qualified while the top three teams at each qualifying tournament, including the USA and France, will qualify for the Olympics. For more information, click\u00a0here.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nABOUT THE ATLANTA DREAM\r\n\r\nThe Atlanta Dream is a professional women\u2019s basketball team based in Atlanta, Ga. that strives to build a place where our team, our fans and our city come together to represent the community we seek to serve. We celebrate diversity, represent Atlanta, and empower women both on and off the court. The team currently plays home games at the Gateway Center Arena @ College Park and has qualified for the WNBA Playoffs in nine of its first 16 seasons. To learn more about the Dream and purchase 2024 season tickets, please visit\u00a0https://dream.wnba.com/tickets/\u00a0or call 877-977-7729.\r\n

\u00a0###

","postId":27718,"datePublished":"02/04/2024","timestamp":"02/04/2024 6:26:39 PM","headline":"WNBA’s Atlanta Dream Guard Rhyne Howard Selected to Compete In 2024 Olympic Qualifying Tournament\u00a0","guid":"https://dream.wnba.com/news/wnbas-atlanta-dream-guard-rhyne-howard-selected-to-compete-in-2024-olympic-qualifying-tournament/","slug":"wnbas-atlanta-dream-guard-rhyne-howard-selected-to-compete-in-2024-olympic-qualifying-tournament","section":"Atlanta Dream","tags":[],"postTime":"2024-02-04T18:26:39-05:00","modifiedDate":"2024-02-05T09:51:43-05:00","content":"

The two-time WNBA All-Star will travel with Team USA to Belgium to qualify for the Paris Olympics.\u00a0

\n

ATLANTA, Ga. (Feb. 4, 2024)\u00a0\u2013 Atlanta Dream guard Rhyne Howard is one of 12 players named to the 2024 USA Olympic Qualifying team, USA Basketball announced today.

\n

Howard, who has represented Team USA at the 2021 FIBA Americup, 2019 FIBA U19 World Cup and 2018 FIBA U18 Americas Championship, will make her senior women’s national team debut at the qualifying tournament on February 8th-11th in Belgium.

\n

Howard will be accompanied by Atlanta Dream Head Coach Tanisha Wright who will also travel to Belgium as a court coach for Team USA.

\n
\n

The following press release was shared by USA Basketball earlier today.

\n
\n
\n

USA Basketball Women\u2019s Olympic Qualifying Tournament Team Announced

\n

USA will compete Feb. 8-11 in Antwerp, Belgium

\n

NEW YORK (Feb. 4, 2024) \u2013\u00a0Following a three-day training camp in Brooklyn, New York, USA Basketball announced today the 2024 USA Women\u2019s Olympic Qualifying Tournament Team which will compete at the 2024 FIBA Women\u2019s Olympic Qualifying Tournament from Feb. 8-11 in Antwerp, Belgium.

\n

The 2024 USA Olympic Qualifying Tournament Team includes Ariel Atkins, Aliyah Boston, Napheesa Collier, Kahleah Copper, Rhyne Howard, Sabrina Ionescu, Jewell Loyd, Kelsey Plum, Breanna Stewart, Diana Taurasi, Alyssa Thomas and Jackie Young.

\n

Five-time Olympic champion Taurasi (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020) is one of seven Olympians on the roster, including Atkins (2020), Collier (2020), Loyd (2020), Plum (2020, 3×3), Stewart (2016, 2020) and Young (2020, 3×3).

\n

Additionally, Atkins, Copper, Ionescu, Loyd, Plum, Stewart and Thomas were members of the gold-medal-winning 2022 USA Women\u2019s World Cup Team.

\n

Boston and Howard, both of whom have previous USA Basketball experience, will make their USA Basketball senior debuts in Belgium.

\n

The USA Women\u2019s Olympic Qualifying Tournament roster is attached.

\n

2021-24 USA Basketball Women\u2019s National Team head coach Cheryl Reeve (Minnesota Lynx) will lead the USA in training camp and at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament. She will be assisted by Mike Thibault (Washington Mystics) and Curt Miller (Los Angeles Sparks).

\n

USA Basketball, in pursuit of its eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal, continues to evaluate the 2021-24 USA Women\u2019s National Team player pool prior to naming a team for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

\n

Though the United States qualified for the 2024 Olympic Summer Games following the gold medal finish at the 2022 World Cup, the USA participates in the quadrennial qualifying tournament. The four-nation pool in Antwerp will feature matchups vs. Belgium on Feb. 8 at 2:45 p.m. ET, Nigeria on Feb. 9 at 12:15 p.m. ET and Senegal on Feb. 11 at 1:15 p.m. ET. USA Basketball games will stream free for\u00a0Courtside 1891\u00a0subscribers.

\n

Three additional four-team Olympic Qualifying Tournaments will take place concurrently in Brazil, China and Hungary. The United States, as reigning World champions, and France, as Olympic hosts, are qualified while the top three teams at each qualifying tournament, including the USA and France, will qualify for the Olympics. For more information, click\u00a0here.

\n

 

\n

ABOUT THE ATLANTA DREAM

\n

The Atlanta Dream is a professional women\u2019s basketball team based in Atlanta, Ga. that strives to build a place where our team, our fans and our city come together to represent the community we seek to serve. We celebrate diversity, represent Atlanta, and empower women both on and off the court. The team currently plays home games at the Gateway Center Arena @ College Park and has qualified for the WNBA Playoffs in nine of its first 16 seasons. To learn more about the Dream and purchase 2024 season tickets, please visit\u00a0https://dream.wnba.com/tickets/\u00a0or call 877-977-7729.

\n

\u00a0###

\n","teamSlug":"dream","imageCredit":"","coverImage":"","thumbnailUrl":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/02/020424_WNT_TM-27-1.jpg","thumbnail":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/02/020424_WNT_TM-27-1.jpg","Images":{"Featured":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/02/020424_WNT_TM-27-1.jpg","Large":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/02/020424_WNT_TM-27-1.jpg?resize=1440px:*","Medium":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/02/020424_WNT_TM-27-1.jpg?resize=1024px:*","Small":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/02/020424_WNT_TM-27-1.jpg?resize=640px:*"}},{"author":"","title":"Atlanta Dream Sign Tina Charles and Aerial Powers; Re-sign Nia Coffey","url":"https://dream.wnba.com/news/atlanta-dream-sign-tina-charles-and-aerial-powers-re-sign-nia-coffey/","description":"

The Dream bolster frontcourt while adding scoring and veteran experience

\r\n

ATLANTA, Ga.\u00a0 \u2013 The Atlanta Dream have signed forward Tina Charles and guard Aerial Powers, and re-signed forward Nia Coffey, the organization announced today.

\r\n2012 WNBA MVP, eight-time All-Star and three-time Olympic Gold Medalist Tina Charles will join a young Atlanta Dream core coming off their best season in five years.\r\n\r\n\u201cTina\u2019s ability to score and rebound the basketball at an elite level immediately helps this basketball team,\u201d said Dream General Manager and Executive Vice President Dan Padover. \u201cTina is a former MVP and Gold Medalist with a ton of \u2019big game\u2019 experience that I know will aid us throughout the course of the WNBA season.\u201d\r\n\r\nCharles has etched her name in the WNBA record books currently sitting fourth in the league all-time in scoring, amassing 7115 points. Additionally, Charles is the second all-time rebounder with 3640, averaging 18.2 points and 9.3 rebounds per game in her career.\r\n\r\n\u201cHaving a player who has been tried and true throughout her career will be impactful as our young core continues to mature,\u201d said Head Coach Tanisha Wright. \u201cThere is a mutual respect between Tina and I because of the years we spent as teammates, and her competitiveness and desire to win will be an added boost for our team. In all candor, I look forward to now telling her what to do instead of vice versa.\u201d\r\n\r\nAerial Powers is the second former WNBA Champion to join the Dream this offseason. The 5\u201911\u201d guard has averaged 10.7 points and 3.3 rebounds per game over her career and played an integral role in the Washington Mystics winning the Championship in 2019.\r\n\r\n\u201cAerial is one of the most explosive wings in the WNBA and is capable of scoring in a variety of ways,\u201d said Padover. \u201cAerial is a WNBA Champion, an ultimate competitor and we are thrilled to have a winner like her on our team.\u201d\r\n\r\nThe Detroit native played three seasons at Michigan State earning First Team All-Big Ten honors in all three years, the first Spartan in history to achieve this accolade. Powers still holds several Spartan career and season records, sitting third all-time in career points scored with 1817. In the 2016 WNBA Draft Powers was drafted fifth overall by the Dallas Wings In the 2016 WNBA Draft.\r\n\r\n\u201cI am extremely thrilled to add someone of AP\u2019s caliber,\u201d said Wright. \u201cShe is relentless in her attack and someone who\u2019s competitive nature matches my own. The energy she brings night-in and night-out will be invaluable and our fans are in for a real treat.\u201d\r\n\r\nNia Coffey will continue her journey in her third consecutive year with Atlanta after starting 31 games last season and shooting a career-high 40.2% from three in 2023. Coffey suffered a hand-injury last August which ended her season. Coffey\u2019s defensive presence and experience played a large role in the Dream returning to the WNBA Playoffs for the first time in five years.\r\n\r\n\u201cNia has been a huge part of our growth the last two years and has played an integral part in any and all successes we\u2019ve had,\u201d said Padover. \u201cShe is returning stronger than ever and has established herself as an exceptional defender and three-point shooter. Nia\u2019s game continues to evolve every year and her future here excites us even more than the past couple of years.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nABOUT THE ATLANTA DREAM\r\n\r\nThe Atlanta Dream is a professional women\u2019s basketball team based in Atlanta, Ga. that strives to build a place where our team, our fans and our city come together to represent the community we seek to serve. We celebrate diversity, represent Atlanta, and empower women both on and off the court. The team currently plays home games at the Gateway Center Arena @ College Park and has qualified for the WNBA Playoffs in nine of its first 16 seasons. To learn more about the Dream and purchase 2024 season tickets, please visit https://dream.wnba.com/tickets/ or call 877-977-7729.\r\n

\u00a0###

\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n ","postId":27673,"datePublished":"02/01/2024","timestamp":"02/01/2024 3:02:50 PM","headline":"Atlanta Dream Sign Tina Charles and Aerial Powers; Re-sign Nia Coffey","guid":"https://dream.wnba.com/news/atlanta-dream-sign-tina-charles-and-aerial-powers-re-sign-nia-coffey/","slug":"atlanta-dream-sign-tina-charles-and-aerial-powers-re-sign-nia-coffey","section":"Atlanta Dream","tags":[],"postTime":"2024-02-01T15:02:50-05:00","modifiedDate":"2024-02-01T15:53:37-05:00","content":"

The Dream bolster frontcourt while adding scoring and veteran experience

\n

ATLANTA, Ga.\u00a0 \u2013 The Atlanta Dream have signed forward Tina Charles and guard Aerial Powers, and re-signed forward Nia Coffey, the organization announced today.

\n

2012 WNBA MVP, eight-time All-Star and three-time Olympic Gold Medalist Tina Charles will join a young Atlanta Dream core coming off their best season in five years.

\n

\u201cTina\u2019s ability to score and rebound the basketball at an elite level immediately helps this basketball team,\u201d said Dream General Manager and Executive Vice President Dan Padover. \u201cTina is a former MVP and Gold Medalist with a ton of \u2019big game\u2019 experience that I know will aid us throughout the course of the WNBA season.\u201d

\n

Charles has etched her name in the WNBA record books currently sitting fourth in the league all-time in scoring, amassing 7115 points. Additionally, Charles is the second all-time rebounder with 3640, averaging 18.2 points and 9.3 rebounds per game in her career.

\n

\u201cHaving a player who has been tried and true throughout her career will be impactful as our young core continues to mature,\u201d said Head Coach Tanisha Wright. \u201cThere is a mutual respect between Tina and I because of the years we spent as teammates, and her competitiveness and desire to win will be an added boost for our team. In all candor, I look forward to now telling her what to do instead of vice versa.\u201d

\n

Aerial Powers is the second former WNBA Champion to join the Dream this offseason. The 5\u201911\u201d guard has averaged 10.7 points and 3.3 rebounds per game over her career and played an integral role in the Washington Mystics winning the Championship in 2019.

\n

\u201cAerial is one of the most explosive wings in the WNBA and is capable of scoring in a variety of ways,\u201d said Padover. \u201cAerial is a WNBA Champion, an ultimate competitor and we are thrilled to have a winner like her on our team.\u201d

\n

The Detroit native played three seasons at Michigan State earning First Team All-Big Ten honors in all three years, the first Spartan in history to achieve this accolade. Powers still holds several Spartan career and season records, sitting third all-time in career points scored with 1817. In the 2016 WNBA Draft Powers was drafted fifth overall by the Dallas Wings In the 2016 WNBA Draft.

\n

\u201cI am extremely thrilled to add someone of AP\u2019s caliber,\u201d said Wright. \u201cShe is relentless in her attack and someone who\u2019s competitive nature matches my own. The energy she brings night-in and night-out will be invaluable and our fans are in for a real treat.\u201d

\n

Nia Coffey will continue her journey in her third consecutive year with Atlanta after starting 31 games last season and shooting a career-high 40.2% from three in 2023. Coffey suffered a hand-injury last August which ended her season. Coffey\u2019s defensive presence and experience played a large role in the Dream returning to the WNBA Playoffs for the first time in five years.

\n

\u201cNia has been a huge part of our growth the last two years and has played an integral part in any and all successes we\u2019ve had,\u201d said Padover. \u201cShe is returning stronger than ever and has established herself as an exceptional defender and three-point shooter. Nia\u2019s game continues to evolve every year and her future here excites us even more than the past couple of years.\u201d

\n

 

\n

ABOUT THE ATLANTA DREAM

\n

The Atlanta Dream is a professional women\u2019s basketball team based in Atlanta, Ga. that strives to build a place where our team, our fans and our city come together to represent the community we seek to serve. We celebrate diversity, represent Atlanta, and empower women both on and off the court. The team currently plays home games at the Gateway Center Arena @ College Park and has qualified for the WNBA Playoffs in nine of its first 16 seasons. To learn more about the Dream and purchase 2024 season tickets, please visit https://dream.wnba.com/tickets/ or call 877-977-7729.

\n

\u00a0###

\n

 

\n

 

\n

 

\n","teamSlug":"dream","imageCredit":"","coverImage":"","thumbnailUrl":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/02/3signinggraphic.png","thumbnail":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/02/3signinggraphic.png","Images":{"Featured":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/02/3signinggraphic.png","Large":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/02/3signinggraphic.png?resize=1440px:*","Medium":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/02/3signinggraphic.png?resize=1024px:*","Small":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/02/3signinggraphic.png?resize=640px:*"}},{"author":"","title":"Atlanta Dream Trade For Guard Jordin Canada","url":"https://dream.wnba.com/news/atlanta-dream-trade-for-guard-jordin-canada/","description":"

Canada will join Atlanta coming off the best statistical season of her career

\r\nATLANTA, Ga.\u00a0 \u2013 The Atlanta Dream have acquired two-time WNBA Champion and two-time All-Defensive 1st Team guard Jordin Canada via trade, the organization announced today.\r\n\r\nAtlanta acquired Canada and the 12th pick in the 2024 draft in a trade that sent guard Aari McDonald and the 8th pick to the Los Angeles Sparks.\r\n\r\n\u201cJordin is an elite playmaker in the prime of her career and a perfect addition to our team,\u201d said General Manager and Executive Vice President Dan Padover. \u201cJordin adds a variety of WNBA experience and everywhere she has been she has found a way to make her team better.\u201d\r\n\r\nIn a standout 2023 season, Canada achieved career-high averages of 13.3 points and 6 assists per game. In addition, the 28-year-old led the league in steals with 2.3 per game for the second time (2019, 2023) in her career.\r\n\r\n\"Canada\u2019s defensive prowess is a trait I've admired from a distance since she entered the league. You simply can\u2019t teach the level of skill she brings to her position,\" said Head Coach Tanisha Wright. \"I'm excited to work with her and integrate her unique strengths into our system.\"\r\n\r\nCanada is currently playing overseas in Australia for the Melbourne Boomers alongside Dream forward Naz Hillmon. She leads the WNBL in assists with 7.9 per game, propelling the Boomers to second in the current standings.\r\n\r\nCanada earned the 2x Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year (2017, 2018) at UCLA and etched her name in the record books with the most assists (831) recorded by a female Bruin. Canada propelled UCLA to the Elite 8 in her senior year, leading the team in points, assists, and minutes played. She was drafted fifth overall in 2018 by the Seattle Storm and won her first championship in her rookie season.\r\n\r\nAari McDonald was drafted out of Arizona third overall by the Dream in 2021 and received All-Rookie honors in her debut season. McDonald\u2019s arrival was pivotal in the Dream\u2019s ascension over the past two seasons and played a complementary role in Atlanta returning to the playoffs in 2023. The 5\u2019 6\u201d Los Angeles native played 90 games over the course of three seasons with the Dream, averaging 8.6 points and 2.5 assists per game.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nABOUT THE ATLANTA DREAM\r\n\r\nThe Atlanta Dream is a professional women\u2019s basketball team based in Atlanta, Ga. that strives to build a place where our team, our fans and our city come together to represent the community we seek to serve. We celebrate diversity, represent Atlanta, and empower women both on and off the court. The team currently plays home games at the Gateway Center Arena @ College Park and has qualified for the WNBA Playoffs in nine of its first 16 seasons. To learn more about the Dream and purchase 2024 season tickets, please visit https://dream.wnba.com/tickets/ or call 877-977-7729.\r\n

\u00a0###

\r\n ","postId":27677,"datePublished":"02/01/2024","timestamp":"02/01/2024 1:55:04 PM","headline":"Atlanta Dream Trade For Guard Jordin Canada","guid":"https://dream.wnba.com/news/atlanta-dream-trade-for-guard-jordin-canada/","slug":"atlanta-dream-trade-for-guard-jordin-canada","section":"Atlanta Dream","tags":[],"postTime":"2024-02-01T13:55:04-05:00","modifiedDate":"2024-02-01T14:00:17-05:00","content":"

Canada will join Atlanta coming off the best statistical season of her career

\n

ATLANTA, Ga.\u00a0 \u2013 The Atlanta Dream have acquired two-time WNBA Champion and two-time All-Defensive 1st Team guard Jordin Canada via trade, the organization announced today.

\n

Atlanta acquired Canada and the 12th pick in the 2024 draft in a trade that sent guard Aari McDonald and the 8th pick to the Los Angeles Sparks.

\n

\u201cJordin is an elite playmaker in the prime of her career and a perfect addition to our team,\u201d said General Manager and Executive Vice President Dan Padover. \u201cJordin adds a variety of WNBA experience and everywhere she has been she has found a way to make her team better.\u201d

\n

In a standout 2023 season, Canada achieved career-high averages of 13.3 points and 6 assists per game. In addition, the 28-year-old led the league in steals with 2.3 per game for the second time (2019, 2023) in her career.

\n

“Canada\u2019s defensive prowess is a trait I’ve admired from a distance since she entered the league. You simply can\u2019t teach the level of skill she brings to her position,” said Head Coach Tanisha Wright. “I’m excited to work with her and integrate her unique strengths into our system.”

\n

Canada is currently playing overseas in Australia for the Melbourne Boomers alongside Dream forward Naz Hillmon. She leads the WNBL in assists with 7.9 per game, propelling the Boomers to second in the current standings.

\n

Canada earned the 2x Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year (2017, 2018) at UCLA and etched her name in the record books with the most assists (831) recorded by a female Bruin. Canada propelled UCLA to the Elite 8 in her senior year, leading the team in points, assists, and minutes played. She was drafted fifth overall in 2018 by the Seattle Storm and won her first championship in her rookie season.

\n

Aari McDonald was drafted out of Arizona third overall by the Dream in 2021 and received All-Rookie honors in her debut season. McDonald\u2019s arrival was pivotal in the Dream\u2019s ascension over the past two seasons and played a complementary role in Atlanta returning to the playoffs in 2023. The 5\u2019 6\u201d Los Angeles native played 90 games over the course of three seasons with the Dream, averaging 8.6 points and 2.5 assists per game.

\n

 

\n

ABOUT THE ATLANTA DREAM

\n

The Atlanta Dream is a professional women\u2019s basketball team based in Atlanta, Ga. that strives to build a place where our team, our fans and our city come together to represent the community we seek to serve. We celebrate diversity, represent Atlanta, and empower women both on and off the court. The team currently plays home games at the Gateway Center Arena @ College Park and has qualified for the WNBA Playoffs in nine of its first 16 seasons. To learn more about the Dream and purchase 2024 season tickets, please visit https://dream.wnba.com/tickets/ or call 877-977-7729.

\n

\u00a0###

\n

 

\n","teamSlug":"dream","imageCredit":"","coverImage":"","thumbnailUrl":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/02/Tier-1-1920x1080-1-JORDIN-CANADA-1.jpg","thumbnail":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/02/Tier-1-1920x1080-1-JORDIN-CANADA-1.jpg","Images":{"Featured":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/02/Tier-1-1920x1080-1-JORDIN-CANADA-1.jpg","Large":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/02/Tier-1-1920x1080-1-JORDIN-CANADA-1.jpg?resize=1440px:*","Medium":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/02/Tier-1-1920x1080-1-JORDIN-CANADA-1.jpg?resize=1024px:*","Small":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/02/Tier-1-1920x1080-1-JORDIN-CANADA-1.jpg?resize=640px:*"}},{"author":"","title":"Iliana Rupert To Sit Out 2024 WNBA Season","url":"https://dream.wnba.com/news/iliana-rupert-to-sit-out-2024-wnba-season/","description":"

\"\"

\r\n

Rupert will miss the WNBA season to focus on the 2024 Paris Olympic Games\r\n

\r\n \r\n\r\nATLANTA, Ga. \u2013 Forward Iliana Rupert will be sitting out the upcoming WNBA season to focus on the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThis will be Rupert\u2019s second consecutive Olympic Games (Tokyo, 2020) representing her home country, France.\r\n\r\nRupert averaged 1.8 points and 2 rebounds in 20 games with the Dream in 2023. The Paris Olympics is set to begin on July 26th and conclude on August 11th.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nABOUT THE ATLANTA DREAM\r\n\r\nThe Atlanta Dream is a professional women\u2019s basketball team based in Atlanta, Ga. that strives to build a place where our team, our fans and our city come together to represent the community we seek to serve. We celebrate diversity, represent Atlanta, reward innovation and imagination, and aim to empower women both on and off the court. The team currently plays home games at the Gateway Center Arena @ College Park and has qualified for the WNBA Playoffs in nine of its first 16 seasons. To learn more about the Dream and purchase 2024 season tickets, please visit https://dream.wnba.com/tickets/ or call 877-977-7729.\r\n

\u00a0###

\r\n ","postId":27626,"datePublished":"01/24/2024","timestamp":"01/24/2024 1:00:14 PM","headline":"Iliana Rupert To Sit Out 2024 WNBA Season","guid":"https://dream.wnba.com/news/iliana-rupert-to-sit-out-2024-wnba-season/","slug":"iliana-rupert-to-sit-out-2024-wnba-season","section":"Atlanta Dream","tags":[],"postTime":"2024-01-24T13:00:14-05:00","modifiedDate":"2024-01-24T13:02:37-05:00","content":"

\"\"

\n

Rupert will miss the WNBA season to focus on the 2024 Paris Olympic Games
\n

\n

 

\n

ATLANTA, Ga. \u2013 Forward Iliana Rupert will be sitting out the upcoming WNBA season to focus on the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France.\u00a0

\n

This will be Rupert\u2019s second consecutive Olympic Games (Tokyo, 2020) representing her home country, France.

\n

Rupert averaged 1.8 points and 2 rebounds in 20 games with the Dream in 2023. The Paris Olympics is set to begin on July 26th and conclude on August 11th.

\n

\u00a0

\n

ABOUT THE ATLANTA DREAM

\n

The Atlanta Dream is a professional women\u2019s basketball team based in Atlanta, Ga. that strives to build a place where our team, our fans and our city come together to represent the community we seek to serve. We celebrate diversity, represent Atlanta, reward innovation and imagination, and aim to empower women both on and off the court. The team currently plays home games at the Gateway Center Arena @ College Park and has qualified for the WNBA Playoffs in nine of its first 16 seasons. To learn more about the Dream and purchase 2024 season tickets, please visit https://dream.wnba.com/tickets/ or call 877-977-7729.

\n

\u00a0###

\n

 

\n","teamSlug":"dream","imageCredit":"","coverImage":"","thumbnailUrl":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/01/072523-Mercury-at-Dream-Brian-Savage-77.jpg","thumbnail":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/01/072523-Mercury-at-Dream-Brian-Savage-77.jpg","Images":{"Featured":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/01/072523-Mercury-at-Dream-Brian-Savage-77.jpg","Large":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/01/072523-Mercury-at-Dream-Brian-Savage-77.jpg?resize=1440px:*","Medium":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/01/072523-Mercury-at-Dream-Brian-Savage-77.jpg?resize=1024px:*","Small":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/01/072523-Mercury-at-Dream-Brian-Savage-77.jpg?resize=640px:*"}},{"author":"","title":"2024 Atlanta Dream Schedule Release","url":"https://dream.wnba.com/news/2024-atlanta-dream-schedule-release/","description":"

WNBA\u2019s Atlanta Dream Announce 2024 Season Schedule\u00a0

\r\n

Partnering with local HBCU Clark Atlanta, the CAU University Band and Atlanta Drum Academy, the Dream\u2019s 20-game home schedule release is LIVE.\u00a0

\r\n \r\n

https://youtu.be/0GsvfY2KK0g

\r\n \r\n\r\nATLANTA, Ga. (Dec. 18, 2023) \u2013 The WNBA unveiled the highly anticipated 2024 schedule today, with the Atlanta Dream set to begin their 2024 season on May 15th.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe Dream will start their 17th season beginning with a two-game West Coast road trip starting in Los Angeles and finishing with Phoenix on May 18th.\r\n\r\nAtlanta\u2019s home opener at Gateway Arena will take place on May 21st against the Dallas Wings. In 2023, the Dream led the league with 12 sellouts, a testament to Atlanta fans creating an atmosphere unlike any other in the WNBA, or in the city of Atlanta.\r\n\r\nThe Dream will face the WNBA Champion Las Vegas Aces for a primetime showdown at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 31st, and will face the winner of the 2023 Commissioners Cup and last year's championship runner-up the New York Liberty on June 6th at Gateway Center Arena.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\r\nThis year is a unique one as the 2024 WNBA season will pause for the Olympic Games in Paris from July 26th to August 11th. Prior to the hiatus, the Dream will take on the Minnesota Lynx in Minneapolis on July 17th. Immediately following the break, the Dream will host a 5-game home stand starting with the Seattle Storm on August 16th.\u00a0\r\n\r\nIn their third year together leading the Dream, Head Coach Tanisha Wright and EVP and General Manager Daniel Padover share a singular vision to bring a WNBA Championship to Atlanta.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\u201cWe can\u2019t wait for the upcoming 2024 season to get another chance to play in front of these great fans in Atlanta,\u201d said Wright. \u201cWhile our team made great strides last season, we look forward to another exciting year with our young core as we take the necessary steps forward in becoming a championship contender. Our goal is to ensure they bring that same level of playoff intensity to the regular season.\u201d\r\n\r\nFollowing the Dream\u2019s 2023 postseason berth, their first in five years, the team\u2019s young core led by Rhyne Howard is poised to take the next step in their pursuit of championship contention.\u00a0\r\n\r\nLast year Dream had their best season in five years, finishing fifth and returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2018. Atlanta made franchise history in 2023 as the trio of\u00a0 Howard, Allisha Gray and Cheyenne Parker proudly represented the Dream at the All-Star game in Las Vegas \u2014 an incredible achievement signaling the team's ascent under new ownership.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\"\"\r\n\r\n2024 ATLANTA DREAM SCHEDULE RELEASE VIDEO\u00a0\r\n\r\nIn true Atlanta spirit, the Dream partnered with local HBCU Clark Atlanta University and the Atlanta Drum Academy to announce the Dream\u2019s 2024 schedule. The setting of the video took place at CAU\u2019s Panther stadium, highlights the school\u2019s drumline and Essence Dance Team, both standout units of the multifaceted Clark Atlanta University band program. 2023 WNBA All-Stars, Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray, in addition to Dream partner and vice president, Renee Montgomery, are also featured as they reveal the team\u2019s home schedule for the 2024 season.\u00a0\r\n\r\nClark Atlanta University is a staple in the Atlanta community and has been since its founding in 1988. The university's historical significance lies not only in its academic contributions but also in its role as a beacon of empowerment for African Americans, providing access to education and opportunities for advancement during times of deep racial segregation and inequality. Today, CAU stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Black community in pursuing education and social progress. This video aims to shine light on the talent of the HBCU\u2019s musical prowess, giving homage to the influence of HBCUs on Atlanta\u2019s culture. CAU\u2019s band was also featured during halftime of the Dream\u2019s 2023 HBCU game.\u00a0\r\n\r\nDr. Markesha McWilliam Henderson is the Executive Director of Sports Strategic Development at Clark Atlanta University and has been attending Dream games for the past 10 years. \u201cCombining my passion for the WNBA and HBCUs is literally a dream Job,\u201d said Henderson. \u201cThe Atlanta Dream and Clark Atlanta University have many shared values around service and equity and both institutions represent Atlanta culture. Innovative community collaborations at the intersection of higher education and professional sports allow us to expand our reach and amplify our voices.\u201d\r\n\r\nThe Atlanta Drum Academy, a frequent performance group at Atlanta Dream games throughout the 2022 and 2023 seasons, brings together kids and adults alike that share a passion for drumming. Executive Director James Riles III attended Morris Brown College where he composed a lot of their new-aged Drumline material and was also a composer and performer for the hit movies \u201cDrumline\u201d and \u201cDrumline 2: A New Beat.\u201d For him, and his two sons who are also co-owners, Atlanta Drum Academy was formed from his love to not only play but reach other kids and adults like who have the same passion that he does. The Drum Academy was showcased during the summer on the most recent season of America\u2019s Got Talent, where they received the golden buzzer and earned a trip to the live finale in Los Angeles.\u00a0\r\n\r\nWNBA series \u201dMore Than a Fan\u201d featuring\u00a0 Markesha McWilliams Henderson\u00a0\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nABOUT THE ATLANTA DREAM\r\n\r\nThe Atlanta Dream is a professional women\u2019s basketball team based in Atlanta, Ga. that strives to build a place where our team, our fans and our city come together to represent the community we seek to serve. We celebrate diversity, represent Atlanta, reward innovation and imagination, and aim to empower women both on and off the court. The team currently plays home games at the Gateway Center Arena @ College Park and has qualified for the WNBA Playoffs in nine of its first 16 seasons. To learn more about the Dream and purchase 2024 season tickets, please visit https://dream.wnba.com/tickets/ or call 877-977-7729.\r\n

\u00a0###

","postId":27313,"datePublished":"12/18/2023","timestamp":"12/18/2023 3:07:32 PM","headline":"2024 Atlanta Dream Schedule Release","guid":"https://dream.wnba.com/news/2024-atlanta-dream-schedule-release/","slug":"2024-atlanta-dream-schedule-release","section":"Atlanta Dream","tags":[],"postTime":"2023-12-18T15:07:32-05:00","modifiedDate":"2023-12-18T15:10:25-05:00","content":"

WNBA\u2019s Atlanta Dream Announce 2024 Season Schedule\u00a0

\n

Partnering with local HBCU Clark Atlanta, the CAU University Band and Atlanta Drum Academy, the Dream\u2019s 20-game home schedule release is LIVE.\u00a0

\n

 

\n

\n

 

\n

ATLANTA, Ga. (Dec. 18, 2023) \u2013 The WNBA unveiled the highly anticipated 2024 schedule today, with the Atlanta Dream set to begin their 2024 season on May 15th.\u00a0

\n

The Dream will start their 17th season beginning with a two-game West Coast road trip starting in Los Angeles and finishing with Phoenix on May 18th.

\n

Atlanta\u2019s home opener at Gateway Arena will take place on May 21st against the Dallas Wings. In 2023, the Dream led the league with 12 sellouts, a testament to Atlanta fans creating an atmosphere unlike any other in the WNBA, or in the city of Atlanta.

\n

The Dream will face the WNBA Champion Las Vegas Aces for a primetime showdown at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 31st, and will face the winner of the 2023 Commissioners Cup and last year’s championship runner-up the New York Liberty on June 6th at Gateway Center Arena.\u00a0\u00a0

\n

This year is a unique one as the 2024 WNBA season will pause for the Olympic Games in Paris from July 26th to August 11th. Prior to the hiatus, the Dream will take on the Minnesota Lynx in Minneapolis on July 17th. Immediately following the break, the Dream will host a 5-game home stand starting with the Seattle Storm on August 16th.\u00a0

\n

In their third year together leading the Dream, Head Coach Tanisha Wright and EVP and General Manager Daniel Padover share a singular vision to bring a WNBA Championship to Atlanta.\u00a0

\n

\u201cWe can\u2019t wait for the upcoming 2024 season to get another chance to play in front of these great fans in Atlanta,\u201d said Wright. \u201cWhile our team made great strides last season, we look forward to another exciting year with our young core as we take the necessary steps forward in becoming a championship contender. Our goal is to ensure they bring that same level of playoff intensity to the regular season.\u201d

\n

Following the Dream\u2019s 2023 postseason berth, their first in five years, the team\u2019s young core led by Rhyne Howard is poised to take the next step in their pursuit of championship contention.\u00a0

\n

Last year Dream had their best season in five years, finishing fifth and returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2018. Atlanta made franchise history in 2023 as the trio of\u00a0 Howard, Allisha Gray and Cheyenne Parker proudly represented the Dream at the All-Star game in Las Vegas \u2014 an incredible achievement signaling the team’s ascent under new ownership.\u00a0

\n

\"\"

\n

2024 ATLANTA DREAM SCHEDULE RELEASE VIDEO\u00a0

\n

In true Atlanta spirit, the Dream partnered with local HBCU Clark Atlanta University and the Atlanta Drum Academy to announce the Dream\u2019s 2024 schedule. The setting of the video took place at CAU\u2019s Panther stadium, highlights the school\u2019s drumline and Essence Dance Team, both standout units of the multifaceted Clark Atlanta University band program. 2023 WNBA All-Stars, Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray, in addition to Dream partner and vice president, Renee Montgomery, are also featured as they reveal the team\u2019s home schedule for the 2024 season.\u00a0

\n

Clark Atlanta University is a staple in the Atlanta community and has been since its founding in 1988. The university’s historical significance lies not only in its academic contributions but also in its role as a beacon of empowerment for African Americans, providing access to education and opportunities for advancement during times of deep racial segregation and inequality. Today, CAU stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Black community in pursuing education and social progress. This video aims to shine light on the talent of the HBCU\u2019s musical prowess, giving homage to the influence of HBCUs on Atlanta\u2019s culture. CAU\u2019s band was also featured during halftime of the Dream\u2019s 2023 HBCU game.\u00a0

\n

Dr. Markesha McWilliam Henderson is the Executive Director of Sports Strategic Development at Clark Atlanta University and has been attending Dream games for the past 10 years. \u201cCombining my passion for the WNBA and HBCUs is literally a dream Job,\u201d said Henderson. \u201cThe Atlanta Dream and Clark Atlanta University have many shared values around service and equity and both institutions represent Atlanta culture. Innovative community collaborations at the intersection of higher education and professional sports allow us to expand our reach and amplify our voices.\u201d

\n

The Atlanta Drum Academy, a frequent performance group at Atlanta Dream games throughout the 2022 and 2023 seasons, brings together kids and adults alike that share a passion for drumming. Executive Director James Riles III attended Morris Brown College where he composed a lot of their new-aged Drumline material and was also a composer and performer for the hit movies \u201cDrumline\u201d and \u201cDrumline 2: A New Beat.\u201d For him, and his two sons who are also co-owners, Atlanta Drum Academy was formed from his love to not only play but reach other kids and adults like who have the same passion that he does. The Drum Academy was showcased during the summer on the most recent season of America\u2019s Got Talent, where they received the golden buzzer and earned a trip to the live finale in Los Angeles.\u00a0

\n

WNBA series \u201dMore Than a Fan\u201d featuring\u00a0 Markesha McWilliams Henderson\u00a0

\n

 

\n

ABOUT THE ATLANTA DREAM

\n

The Atlanta Dream is a professional women\u2019s basketball team based in Atlanta, Ga. that strives to build a place where our team, our fans and our city come together to represent the community we seek to serve. We celebrate diversity, represent Atlanta, reward innovation and imagination, and aim to empower women both on and off the court. The team currently plays home games at the Gateway Center Arena @ College Park and has qualified for the WNBA Playoffs in nine of its first 16 seasons. To learn more about the Dream and purchase 2024 season tickets, please visit https://dream.wnba.com/tickets/ or call 877-977-7729.

\n

\u00a0###

\n","teamSlug":"dream","imageCredit":"","coverImage":"","thumbnailUrl":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/12/1920x1080-Atlanta-Dream-Schedule-View-The-Schedule-Release-IG.jpg","thumbnail":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/12/1920x1080-Atlanta-Dream-Schedule-View-The-Schedule-Release-IG.jpg","Images":{"Featured":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/12/1920x1080-Atlanta-Dream-Schedule-View-The-Schedule-Release-IG.jpg","Large":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/12/1920x1080-Atlanta-Dream-Schedule-View-The-Schedule-Release-IG.jpg?resize=1440px:*","Medium":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/12/1920x1080-Atlanta-Dream-Schedule-View-The-Schedule-Release-IG.jpg?resize=1024px:*","Small":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/12/1920x1080-Atlanta-Dream-Schedule-View-The-Schedule-Release-IG.jpg?resize=640px:*"}},{"author":"","title":"Atlanta Dream’s ‘Dreamsgiving’ finale: Inspiring Joy, Fostering Unity, and Creating Lasting Connections at The Boyce L. Ansley School","url":"https://dream.wnba.com/news/atlanta-dreams-dreamsgiving-finale-inspiring-joy-fostering-unity-and-creating-lasting-connections-at-the-boyce-l-ansley-school/","description":"\u00a0The Atlanta Dream's commitment to community engagement shone brightly during this year's 'Dreamsgiving' last event at The Boyce L. Ansley School on Friday, Dec. 8.\r\n\r\nThe multipurpose room buzzed with energy as 15 enthusiastic staff members from various departments, along with Haley Jones, last year's first-round pick and representative of the AP All-Rookie team, made the day a spectacular celebration of unity, laughter, and shared joy.\r\n\r\nAs 56 excited students gathered in front of the stage of the multipurpose room, a palpable mix of nervousness and anticipation filled the air. The Atlanta Dream volunteers, ranging from nearly every department in the organization, stood ready to engage the young audience in a day filled with activities, joy, and positive energy.\r\n\r\nThe atmosphere in the room shifted when Ray James, the Head of School, took the stage. With authority, he uttered three powerful words that resonated throughout the room, \"power to people.\" In a magical moment, the entire student body responded in unison, echoing, \"we have the power.\"\r\n\r\nThis exchange set the tone for a day centered around the empowering notion that collective strength can bring about positive change.\r\n\r\n\"Having kids unpack what it means to have power and to say we have the power. When I say power to the people I'm talking to them, and kids start to believe it.\" James said.\u00a0\r\n\r\nFounded on the principles of providing education to children experiencing homelessness, The Boyce L. Ansley School serves as a beacon of hope for families navigating through challenging circumstances. The school's commitment to offering a tuition-free, private education underscores the importance of providing stability and support during these critical phases of life.\r\n\r\nBecky Mautner is the Volunteer and Community Engagement Coordinator and has been at the school for two and half years. The first time she stepped foot on the school was for a holiday party and instantly found a calling. Now in a full-time role with the school, Mautner truly understands the importance and impact the school is making on Atlanta families.\r\n\r\n\"They are the most resilient, strong and truly amazing kids, but more than that, they are like any other kid in the city. The only difference is their circumstance.\" Mautner said.\r\n\r\n\"\"\r\n\r\nAs each Dream volunteer member was introduced, the students were split into groups, immersing themselves in various activities centered around basketball and the Dream. The vibrant energy in the room was contagious as Jones, the rising WNBA star, interacted with every student, adding a personal touch to the event.\r\n\r\nTo the delight of the students, Jones became the center of attention in a spirited game of \u201cDuck, Duck, Goose\u201d. Laughter filled the room as she good-naturedly participated, tapping heads and sharing in the infectious joy radiating from the children. The interactive nature of the activities brought the Dream representatives and students together, breaking down barriers and fostering genuine connections.\r\n\r\nAs the day progressed, the energy in the room reached new heights. Smiles and laughter echoed within the four walls, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and shared happiness. The anticipation soared as the aroma of pizza wafted through the air, intensifying the excitement among the children. The Dream staff, alongside students, gathered for a meal, creating a space for not only delicious food but also the exchange of smiles, stories, and laughter.\r\n\r\n\u201cWe are so inspired by the remarkable staff and students at The Boyce Ansley School,\u201d said Kelly Lee, the Director of Community Impact for the Dream.\u00a0 \u201cServing alongside these deserving, special children not only warms our hearts but also underscores the profound impact sports and community engagement can have on shaping a brighter future for every child.\u201d\r\n\r\n\"\"\r\n\r\nThe combination of engaging activities, the presence of\u00a0 Jones, and the shared meal forged unforgettable connections between the Dream staff and the students. Beyond the games, the day became a memorable chapter in the lives of everyone involved, emphasizing the Dream's dedication to leaving a lasting impact on the Atlanta community.\r\n\r\nAs 'Dreamsgiving' concluded, the organization had one final parting gift, giving every student a brand-new uniform, play equipment and 500 packs of hot Cheetos and snacks. SCANA Energy was the main sponsor of the \u2018Dreamsgiving\u2019 and donated $5,000, a portion of that went to buying snacks for the Boyce Annsley students for the remainder of the year.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe Dream's engagement with the students of the Boyce Ansley School exemplifies their belief that, both on and off the court, the power of sports can bring people together and inspire positive change.\r\n\r\n ","postId":27347,"datePublished":"12/14/2023","timestamp":"12/14/2023 11:16:36 AM","headline":"Atlanta Dream’s ‘Dreamsgiving’ finale: Inspiring Joy, Fostering Unity, and Creating Lasting Connections at The Boyce L. Ansley School","guid":"https://dream.wnba.com/news/atlanta-dreams-dreamsgiving-finale-inspiring-joy-fostering-unity-and-creating-lasting-connections-at-the-boyce-l-ansley-school/","slug":"atlanta-dreams-dreamsgiving-finale-inspiring-joy-fostering-unity-and-creating-lasting-connections-at-the-boyce-l-ansley-school","section":"Atlanta Dream","tags":[],"postTime":"2023-12-14T11:16:36-05:00","modifiedDate":"2024-02-27T11:22:56-05:00","content":"

\u00a0The Atlanta Dream’s commitment to community engagement shone brightly during this year’s ‘Dreamsgiving’ last event at The Boyce L. Ansley School on Friday, Dec. 8.

\n

The multipurpose room buzzed with energy as 15 enthusiastic staff members from various departments, along with Haley Jones, last year’s first-round pick and representative of the AP All-Rookie team, made the day a spectacular celebration of unity, laughter, and shared joy.

\n

As 56 excited students gathered in front of the stage of the multipurpose room, a palpable mix of nervousness and anticipation filled the air. The Atlanta Dream volunteers, ranging from nearly every department in the organization, stood ready to engage the young audience in a day filled with activities, joy, and positive energy.

\n

The atmosphere in the room shifted when Ray James, the Head of School, took the stage. With authority, he uttered three powerful words that resonated throughout the room, “power to people.” In a magical moment, the entire student body responded in unison, echoing, “we have the power.”

\n

This exchange set the tone for a day centered around the empowering notion that collective strength can bring about positive change.

\n

“Having kids unpack what it means to have power and to say we have the power. When I say power to the people I’m talking to them, and kids start to believe it.” James said.\u00a0

\n

Founded on the principles of providing education to children experiencing homelessness, The Boyce L. Ansley School serves as a beacon of hope for families navigating through challenging circumstances. The school’s commitment to offering a tuition-free, private education underscores the importance of providing stability and support during these critical phases of life.

\n

Becky Mautner is the Volunteer and Community Engagement Coordinator and has been at the school for two and half years. The first time she stepped foot on the school was for a holiday party and instantly found a calling. Now in a full-time role with the school, Mautner truly understands the importance and impact the school is making on Atlanta families.

\n

“They are the most resilient, strong and truly amazing kids, but more than that, they are like any other kid in the city. The only difference is their circumstance.” Mautner said.

\n

\"\"

\n

As each Dream volunteer member was introduced, the students were split into groups, immersing themselves in various activities centered around basketball and the Dream. The vibrant energy in the room was contagious as Jones, the rising WNBA star, interacted with every student, adding a personal touch to the event.

\n

To the delight of the students, Jones became the center of attention in a spirited game of \u201cDuck, Duck, Goose\u201d. Laughter filled the room as she good-naturedly participated, tapping heads and sharing in the infectious joy radiating from the children. The interactive nature of the activities brought the Dream representatives and students together, breaking down barriers and fostering genuine connections.

\n

As the day progressed, the energy in the room reached new heights. Smiles and laughter echoed within the four walls, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and shared happiness. The anticipation soared as the aroma of pizza wafted through the air, intensifying the excitement among the children. The Dream staff, alongside students, gathered for a meal, creating a space for not only delicious food but also the exchange of smiles, stories, and laughter.

\n

\u201cWe are so inspired by the remarkable staff and students at The Boyce Ansley School,\u201d said Kelly Lee, the Director of Community Impact for the Dream.\u00a0 \u201cServing alongside these deserving, special children not only warms our hearts but also underscores the profound impact sports and community engagement can have on shaping a brighter future for every child.\u201d

\n

\"\"

\n

The combination of engaging activities, the presence of\u00a0 Jones, and the shared meal forged unforgettable connections between the Dream staff and the students. Beyond the games, the day became a memorable chapter in the lives of everyone involved, emphasizing the Dream’s dedication to leaving a lasting impact on the Atlanta community.

\n

As ‘Dreamsgiving’ concluded, the organization had one final parting gift, giving every student a brand-new uniform, play equipment and 500 packs of hot Cheetos and snacks. SCANA Energy was the main sponsor of the \u2018Dreamsgiving\u2019 and donated $5,000, a portion of that went to buying snacks for the Boyce Annsley students for the remainder of the year.\u00a0

\n

The Dream’s engagement with the students of the Boyce Ansley School exemplifies their belief that, both on and off the court, the power of sports can bring people together and inspire positive change.

\n

 

\n","teamSlug":"dream","imageCredit":"","coverImage":"","thumbnailUrl":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/12/Dreamsgiving14-1-scaled.jpg","thumbnail":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/12/Dreamsgiving14-1-scaled.jpg","Images":{"Featured":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/12/Dreamsgiving14-1-scaled.jpg","Large":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/12/Dreamsgiving14-1-scaled.jpg?resize=1440px:*","Medium":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/12/Dreamsgiving14-1-scaled.jpg?resize=1024px:*","Small":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/12/Dreamsgiving14-1-scaled.jpg?resize=640px:*"}},{"author":"","title":"It\u2019s Just The Beginning For The Atlanta Dream","url":"https://dream.wnba.com/news/its-just-the-beginning-for-the-atlanta-dream/","description":"[caption id=\"attachment_26619\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"]\"\" ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 10: The Atlanta Dream huddle up before the game against the Dallas Wings on September 10, 2023 at Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n \r\n

Some Goals Reached, More Goals To Meet\u00a0

\r\nBy: Jameelah Johnson\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\r\nAs the Atlanta Dream wrapped up the 2023 season with exit interviews, there was plenty for the organization to be proud of upon reflection. Atlanta finished as the fifth seed, making the playoffs for the first time since 2018. They had three players become All-Stars, two of whom made the team for the first time in their careers (Allisha Gray - 1st time, Rhyne Howard - 2nd time, and Cheyenne Parker - 1st time). They broke their own record for sell-outs at Gateway Center Arena with 12, also leading the WNBA in that category. \u00a0\r\n\r\n\u201cOur goal coming into this season was to make the postseason, and we were fortunate enough to do so,\u201d the Dream general manager Dan Padover said regarding the start of the season. \u201cWhat we wanted to have happen through that was our players go through an experience that makes them hungry for more and makes them go through something with each other that they want to get back next year and get even further.\u201d \u00a0\r\n\r\nhttps://x.com/AtlantaDream/status/1707144978583937504?s=20\r\n\r\nBoth Gray and Howard mentioned making the playoffs as one of the most memorable parts of their season together, emphasizing the camaraderie built. \u201cI know at one point in this season we went on, like, a little losing streak but we stayed together the whole time. Everybody was positive. Even though losing sucks, it was still fun to be around the team,\u201d Gray remarked on how impactful it was that the team remained together.\u00a0\r\n\r\nhttps://www.instagram.com/p/Cxs_B5bLx2_/\r\n\r\nMany of the players had individual accolades they achieved as well as setting/breaking franchise and league-wide records. Danielle Robinson entered the top 10 in WNBA All-Time assists, head coach Tanisha Wright was named Coach of the Month for July, Monique Billings scored her 1000th career point and grabbed her 1000th career rebound, Haley Jones was named to the WNBA All-Rookie First Team by the Associated Press, and the three All-Stars became the first trio of players in franchise history to score at least 600 points each in a single season.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\r\n\u201cI\u2019d probably say the 40-point game was my favorite just because all of my teammates they knew that I was about to make something happen and they didn\u2019t keep me from doing that,\u201d Howard commented on what was one of her favorite personal moments of the season. She scored 43 points against the Los Angeles Sparks in July, cementing her as second in franchise history in points scored in a game during the regular season and first in points scored in regulation. \u201c...Especially after not being named to All-Star originally, they wanted me to go out and show exactly what they\u2019re (the All-Star selection) missing, exactly what I can do and everybody was just super happy and I loved being around it. Especially doing it on our home court because you know the fans are already into it.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\r\nhttps://x.com/AtlantaDream/status/1707083196578386415?s=20\r\n\r\n\u201cI think Rhyne stepped up and showed she can be a facilitator, she can be a defender, she can go grab a board, and that complete part of her game. To see that was special,\u201d Padover pointed out as Howard not only set numerous records this past season but also set the tone and settled in as a leader for the team.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\r\n\u201cBeing able to be on the forefront of the reason that we made [the playoffs], you know that's a responsibility but I\u2019m willing to take it\u2026For me to have done it in only my second year, just shows how much more we can do in the upcoming years,\u201d Howard reflected on leading the team to a playoff berth. \\\r\n\r\n\u201cI thought we did a great job of accomplishing some of those big goals as well as some of those smaller goals that we really wanted to look at,\u201d Wright praised the season-long effort from the team. \u201cNo season is without ups and without downs. So we\u2019ve had our share but the fight, the camaraderie that this team showed, the staying together\u2026it made me proud to say I was able to coach this Atlanta Dream team.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\r\nhttps://x.com/AtlantaDream/status/1707144744436920801?s=20\r\n\r\nHoward, Padover, and Wright have all completed their second season at the helm of this Atlanta team, showing improvement from last year to the present. They each have the utmost goal to make this team better, and they are willing to grow to do just that.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nWatch the full player interview here: https://t.co/U1QahNPYg4\r\n\r\nWatch the full Coaches interview here: https://x.com/AtlantaDream/status/1707150944176075060?s=20","postId":26617,"datePublished":"10/02/2023","timestamp":"10/02/2023 10:16:16 AM","headline":"It\u2019s Just The Beginning For The Atlanta Dream","guid":"https://dream.wnba.com/news/its-just-the-beginning-for-the-atlanta-dream/","slug":"its-just-the-beginning-for-the-atlanta-dream","section":"Atlanta Dream","tags":[],"postTime":"2023-10-02T10:16:16-04:00","modifiedDate":"2023-10-02T10:16:16-04:00","content":"
\"\"
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 10: The Atlanta Dream huddle up before the game against the Dallas Wings on September 10, 2023 at Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images)
\n

 

\n

Some Goals Reached, More Goals To Meet\u00a0

\n

By: Jameelah Johnson\u00a0\u00a0

\n

As the Atlanta Dream wrapped up the 2023 season with exit interviews, there was plenty for the organization to be proud of upon reflection. Atlanta finished as the fifth seed, making the playoffs for the first time since 2018. They had three players become All-Stars, two of whom made the team for the first time in their careers (Allisha Gray – 1st time, Rhyne Howard – 2nd time, and Cheyenne Parker – 1st time). They broke their own record for sell-outs at Gateway Center Arena with 12, also leading the WNBA in that category. \u00a0

\n

\u201cOur goal coming into this season was to make the postseason, and we were fortunate enough to do so,\u201d the Dream general manager Dan Padover said regarding the start of the season. \u201cWhat we wanted to have happen through that was our players go through an experience that makes them hungry for more and makes them go through something with each other that they want to get back next year and get even further.\u201d \u00a0

\n

https://x.com/AtlantaDream/status/1707144978583937504?s=20

\n

Both Gray and Howard mentioned making the playoffs as one of the most memorable parts of their season together, emphasizing the camaraderie built. \u201cI know at one point in this season we went on, like, a little losing streak but we stayed together the whole time. Everybody was positive. Even though losing sucks, it was still fun to be around the team,\u201d Gray remarked on how impactful it was that the team remained together.\u00a0

\n

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cxs_B5bLx2_/

\n

Many of the players had individual accolades they achieved as well as setting/breaking franchise and league-wide records. Danielle Robinson entered the top 10 in WNBA All-Time assists, head coach Tanisha Wright was named Coach of the Month for July, Monique Billings scored her 1000th career point and grabbed her 1000th career rebound, Haley Jones was named to the WNBA All-Rookie First Team by the Associated Press, and the three All-Stars became the first trio of players in franchise history to score at least 600 points each in a single season.\u00a0\u00a0

\n

\u201cI\u2019d probably say the 40-point game was my favorite just because all of my teammates they knew that I was about to make something happen and they didn\u2019t keep me from doing that,\u201d Howard commented on what was one of her favorite personal moments of the season. She scored 43 points against the Los Angeles Sparks in July, cementing her as second in franchise history in points scored in a game during the regular season and first in points scored in regulation. \u201c…Especially after not being named to All-Star originally, they wanted me to go out and show exactly what they\u2019re (the All-Star selection) missing, exactly what I can do and everybody was just super happy and I loved being around it. Especially doing it on our home court because you know the fans are already into it.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0

\n

https://x.com/AtlantaDream/status/1707083196578386415?s=20

\n

\u201cI think Rhyne stepped up and showed she can be a facilitator, she can be a defender, she can go grab a board, and that complete part of her game. To see that was special,\u201d Padover pointed out as Howard not only set numerous records this past season but also set the tone and settled in as a leader for the team.\u00a0\u00a0

\n

\u201cBeing able to be on the forefront of the reason that we made [the playoffs], you know that’s a responsibility but I\u2019m willing to take it\u2026For me to have done it in only my second year, just shows how much more we can do in the upcoming years,\u201d Howard reflected on leading the team to a playoff berth. \\

\n

\u201cI thought we did a great job of accomplishing some of those big goals as well as some of those smaller goals that we really wanted to look at,\u201d Wright praised the season-long effort from the team. \u201cNo season is without ups and without downs. So we\u2019ve had our share but the fight, the camaraderie that this team showed, the staying together\u2026it made me proud to say I was able to coach this Atlanta Dream team.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0

\n

https://x.com/AtlantaDream/status/1707144744436920801?s=20

\n

Howard, Padover, and Wright have all completed their second season at the helm of this Atlanta team, showing improvement from last year to the present. They each have the utmost goal to make this team better, and they are willing to grow to do just that.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0

\n

 

\n

Watch the full player interview here: https://t.co/U1QahNPYg4

\n

Watch the full Coaches interview here: https://x.com/AtlantaDream/status/1707150944176075060?s=20

\n","teamSlug":"dream","imageCredit":"NBAE via Getty Images","coverImage":"","thumbnailUrl":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/10/GettyImages-1663400398-1-scaled.jpg","thumbnail":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/10/GettyImages-1663400398-1-scaled.jpg","Images":{"Featured":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/10/GettyImages-1663400398-1-scaled.jpg","Large":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/10/GettyImages-1663400398-1-scaled.jpg?resize=1440px:*","Medium":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/10/GettyImages-1663400398-1-scaled.jpg?resize=1024px:*","Small":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/10/GettyImages-1663400398-1-scaled.jpg?resize=640px:*"}},{"author":"","title":"Atlanta Dream Fall in Round 1 of WNBA Playoffs","url":"https://dream.wnba.com/news/atlanta-dream-fall-in-round-1-of-wnba-playoffs/","description":"[caption id=\"attachment_26612\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"]\"\" Rhyne Howard #10 of the Atlanta Dream shoots the ball during round one game two of the 2023 WNBA Playoffs against the Dallas Wings on September 19, 2023 at the College Park Center in Arlington, TX. Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Cooper Neill/NBAE via Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n

Team Made First Postseason Since 2018\u00a0

\r\n \r\n\r\nBy: Dorothy J. Gentry\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe season is over for the Atlanta Dream who fell on the road to the Dallas Wings, 101-74 in Game 2 of this Best-of-3 WNBA Round 1 playoff series. The Wings won all five matchups with the Dream this season, who saw their first postseason appearance since 2018.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\u201cNot the way we wanted to end the season that\u2019s for sure but super proud of this team and what they\u2019ve accomplished this year,\u201d said head coach Tanisha Wright. \u201cWe\u2019ve had some ups and downs this season, but this team has stayed together.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\u201cThey fought hard. They showed up every single day,\u201d Wright continued. \u201cAnd they\u2019ve done exactly what we\u2019ve asked them to do. So I am proud to have coached this team this season.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\r\nDallas became the first team in WNBA history to have seven double-digit scorers in a playoff game. Satou Sabally and Awak Kuier each scored 13 points, Kalani Brown added 12, Crystal Dangerfield had 11, and Natasha Howard 10.\u00a0\r\n\r\nRhyne Howard scored 21 points, Allisha Gray added 19 points and Cheyenne Parker had 15 for Atlanta. Howard, who scored 36 points in Game 1, finished her first playoff series with a total of 57 points in two games. That is a WNBA record for the most points in a player's first two playoff games.\u00a0\r\n\r\nIt was a close game for much of the first quarter despite Howard being held scoreless until the last minute when she had 6 points, including a three to close the quarter.\u00a0\r\n\r\nGray picked up a lot of the scoring slack with 11 points midway through the second quarter.\u00a0\r\n\r\nhttps://x.com/AtlantaDream/status/1704309832646348873?s=20\r\n\r\nHoward scored 21 points but made only 9 of 22 shots after making WNBA history in Game 1 with 36 points.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\u201cWhat went well for the Wings was the physicality,\u201d said Wright. \u201cWe turned the ball over heavily in the second quarter, giving them an opportunity to get out and run. At halftime we had 11 turnovers for 20 points. That really hurt us too.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\r\nDallas pulled away in the second quarter by outscoring Atlanta 29-10 for a 52-34 lead. Natasha Howard hit a 3-pointer to seal Dallas' 13-1 run for a 48-31 lead. Ogunbowale and Sabally combined for 24 points in the first half, and the Wings shot 50% from the field. Dream only scored 34 points in the first half.\u00a0\r\n\r\nhttps://x.com/AtlantaDream/status/1704309832646348873?s=20\r\n\r\nDream came out a little more on fire in the third quarter, but could only close the gap to 13. The Wings continued to play physical ball with the Dream and soon opened up a 20-point lead and never looked back.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe Wings, who won a playoff series for the first time since relocating to Dallas for the 2016 season, will play the Las Vegas Aces in a Best-of-Five semifinal series that begins on Sunday.\u00a0\r\n\r\nLineup notes:\u00a0\r\n\r\nATL: Nia Coffey out, right hand injury\u00a0\r\n\r\nStarters: Danielle Robinson, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Monique Billings, Cheyenne Parker\u00a0\r\n\r\nhttps://x.com/AtlantaDream/status/1704293411186995401?s=20\u00a0\r\n\r\nDAL: Diamond DeShields, Lou Lopez Senechal, both out, knee\u00a0\r\n\r\nStarters: Crystal Dangerfield, Arike Ogunbowale, Satou Sabally, Natasha Howard, Teaira McCowan\u00a0\r\n\r\nhttps://x.com/DallasWings/status/1704296797286392069?s=20 \r\n\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\r\nGame Highlights:\u00a0\r\n\r\nRough first half for the Dream as they only scored 34 points in the first quarter.\u00a0\r\n\r\nhttps://x.com/AtlantaDream/status/1704312252822593896?s=20\r\n\r\nAllisha Gray putting in work\u00a0\r\n\r\nhttps://x.com/AtlantaDream/status/1704325014114189599?s=20\r\n\r\nThe Dream give it their all after making the postseason for the first time since 2018.\u00a0\r\n\r\nhttps://x.com/AtlantaDream/status/1704331681572811108?s=20\r\n\r\nPostgame Sounds:\u00a0\r\n\r\nCoach Tanisha Wright on positives to take from this series: \u201cWe\u2019re a young team and we lacked experience to be in this situation so I hope they can take from this \u2013 first, be proud of the fact that they got here. There are players on this team that have never been in the playoffs. We made it\u201d\u00a0\r\n\r\n\u201cSo now, what is the next step? What does it take for me individually to be better so my team can be better whenever I get this opportunity again and just understanding that.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\r\nOn the Wings defense on Rhyne Howard. \u201cIt\u2019s a learning experience. Rhyne will go into the offseason, and she\u2019ll understand how teams will play her and how teams will scheme against her to stop her from being able to do what she wants to be able to do and she\u2019ll get stronger, and she\u2019ll learn from it.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\r\nOn what she\u2019s most proud of: \u201cI\u2019m proud of the fight. Just the fact that we were able to get here. This team hasn\u2019t been there since 2018. It was a goal of this team to make the playoffs. Again, not how we wanted to end for sure, but I think just the fight we had to make sure we made the playoffs and gave a gift to the city that really supported us well this year in Atlanta.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\r\nhttps://x.com/AtlantaDream/status/1704338807313649790?s=20\r\n\r\n\u201cOur fans came out pretty much every game. I think we led the league in sellouts. So really proud of the fight the team had to get to this point so now it\u2019s all about growing and learning from this opportunity.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\r\nWhat has she learned? \u201cI\u2019ve got a ton of shit to still learn, you know what I mean? Just understanding the game and the flows and the ebbs and again, trusting instincts, in terms of substitution patterns and things like that. Just being more settled in those things and learning how to put players in a position to be better when they are being defended a certain way. Just a lot. I\u2019ll go back as well. We\u2019re a team. We win together and we lost together. There\u2019s a lot I have to do in the offseason to make sure we are in a better position as well.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\r\nStats:\u00a0\r\n\r\nAtlanta: 41.2% (28-of-68 FG) from the field\u00a0\r\n\r\nDallas: 52.6% (41-of-78 FG) from the field\u00a0\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nAtlanta: 11-of-18 from the line\u00a0\r\n\r\nDallas: 12-of-14 from the line\u00a0\r\n\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\r\nAtlanta: 28 rebounds (five offensive)\u00a0\r\n\r\nDallas: 41 rebounds (twelve offensive)\u00a0\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nAtlanta:\u00a0\r\n\r\nRhyne Howard: 21 points (9-22 FG, 0-1 FT), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block\u00a0\r\n\r\nAllisha Gray: 19 points (7-16 FG, 3-5 FT), 7 rebounds, 6 assists\u00a0\r\n\r\nCheyenne Parker: 15 points; (5-15 FG, 3-4 FT), 5 rebounds, 2 blocks\u00a0\r\n\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\r\nDallas:\u00a0\r\n\r\nArike Ogunbowale:\u00a0 20 points (7-15 FG, 4-4 FT), 2 rebounds, 7 assists\u00a0\r\n\r\nSatou Sabally: 13 points (5-12 FG, 2-2 FT), 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 1 block\u00a0\r\n\r\nAwak Kuier: 13 points (6-8 FG, 0-0 FT ), 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 3 blocks\u00a0\r\n\r\nTeaira McCowan: 12 pts (6-9 FG, 0-0 FT), 16 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks\u00a0\r\n\r\nKalani Brown: 12 points (5-5 FG, 2-3 FT), 2 rebounds\u00a0\r\n\r\nCrystal Dangerfield: 11 points (4-6 FG, 3-3 FT), 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal\u00a0\r\n\r\nNatasha Howard: 10 points (4-12 FG, 0-0), 9 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block\u00a0","postId":26611,"datePublished":"09/21/2023","timestamp":"09/21/2023 8:49:30 AM","headline":"Atlanta Dream Fall in Round 1 of WNBA Playoffs","guid":"https://dream.wnba.com/news/atlanta-dream-fall-in-round-1-of-wnba-playoffs/","slug":"atlanta-dream-fall-in-round-1-of-wnba-playoffs","section":"Atlanta Dream","tags":[],"postTime":"2023-09-21T08:49:30-04:00","modifiedDate":"2023-09-21T08:49:30-04:00","content":"
\"\"
Rhyne Howard #10 of the Atlanta Dream shoots the ball during round one game two of the 2023 WNBA Playoffs against the Dallas Wings on September 19, 2023 at the College Park Center in Arlington, TX. Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Cooper Neill/NBAE via Getty Images)
\n

 

\n

 

\n

Team Made First Postseason Since 2018\u00a0

\n

 

\n

By: Dorothy J. Gentry\u00a0

\n

The season is over for the Atlanta Dream who fell on the road to the Dallas Wings, 101-74 in Game 2 of this Best-of-3 WNBA Round 1 playoff series. The Wings won all five matchups with the Dream this season, who saw their first postseason appearance since 2018.\u00a0

\n

\u201cNot the way we wanted to end the season that\u2019s for sure but super proud of this team and what they\u2019ve accomplished this year,\u201d said head coach Tanisha Wright. \u201cWe\u2019ve had some ups and downs this season, but this team has stayed together.\u00a0

\n

\u201cThey fought hard. They showed up every single day,\u201d Wright continued. \u201cAnd they\u2019ve done exactly what we\u2019ve asked them to do. So I am proud to have coached this team this season.\u201d\u00a0

\n

Dallas became the first team in WNBA history to have seven double-digit scorers in a playoff game. Satou Sabally and Awak Kuier each scored 13 points, Kalani Brown added 12, Crystal Dangerfield had 11, and Natasha Howard 10.\u00a0

\n

Rhyne Howard scored 21 points, Allisha Gray added 19 points and Cheyenne Parker had 15 for Atlanta. Howard, who scored 36 points in Game 1, finished her first playoff series with a total of 57 points in two games. That is a WNBA record for the most points in a player’s first two playoff games.\u00a0

\n

It was a close game for much of the first quarter despite Howard being held scoreless until the last minute when she had 6 points, including a three to close the quarter.\u00a0

\n

Gray picked up a lot of the scoring slack with 11 points midway through the second quarter.\u00a0

\n

https://x.com/AtlantaDream/status/1704309832646348873?s=20

\n

Howard scored 21 points but made only 9 of 22 shots after making WNBA history in Game 1 with 36 points.\u00a0

\n

\u201cWhat went well for the Wings was the physicality,\u201d said Wright. \u201cWe turned the ball over heavily in the second quarter, giving them an opportunity to get out and run. At halftime we had 11 turnovers for 20 points. That really hurt us too.\u201d\u00a0

\n

Dallas pulled away in the second quarter by outscoring Atlanta 29-10 for a 52-34 lead. Natasha Howard hit a 3-pointer to seal Dallas’ 13-1 run for a 48-31 lead. Ogunbowale and Sabally combined for 24 points in the first half, and the Wings shot 50% from the field. Dream only scored 34 points in the first half.\u00a0

\n

https://x.com/AtlantaDream/status/1704309832646348873?s=20

\n

Dream came out a little more on fire in the third quarter, but could only close the gap to 13. The Wings continued to play physical ball with the Dream and soon opened up a 20-point lead and never looked back.\u00a0

\n

The Wings, who won a playoff series for the first time since relocating to Dallas for the 2016 season, will play the Las Vegas Aces in a Best-of-Five semifinal series that begins on Sunday.\u00a0

\n

Lineup notes:\u00a0

\n

ATL: Nia Coffey out, right hand injury\u00a0

\n

Starters: Danielle Robinson, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Monique Billings, Cheyenne Parker\u00a0

\n

https://x.com/AtlantaDream/status/1704293411186995401?s=20\u00a0

\n

DAL: Diamond DeShields, Lou Lopez Senechal, both out, knee\u00a0

\n

Starters: Crystal Dangerfield, Arike Ogunbowale, Satou Sabally, Natasha Howard, Teaira McCowan\u00a0

\n

https://x.com/DallasWings/status/1704296797286392069?s=20

\n

\u00a0\u00a0

\n

Game Highlights:\u00a0

\n

Rough first half for the Dream as they only scored 34 points in the first quarter.\u00a0

\n

https://x.com/AtlantaDream/status/1704312252822593896?s=20

\n

Allisha Gray putting in work\u00a0

\n

https://x.com/AtlantaDream/status/1704325014114189599?s=20

\n

The Dream give it their all after making the postseason for the first time since 2018.\u00a0

\n

https://x.com/AtlantaDream/status/1704331681572811108?s=20

\n

Postgame Sounds:\u00a0

\n

Coach Tanisha Wright on positives to take from this series: \u201cWe\u2019re a young team and we lacked experience to be in this situation so I hope they can take from this \u2013 first, be proud of the fact that they got here. There are players on this team that have never been in the playoffs. We made it\u201d\u00a0

\n

\u201cSo now, what is the next step? What does it take for me individually to be better so my team can be better whenever I get this opportunity again and just understanding that.\u201d\u00a0

\n

On the Wings defense on Rhyne Howard. \u201cIt\u2019s a learning experience. Rhyne will go into the offseason, and she\u2019ll understand how teams will play her and how teams will scheme against her to stop her from being able to do what she wants to be able to do and she\u2019ll get stronger, and she\u2019ll learn from it.\u201d\u00a0

\n

On what she\u2019s most proud of: \u201cI\u2019m proud of the fight. Just the fact that we were able to get here. This team hasn\u2019t been there since 2018. It was a goal of this team to make the playoffs. Again, not how we wanted to end for sure, but I think just the fight we had to make sure we made the playoffs and gave a gift to the city that really supported us well this year in Atlanta.\u201d\u00a0

\n

https://x.com/AtlantaDream/status/1704338807313649790?s=20

\n

\u201cOur fans came out pretty much every game. I think we led the league in sellouts. So really proud of the fight the team had to get to this point so now it\u2019s all about growing and learning from this opportunity.\u201d\u00a0

\n

What has she learned? \u201cI\u2019ve got a ton of shit to still learn, you know what I mean? Just understanding the game and the flows and the ebbs and again, trusting instincts, in terms of substitution patterns and things like that. Just being more settled in those things and learning how to put players in a position to be better when they are being defended a certain way. Just a lot. I\u2019ll go back as well. We\u2019re a team. We win together and we lost together. There\u2019s a lot I have to do in the offseason to make sure we are in a better position as well.\u201d\u00a0

\n

Stats:\u00a0

\n

Atlanta: 41.2% (28-of-68 FG) from the field\u00a0

\n

Dallas: 52.6% (41-of-78 FG) from the field\u00a0

\n

\u00a0

\n

Atlanta: 11-of-18 from the line\u00a0

\n

Dallas: 12-of-14 from the line\u00a0

\n

\u00a0\u00a0

\n

Atlanta: 28 rebounds (five offensive)\u00a0

\n

Dallas: 41 rebounds (twelve offensive)\u00a0

\n

\u00a0

\n

Atlanta:\u00a0

\n

Rhyne Howard: 21 points (9-22 FG, 0-1 FT), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block\u00a0

\n

Allisha Gray: 19 points (7-16 FG, 3-5 FT), 7 rebounds, 6 assists\u00a0

\n

Cheyenne Parker: 15 points; (5-15 FG, 3-4 FT), 5 rebounds, 2 blocks\u00a0

\n

\u00a0\u00a0

\n

Dallas:\u00a0

\n

Arike Ogunbowale:\u00a0 20 points (7-15 FG, 4-4 FT), 2 rebounds, 7 assists\u00a0

\n

Satou Sabally: 13 points (5-12 FG, 2-2 FT), 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 1 block\u00a0

\n

Awak Kuier: 13 points (6-8 FG, 0-0 FT ), 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 3 blocks\u00a0

\n

Teaira McCowan: 12 pts (6-9 FG, 0-0 FT), 16 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks\u00a0

\n

Kalani Brown: 12 points (5-5 FG, 2-3 FT), 2 rebounds\u00a0

\n

Crystal Dangerfield: 11 points (4-6 FG, 3-3 FT), 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal\u00a0

\n

Natasha Howard: 10 points (4-12 FG, 0-0), 9 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block\u00a0

\n","teamSlug":"dream","imageCredit":"","coverImage":"","thumbnailUrl":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/09/Round1-1-scaled.jpg","thumbnail":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/09/Round1-1-scaled.jpg","Images":{"Featured":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/09/Round1-1-scaled.jpg","Large":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/09/Round1-1-scaled.jpg?resize=1440px:*","Medium":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/09/Round1-1-scaled.jpg?resize=1024px:*","Small":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/09/Round1-1-scaled.jpg?resize=640px:*"}},{"author":"","title":"Rhyne Howard Makes History in WNBA Playoff Debut – Twice","url":"https://dream.wnba.com/news/rhyne-howard-makes-history-in-wnba-playoff-debut-twice/","description":"\"\"\r\n\r\nRhyne Howard #10 of the Atlanta Dream drives to the basket during the game against the Dallas Wings during round one game one of the 2023 WNBA Playoffs on September 15, 2023 at the College Park Center in Arlington, TX. Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)\r\n

Rhyne Howard Makes History in WNBA Playoff Debut - Twice\u00a0

\r\nDorothy J. Gentry\u00a0\r\n\r\nIn her first WNBA Playoff appearance in which she dropped 36 points, the Atlanta Dream\u2019s Rhyne Howard made both league and franchise history.\u00a0\r\n\r\nWith those 36 points she became the youngest player in WNBA history to score 30+ points in the postseason and scored the most ever points for a WNBA playoff debut.\u00a0\r\n\r\nHoward also set the WNBA record for most points scored in a postseason first quarter with 19; that ties fellow Dream player Angel McCoughtry. She also made 8 shots from beyond the arc, setting a new Dream playoff record from distance.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\r\nWhile it\u2019s a significant accomplishment, it mattered little to Howard who is a competitor in every way.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\u201cBeing the youngest player, I wasn\u2019t aware of that until just now,\u201d she said during postgame when told about her accomplishment. \u201cBut I\u2019m not here to break records in a game. I am here to win.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\r\nWatching Howard perform at such a high level in her playoff debut \u201cwas amazing,\u201d said teammate Allisha Gray.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\u201cShe\u2019s a bucket. She did what she was supposed to do,\u201d Gray said. \u201cEven when we were down, Rhyne hit some big buckets for us. She did her thing tonight. I was very proud of her.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\r\nDespite the history-making performance from its second-year star, the Dream still lost Game 1 of this Best-of-3 series. Game 2 will be played Tuesday night in Dallas. Game 3 if necessary will be back in Atlanta on Friday, Sept. 22.\u00a0\u00a0","postId":26573,"datePublished":"09/16/2023","timestamp":"09/16/2023 1:27:18 PM","headline":"Rhyne Howard Makes History in WNBA Playoff Debut – Twice","guid":"https://dream.wnba.com/news/rhyne-howard-makes-history-in-wnba-playoff-debut-twice/","slug":"rhyne-howard-makes-history-in-wnba-playoff-debut-twice","section":"Atlanta Dream","tags":[],"postTime":"2023-09-16T13:27:18-04:00","modifiedDate":"2023-09-16T13:27:18-04:00","content":"

\"\"

\n

Rhyne Howard #10 of the Atlanta Dream drives to the basket during the game against the Dallas Wings during round one game one of the 2023 WNBA Playoffs on September 15, 2023 at the College Park Center in Arlington, TX. Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)

\n

Rhyne Howard Makes History in WNBA Playoff Debut – Twice\u00a0

\n

Dorothy J. Gentry\u00a0

\n

In her first WNBA Playoff appearance in which she dropped 36 points, the Atlanta Dream\u2019s Rhyne Howard made both league and franchise history.\u00a0

\n

With those 36 points she became the youngest player in WNBA history to score 30+ points in the postseason and scored the most ever points for a WNBA playoff debut.\u00a0

\n

Howard also set the WNBA record for most points scored in a postseason first quarter with 19; that ties fellow Dream player Angel McCoughtry. She also made 8 shots from beyond the arc, setting a new Dream playoff record from distance.\u00a0\u00a0

\n

While it\u2019s a significant accomplishment, it mattered little to Howard who is a competitor in every way.\u00a0

\n

\u201cBeing the youngest player, I wasn\u2019t aware of that until just now,\u201d she said during postgame when told about her accomplishment. \u201cBut I\u2019m not here to break records in a game. I am here to win.\u201d\u00a0

\n

Watching Howard perform at such a high level in her playoff debut \u201cwas amazing,\u201d said teammate Allisha Gray.\u00a0

\n

\u201cShe\u2019s a bucket. She did what she was supposed to do,\u201d Gray said. \u201cEven when we were down, Rhyne hit some big buckets for us. She did her thing tonight. I was very proud of her.\u201d\u00a0

\n

Despite the history-making performance from its second-year star, the Dream still lost Game 1 of this Best-of-3 series. Game 2 will be played Tuesday night in Dallas. Game 3 if necessary will be back in Atlanta on Friday, Sept. 22.\u00a0\u00a0

\n","teamSlug":"dream","imageCredit":"NBAE via Getty Images","coverImage":"","thumbnailUrl":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/09/GettyImages-1668663524-scaled.jpg","thumbnail":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/09/GettyImages-1668663524-scaled.jpg","Images":{"Featured":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/09/GettyImages-1668663524-scaled.jpg","Large":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/09/GettyImages-1668663524-scaled.jpg?resize=1440px:*","Medium":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/09/GettyImages-1668663524-scaled.jpg?resize=1024px:*","Small":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/09/GettyImages-1668663524-scaled.jpg?resize=640px:*"}},{"author":"","title":"Atlanta Dream Fall to Dallas Wings in Game 1 of Best-of-3","url":"https://dream.wnba.com/news/atlanta-dream-fall-to-dallas-wings-in-game-1-of-best-of-3/","description":"[caption id=\"attachment_26571\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"]\"\" ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 15: Rhyne Howard #10 of the Atlanta Dream dribbles the ball during the game against the Dallas Wings during round one game one of the 2023 WNBA Playoffs on September 15, 2023 at the College Park Center in Arlington, TX. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n

Rhyne Howard Makes Playoff History\u00a0

\r\nBy: Dorothy J. Gentry\u00a0\r\n\r\nDespite jumping out to a 20-point lead in the first quarter and a history-making performance from Rhyne Howard, the Atlanta Dream fell on the road to the Dallas Wings, 82-94, in Game 1 of this Best-of-3 WNBA Round 1 playoff series.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\u201cGood playoff basketball. We\u2019ve got to learn how to just keep our composure and finish out games, but it was good playoff basketball from both sides,\u201d said Head Coach Tanisha Wright. Despite the loss, there were positives that they will take into Game 2.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\u201cThere's things we did well. I thought our transition was pretty good. I thought early we rebounded the ball well and we were able to get out,\u201d Wright said. \u201cOur ball movement in the first quarter was pretty good as well and so we were able to get open shots. I liked Rhyne\u2019s aggressiveness.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\r\nOne area of improvement is protecting the ball. \u201cWe have to keep our turnovers down, especially when we see them get a little bit more aggressive. We can\u2019t get rattled,\u201d Wright said. \u201cWe can\u2019t get into it with officials. We focused a little too much on that as well.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\r\nIt was a history-making night for both teams. Atlanta\u2019s Howard, making her playoff debut, finished the night with 36 points, including 8 three pointers, 4 rebounds and 2 assists and 3 steals. Her 36 points were the most points all-time in a WNBA playoff debut. In addition, she scored the most points in a first quarter in playoff history with 19. Dallas\u2019 Satou Sabally had 32 points, including three three-pointers, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. Her performance resulted in the most points in a single game in Wings franchise history.\u00a0\r\n\r\nhttps://x.com/espn/status/1702894622832304252?s=20\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe Dream came out on the attack from the start, jumping out to a 7-0 lead, including a 3-pointer from Allisha Gray who was playing in her first playoff game against her old team. The Wings appeared unnerved and couldn\u2019t withstand the onslaught from the combination of Howard \u2013 who hit on eight of her 10 shots from the floor, Gray and Cheyenne Parker, falling way behind at the end of the first quarter, 36-21.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe Dream increased the lead by 5 and held a 20-point lead early in the second quarter after a pair of free throws by Asia Durr pushed the lead to 41-21 with less than 9 minutes to go.\u00a0 At this point, Dallas settled down and went to work, climbing back into the game on an 18-2 run \u2013 that featured a steal and layup by Arike Ogunbowale that cut it to a 4-point game with 3 minutes left in the quarter.\u00a0\r\n\r\nComing up big for the Wings was Teaira McCowan whose three-point play with 0.8 seconds left in the half tied the game at 49. She would finish the game with a double-double (17 points and 14 rebounds).\u00a0\r\n\r\nHoward was held scoreless in the second quarter but scored 12 in the third quarter as both teams traded baskets for the majority of the quarter. The Dream won the quarter by 3 and the fourth quarter saw much of the same with back-and-forth baskets a good portion of the game. It was tied 76 all with a little over six minutes left in the game when the Wings went on an 11-4 run, opening the lead for good.\u00a0\r\n\r\nIn addition to her 36 points, Howard hit eight of her 15 3-point attempts. Gray finished with 21 points and Parker had 11 for the Dream, the only players in double digits.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe Wings have won all four matchups with the Dream this season. This is the Dream\u2019s first postseason appearance since 2018. Game 2 of the best-of-three set will be played on Tuesday in Arlington. Game 3, if necessary, is scheduled for Sept. 22 in College Park, Ga.\u00a0\r\n\r\nLineup notes:\u00a0\r\n\r\nATL: Nia Coffey out, right hand injury\u00a0\r\n\r\nStarters: Danielle Robinson, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Monique Billings, Cheyenne Parker\u00a0\r\n\r\nhttps://x.com/AtlantaDream/status/1702851171130491311?s=20\r\n\r\nDAL: Diamond DeShields, Lou Lopez Senechal, both out, knee\u00a0\r\n\r\nStarters: Crystal Dangerfield, Arike Ogunbowale, Satou Sabally, Natasha Howard, Teaira McCowan\u00a0\r\n\r\nhttps://x.com/DallasWings/status/1702850622058340583?s=20\u00a0\r\n\r\nGame Highlights:\u00a0\r\n\r\nAllisha Gray hit an open 3 to get the Dream on the board against her old team. That sparked a 7-0 Dream run. The Wings made their own run but too much Rhyne Howard (19 pts, 1 rebound, 1 assist and 2 steals in the first quarter) and Wings turnovers allowed the Dream to extend their lead and win the first quarter 36-21.\u00a0\r\n\r\nhttps://x.com/AtlantaDream/status/1702860160094396607?s=20\u00a0\r\n\r\nhttps://x.com/AtlantaDream/status/1702865452957868522?s=20\u00a0\r\n\r\nhttps://x.com/JameelahJNBA/status/1702868820036079882?s=20\u00a0\r\n\r\nHoward made history tonight, scoring the most points in a first quarter in WNBA postseason history (19). She tied fellow Dream player Angel McCoughtry for the most points scored in any quarter in WNBA postseason.\u00a0\r\n\r\nhttps://x.com/AtlantaDream/status/1702872051705372965?s=20\u00a0\r\n\r\nHoward came alive again, scoring 12 points in the third quarter to help the team win the quarter 70-67.\u00a0\r\n\r\nhttps://x.com/AtlantaDream/status/1702882056273809499?s=20\u00a0\r\n\r\nPostgame Sounds:\u00a0\r\n\r\nHead coach Tanisha Wright on not playing Haley Jones who had seen increased minutes as the regular season wound down: \u201cJust the flow of the game. And the way things were going and the subs that were being made. It just happens like that sometimes.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\r\nHoward on the physicality of the game: \u201cIt\u2019s nothing we haven\u2019t had to deal with last 40 games, we just have to keep our composure better. Especially me and Lish since they are coming for us. We have to be able to weather the storm a little bit better.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\r\nWright on when she felt the game slipped away: \u201cIt didn\u2019t necessarily slip away but I probably should have called a time out during their run in the first half for sure, but it was just turnovers. They got aggressive; they put Odyssey (Sims) in to really pressure the basketball.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\u201cWe came out strong in the third quarter; I think fatigue might have set in a little bit in the fourth \u2013 but our staters played 30 minutes, their starters played 30 plus minutes as well so, regardless of fatigue, this is the playoffs, and you can\u2019t worry about being tired. You have to be able to weather it, you have to be able to fight through that and still be able to execute at a high level.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\r\nRhyne Howard on her playoff debut: \u201cJust coming out and setting the tone not only for myself but for my teammates. We feel like this is a new season and so we can\u2019t come out soft and that means I have to be aggressive looking for shots. They just happened to be falling in the first quarter.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\r\nStats:\u00a0\r\n\r\nAtlanta: 36.8% (28-of-76 FG) from the field\u00a0\r\n\r\nDallas: 48.6% (34-of-79 FG) from the field\u00a0\r\n\r\nAtlanta: 13-of-17 from the line\u00a0\r\n\r\nDallas: 19-of-27 from the line\u00a0\r\n\r\nAtlanta: 32 rebounds (nine offensive)\u00a0\r\n\r\nDallas: 44 rebounds (eleven offensive)\u00a0\r\n\r\nAtlanta:\u00a0\r\n\r\nRhyne Howard: 36 points; (13-29 FG, 2-2 FT), 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals\u00a0\r\n\r\nAllisha Gray: 21 points (7-17 FG, 4-5 FT), 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, 1 block\u00a0\r\n\r\nCheyenne Parker: 11 points; (5-16 FG, 0-0 FT), 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks\u00a0\r\n\r\nDallas:\u00a0\r\n\r\nSatou Sabally: 32 points; (11-20 FG, 7-7 FT), 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals\u00a0\r\n\r\nArike Ogunbowale: 24 points; (10-23 FG, 3-6 FT), 9 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 steals\u00a0\r\n\r\nTeaira McCowan: 17 pts; (6-7 FG, 5-9 FT), 14 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks\u00a0\r\n\r\n\u00a0\u00a0","postId":26569,"datePublished":"09/16/2023","timestamp":"09/16/2023 1:23:40 PM","headline":"Atlanta Dream Fall to Dallas Wings in Game 1 of Best-of-3","guid":"https://dream.wnba.com/news/atlanta-dream-fall-to-dallas-wings-in-game-1-of-best-of-3/","slug":"atlanta-dream-fall-to-dallas-wings-in-game-1-of-best-of-3","section":"Atlanta Dream","tags":[],"postTime":"2023-09-16T13:23:40-04:00","modifiedDate":"2023-09-16T13:23:40-04:00","content":"
\"\"
ARLINGTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 15: Rhyne Howard #10 of the Atlanta Dream dribbles the ball during the game against the Dallas Wings during round one game one of the 2023 WNBA Playoffs on September 15, 2023 at the College Park Center in Arlington, TX. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)
\n

Rhyne Howard Makes Playoff History\u00a0

\n

By: Dorothy J. Gentry\u00a0

\n

Despite jumping out to a 20-point lead in the first quarter and a history-making performance from Rhyne Howard, the Atlanta Dream fell on the road to the Dallas Wings, 82-94, in Game 1 of this Best-of-3 WNBA Round 1 playoff series.\u00a0

\n

\u201cGood playoff basketball. We\u2019ve got to learn how to just keep our composure and finish out games, but it was good playoff basketball from both sides,\u201d said Head Coach Tanisha Wright. Despite the loss, there were positives that they will take into Game 2.\u00a0

\n

\u201cThere’s things we did well. I thought our transition was pretty good. I thought early we rebounded the ball well and we were able to get out,\u201d Wright said. \u201cOur ball movement in the first quarter was pretty good as well and so we were able to get open shots. I liked Rhyne\u2019s aggressiveness.\u201d\u00a0

\n

One area of improvement is protecting the ball. \u201cWe have to keep our turnovers down, especially when we see them get a little bit more aggressive. We can\u2019t get rattled,\u201d Wright said. \u201cWe can\u2019t get into it with officials. We focused a little too much on that as well.\u201d\u00a0

\n

It was a history-making night for both teams. Atlanta\u2019s Howard, making her playoff debut, finished the night with 36 points, including 8 three pointers, 4 rebounds and 2 assists and 3 steals. Her 36 points were the most points all-time in a WNBA playoff debut. In addition, she scored the most points in a first quarter in playoff history with 19. Dallas\u2019 Satou Sabally had 32 points, including three three-pointers, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. Her performance resulted in the most points in a single game in Wings franchise history.\u00a0

\n

https://x.com/espn/status/1702894622832304252?s=20\u00a0

\n

The Dream came out on the attack from the start, jumping out to a 7-0 lead, including a 3-pointer from Allisha Gray who was playing in her first playoff game against her old team. The Wings appeared unnerved and couldn\u2019t withstand the onslaught from the combination of Howard \u2013 who hit on eight of her 10 shots from the floor, Gray and Cheyenne Parker, falling way behind at the end of the first quarter, 36-21.\u00a0

\n

The Dream increased the lead by 5 and held a 20-point lead early in the second quarter after a pair of free throws by Asia Durr pushed the lead to 41-21 with less than 9 minutes to go.\u00a0 At this point, Dallas settled down and went to work, climbing back into the game on an 18-2 run \u2013 that featured a steal and layup by Arike Ogunbowale that cut it to a 4-point game with 3 minutes left in the quarter.\u00a0

\n

Coming up big for the Wings was Teaira McCowan whose three-point play with 0.8 seconds left in the half tied the game at 49. She would finish the game with a double-double (17 points and 14 rebounds).\u00a0

\n

Howard was held scoreless in the second quarter but scored 12 in the third quarter as both teams traded baskets for the majority of the quarter. The Dream won the quarter by 3 and the fourth quarter saw much of the same with back-and-forth baskets a good portion of the game. It was tied 76 all with a little over six minutes left in the game when the Wings went on an 11-4 run, opening the lead for good.\u00a0

\n

In addition to her 36 points, Howard hit eight of her 15 3-point attempts. Gray finished with 21 points and Parker had 11 for the Dream, the only players in double digits.\u00a0

\n

The Wings have won all four matchups with the Dream this season. This is the Dream\u2019s first postseason appearance since 2018. Game 2 of the best-of-three set will be played on Tuesday in Arlington. Game 3, if necessary, is scheduled for Sept. 22 in College Park, Ga.\u00a0

\n

Lineup notes:\u00a0

\n

ATL: Nia Coffey out, right hand injury\u00a0

\n

Starters: Danielle Robinson, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Monique Billings, Cheyenne Parker\u00a0

\n

https://x.com/AtlantaDream/status/1702851171130491311?s=20

\n

DAL: Diamond DeShields, Lou Lopez Senechal, both out, knee\u00a0

\n

Starters: Crystal Dangerfield, Arike Ogunbowale, Satou Sabally, Natasha Howard, Teaira McCowan\u00a0

\n

https://x.com/DallasWings/status/1702850622058340583?s=20\u00a0

\n

Game Highlights:\u00a0

\n

Allisha Gray hit an open 3 to get the Dream on the board against her old team. That sparked a 7-0 Dream run. The Wings made their own run but too much Rhyne Howard (19 pts, 1 rebound, 1 assist and 2 steals in the first quarter) and Wings turnovers allowed the Dream to extend their lead and win the first quarter 36-21.\u00a0

\n

https://x.com/AtlantaDream/status/1702860160094396607?s=20\u00a0

\n

https://x.com/AtlantaDream/status/1702865452957868522?s=20\u00a0

\n

https://x.com/JameelahJNBA/status/1702868820036079882?s=20\u00a0

\n

Howard made history tonight, scoring the most points in a first quarter in WNBA postseason history (19). She tied fellow Dream player Angel McCoughtry for the most points scored in any quarter in WNBA postseason.\u00a0

\n

https://x.com/AtlantaDream/status/1702872051705372965?s=20\u00a0

\n

Howard came alive again, scoring 12 points in the third quarter to help the team win the quarter 70-67.\u00a0

\n

https://x.com/AtlantaDream/status/1702882056273809499?s=20\u00a0

\n

Postgame Sounds:\u00a0

\n

Head coach Tanisha Wright on not playing Haley Jones who had seen increased minutes as the regular season wound down: \u201cJust the flow of the game. And the way things were going and the subs that were being made. It just happens like that sometimes.\u201d\u00a0

\n

Howard on the physicality of the game: \u201cIt\u2019s nothing we haven\u2019t had to deal with last 40 games, we just have to keep our composure better. Especially me and Lish since they are coming for us. We have to be able to weather the storm a little bit better.\u201d\u00a0

\n

Wright on when she felt the game slipped away: \u201cIt didn\u2019t necessarily slip away but I probably should have called a time out during their run in the first half for sure, but it was just turnovers. They got aggressive; they put Odyssey (Sims) in to really pressure the basketball.\u00a0

\n

\u201cWe came out strong in the third quarter; I think fatigue might have set in a little bit in the fourth \u2013 but our staters played 30 minutes, their starters played 30 plus minutes as well so, regardless of fatigue, this is the playoffs, and you can\u2019t worry about being tired. You have to be able to weather it, you have to be able to fight through that and still be able to execute at a high level.\u201d\u00a0

\n

Rhyne Howard on her playoff debut: \u201cJust coming out and setting the tone not only for myself but for my teammates. We feel like this is a new season and so we can\u2019t come out soft and that means I have to be aggressive looking for shots. They just happened to be falling in the first quarter.\u201d\u00a0

\n

Stats:\u00a0

\n

Atlanta: 36.8% (28-of-76 FG) from the field\u00a0

\n

Dallas: 48.6% (34-of-79 FG) from the field\u00a0

\n

Atlanta: 13-of-17 from the line\u00a0

\n

Dallas: 19-of-27 from the line\u00a0

\n

Atlanta: 32 rebounds (nine offensive)\u00a0

\n

Dallas: 44 rebounds (eleven offensive)\u00a0

\n

Atlanta:\u00a0

\n

Rhyne Howard: 36 points; (13-29 FG, 2-2 FT), 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals\u00a0

\n

Allisha Gray: 21 points (7-17 FG, 4-5 FT), 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, 1 block\u00a0

\n

Cheyenne Parker: 11 points; (5-16 FG, 0-0 FT), 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks\u00a0

\n

Dallas:\u00a0

\n

Satou Sabally: 32 points; (11-20 FG, 7-7 FT), 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals\u00a0

\n

Arike Ogunbowale: 24 points; (10-23 FG, 3-6 FT), 9 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 steals\u00a0

\n

Teaira McCowan: 17 pts; (6-7 FG, 5-9 FT), 14 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks\u00a0

\n

\u00a0\u00a0

\n","teamSlug":"dream","imageCredit":"NBAE via Getty Images","coverImage":"","thumbnailUrl":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/09/GettyImages-1668662432-scaled.jpg","thumbnail":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/09/GettyImages-1668662432-scaled.jpg","Images":{"Featured":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/09/GettyImages-1668662432-scaled.jpg","Large":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/09/GettyImages-1668662432-scaled.jpg?resize=1440px:*","Medium":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/09/GettyImages-1668662432-scaled.jpg?resize=1024px:*","Small":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/09/GettyImages-1668662432-scaled.jpg?resize=640px:*"}},{"author":"","title":"Playoff Preview: Atlanta Dream To Face Dallas In First Round","url":"https://dream.wnba.com/news/playoff-preview-atlanta-dream-to-face-dallas-in-first-round/","description":"\"\"\r\n\r\n \r\n

Series Begins Friday In Dallas\u00a0\u00a0

\r\nBy: Jameelah Johnson\r\n\r\nThe postseason is upon us and the stage has been set for the first round. The fifth seed Atlanta Dream return to the WNBA playoffs for the first time since 2018. They will go up against the fourth seed Dallas Wings in Dallas for the first two games starting Friday, September 15 at 9:30pm ET on ESPN2. The two teams head to Gateway Center Arena to compete next Friday, September 22, for game three (if needed).\r\n\r\nThe Dream, led by their three All-Stars Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, and Cheyenne Parker, finished the season with a 19-21 record. Gray averaged 17.1 points per game on 46.5% shooting along with 3.1 assists per game for the 2023 season, the highest of her seven-year career. \r\n\u00a0\r\n

*Get Your 2023 Playoffs Single Game Tickets*\r\n\u00a0

\r\nHoward also saw an increase this season, the second year of her professional career. She averaged 17.5 points per game while shooting 38.5% from the field, 3.5 assists per game, and 4.95 rebounds per game.\u00a0\r\n\r\nParker averaged the most points per game in her nine-year career with 15 in addition to her highest rebounds per game average (6.7) and blocks per game average (1.5).\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe Dream went 0-3 against the Wings during the regular season, with the smallest deficit at seven points. Howard averaged 18 points in the series, leading Atlanta. In two of the three games, Dallas\u2019 Arike Ogunbowale led all scorers averaging 29.5 points, she scored 21 in the other.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe playoffs are all about adjustments and stepping up a level. In the season finale against the Wings, the Dream kept the game close early, but the Wings forced them to deviate from what worked for them, which was mainly keeping the tempo of the game more at their speed.\r\n\r\n\u201cWhen you have people with that size, how you move on the offensive end really helps. So, if you\u2019re slow then it allows them to kind of sit in the gaps and take up a lot of space as well,\u201d the Dream\u2019s head coach Tanisha Wright said of Dallas\u2019 length following the Sunday loss. \u201cAnd so, if we walk through our offense because you have to combat it someway, right? We don\u2019t have the size that they have. But we have speed. And so, if we use our athleticism, we use our speed on the offensive end, you know, hopefully, that can wear on them.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\r\nLook for Atlanta to set their pace early once this playoff series begins. If they focus on their strengths and remain consistent, they can put up a real battle with the Wings.\u00a0\r\n\r\nOther WNBA Playoffs Matchups: Connecticut Sun (3) vs Minnesota Lynx (6), Las Vegas Aces (1) vs Chicago Sky (8), New York Liberty (2) vs Washington Mystics (7).\u00a0\u00a0","postId":26486,"datePublished":"09/13/2023","timestamp":"09/13/2023 10:44:42 AM","headline":"Playoff Preview: Atlanta Dream To Face Dallas In First Round","guid":"https://dream.wnba.com/news/playoff-preview-atlanta-dream-to-face-dallas-in-first-round/","slug":"playoff-preview-atlanta-dream-to-face-dallas-in-first-round","section":"Atlanta Dream","tags":[],"postTime":"2023-09-13T10:44:42-04:00","modifiedDate":"2023-09-13T10:44:42-04:00","content":"

\"\"

\n

 

\n

Series Begins Friday In Dallas\u00a0\u00a0

\n

By: Jameelah Johnson

\n

The postseason is upon us and the stage has been set for the first round. The fifth seed Atlanta Dream return to the WNBA playoffs for the first time since 2018. They will go up against the fourth seed Dallas Wings in Dallas for the first two games starting Friday, September 15 at 9:30pm ET on ESPN2. The two teams head to Gateway Center Arena to compete next Friday, September 22, for game three (if needed).

\n

The Dream, led by their three All-Stars Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, and Cheyenne Parker, finished the season with a 19-21 record. Gray averaged 17.1 points per game on 46.5% shooting along with 3.1 assists per game for the 2023 season, the highest of her seven-year career.
\n\u00a0

\n

*Get Your 2023 Playoffs Single Game Tickets*
\n\u00a0

\n

Howard also saw an increase this season, the second year of her professional career. She averaged 17.5 points per game while shooting 38.5% from the field, 3.5 assists per game, and 4.95 rebounds per game.\u00a0

\n

Parker averaged the most points per game in her nine-year career with 15 in addition to her highest rebounds per game average (6.7) and blocks per game average (1.5).\u00a0

\n

The Dream went 0-3 against the Wings during the regular season, with the smallest deficit at seven points. Howard averaged 18 points in the series, leading Atlanta. In two of the three games, Dallas\u2019 Arike Ogunbowale led all scorers averaging 29.5 points, she scored 21 in the other.\u00a0

\n

The playoffs are all about adjustments and stepping up a level. In the season finale against the Wings, the Dream kept the game close early, but the Wings forced them to deviate from what worked for them, which was mainly keeping the tempo of the game more at their speed.

\n

\u201cWhen you have people with that size, how you move on the offensive end really helps. So, if you\u2019re slow then it allows them to kind of sit in the gaps and take up a lot of space as well,\u201d the Dream\u2019s head coach Tanisha Wright said of Dallas\u2019 length following the Sunday loss. \u201cAnd so, if we walk through our offense because you have to combat it someway, right? We don\u2019t have the size that they have. But we have speed. And so, if we use our athleticism, we use our speed on the offensive end, you know, hopefully, that can wear on them.\u201d\u00a0

\n

Look for Atlanta to set their pace early once this playoff series begins. If they focus on their strengths and remain consistent, they can put up a real battle with the Wings.\u00a0

\n

Other WNBA Playoffs Matchups: Connecticut Sun (3) vs Minnesota Lynx (6), Las Vegas Aces (1) vs Chicago Sky (8), New York Liberty (2) vs Washington Mystics (7).\u00a0\u00a0

\n","teamSlug":"dream","imageCredit":"","coverImage":"","thumbnailUrl":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/09/playoffpreview-1-scaled.jpg","thumbnail":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/09/playoffpreview-1-scaled.jpg","Images":{"Featured":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/09/playoffpreview-1-scaled.jpg","Large":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/09/playoffpreview-1-scaled.jpg?resize=1440px:*","Medium":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/09/playoffpreview-1-scaled.jpg?resize=1024px:*","Small":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/09/playoffpreview-1-scaled.jpg?resize=640px:*"}},{"author":"","title":"AP Awards Haley Jones All-Rookie Team Honors","url":"https://dream.wnba.com/news/ap-awards-haley-jones-all-rookie-team-honors/","description":" \r\n

Jones receives the accolade after helping the Dream to their first playoff berth since 2018

\r\n \r\n\r\nThe Associated Press (AP) announced Tuesday it selected Atlanta Dream rookie Haley Jones to its WNBA All-Rookie First Team. The 6-foot-1 forward-guard is part of the young core that has exceeded expectations and led the Dream to the 2023 WNBA Playoffs in year two of the franchise\u2019s rebuild.\r\n\r\n\"\"\r\n\r\nIn her rookie campaign, Jones recorded 149 points, 94 rebounds, 93 assists, 16 steals and 12 blocks in the regular season, appearing in all 40 games. Jones is the second-straight AP All-Rookie selection for the Dream, as the AP tabbed Rhyne Howard during her rookie season in 2022.\r\n\r\nThe sixth pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft, Jones recorded her breakout game against Chicago on May 30, scoring 13 points and recording 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block and 1 steal in 19 minutes of action. On Aug. 22, Jones tallied a career night against the first-place Las Vegas Aces, scoring 23 points, grabbing 6 rebounds and dishing 5 assists in 30 minutes of play.\r\n\r\nThe First-Team All-Rookie selection is one of many accolades Jones has received on the court. During her collegiate career at Stanford, Jones won three Pac-12 Championships and a 2021 NCAA women\u2019s basketball championship. She was a three time AP All-American and Naismith Trophy finalist in 2022.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n###\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nAbout the Atlanta Dream \r\n\r\nThe Atlanta Dream is a professional women\u2019s basketball team based in Atlanta, Ga. that strives to build a place where our team, our fans and our city come together to represent the community we seek to serve. We celebrate diversity, represent Atlanta, reward innovation and imagination, and aim to empower women both on and off the court. The team currently plays home games at the Gateway Center Arena @ College Park and has qualified for the WNBA Playoffs in nine of its first 15 seasons. To learn more about the Dream and purchase 2023 season and group tickets, please visit dream.wnba.com or call 877-977-7729.","postId":26481,"datePublished":"09/12/2023","timestamp":"09/12/2023 1:05:25 PM","headline":"AP Awards Haley Jones All-Rookie Team Honors","guid":"https://dream.wnba.com/news/ap-awards-haley-jones-all-rookie-team-honors/","slug":"ap-awards-haley-jones-all-rookie-team-honors","section":"Atlanta Dream","tags":[],"postTime":"2023-09-12T13:05:25-04:00","modifiedDate":"2023-09-12T13:05:25-04:00","content":"

 

\n

Jones receives the accolade after helping the Dream to their first playoff berth since 2018

\n

 

\n

The Associated Press (AP) announced Tuesday it selected Atlanta Dream rookie Haley Jones to its WNBA All-Rookie First Team. The 6-foot-1 forward-guard is part of the young core that has exceeded expectations and led the Dream to the 2023 WNBA Playoffs in year two of the franchise\u2019s rebuild.

\n

\"\"

\n

In her rookie campaign, Jones recorded 149 points, 94 rebounds, 93 assists, 16 steals and 12 blocks in the regular season, appearing in all 40 games. Jones is the second-straight AP All-Rookie selection for the Dream, as the AP tabbed Rhyne Howard during her rookie season in 2022.

\n

The sixth pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft, Jones recorded her breakout game against Chicago on May 30, scoring 13 points and recording 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block and 1 steal in 19 minutes of action. On Aug. 22, Jones tallied a career night against the first-place Las Vegas Aces, scoring 23 points, grabbing 6 rebounds and dishing 5 assists in 30 minutes of play.

\n

The First-Team All-Rookie selection is one of many accolades Jones has received on the court. During her collegiate career at Stanford, Jones won three Pac-12 Championships and a 2021 NCAA women\u2019s basketball championship. She was a three time AP All-American and Naismith Trophy finalist in 2022.

\n

 

\n

###

\n

 

\n

About the Atlanta Dream

\n

The Atlanta Dream is a professional women\u2019s basketball team based in Atlanta, Ga. that strives to build a place where our team, our fans and our city come together to represent the community we seek to serve. We celebrate diversity, represent Atlanta, reward innovation and imagination, and aim to empower women both on and off the court. The team currently plays home games at the Gateway Center Arena @ College Park and has qualified for the WNBA Playoffs in nine of its first 15 seasons. To learn more about the Dream and purchase 2023 season and group tickets, please visit dream.wnba.com or call 877-977-7729.

\n","teamSlug":"dream","imageCredit":"","coverImage":"","thumbnailUrl":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/09/1920x1080-ALL-ROOKIE-COLOR.jpg","thumbnail":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/09/1920x1080-ALL-ROOKIE-COLOR.jpg","Images":{"Featured":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/09/1920x1080-ALL-ROOKIE-COLOR.jpg","Large":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/09/1920x1080-ALL-ROOKIE-COLOR.jpg?resize=1440px:*","Medium":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/09/1920x1080-ALL-ROOKIE-COLOR.jpg?resize=1024px:*","Small":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/09/1920x1080-ALL-ROOKIE-COLOR.jpg?resize=640px:*"}},{"author":"","title":"The Path To An Atlanta Dream Home Playoff Game","url":"https://dream.wnba.com/news/the-path-to-an-atlanta-dream-home-playoff-game/","description":"The Atlanta Dream have earned a berth in the 2023 WNBA Playoffs, taking the #5 seed in the eight-team tournament.\r\n\r\nAtlanta will take on the #4 seed Dallas Wings in a best-of-three series beginning Friday night in Dallas.\r\n\r\nHowever, the WNBA\u2019s playoff format is unique. And that means there is one step remaining before Atlanta hosts its first WNBA Playoff game since 2018. But if that home game is played, it would decide the series.\r\n\r\nOther leagues have, or are currently using, best-of-three game series formats in their playoffs. Major League Baseball, for instance, uses one for their Wild Card round.\r\n\r\nWhat makes the WNBA\u2019s format unique is the potential for the tie-breaking final game of the series to be played in the home of the lower seeded team.\r\n\r\nThat\u2019s because the first two games are played at the home of the higher seeded team, so that team (the Dallas Wings in this case) could win the first two games on their court and win the series without ever playing at the home of the lower seed.\r\n\r\nBut if the lower seed, Atlanta for instance, wins one of the first two games on the road, they would host the series-deciding Game 3. Giving the lower seed the home court advantage in a series that goes the distance is certainly a rarity in sports.\r\n\r\nROUND 1 SERIES SCHEDULE:\r\n\r\nGAME 1: Atlanta Dream at Dallas Wings \u2013 Friday 9/15, 9:30PM\r\n\r\nGAME 2: Atlanta Dream at Dallas Wings \u2013 Tuesday 9/19, 9:00PM\r\n\r\nGAME 3: Dallas Wings at Atlanta Dream (if necessary) \u2013 Friday 9/22 (time TBD)\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nWin either Game 1 or Game 2 in Dallas, and Atlanta will host its biggest WNBA game in at least five years. A series-deciding Game 3 will send the winner to the WNBA Semi-Finals, likely to face the defending champion Las Vegas Aces.\r\n\r\nTICKETS: Visit this page for information about purchasing tickets for a potential Game 3 in Atlanta, including automatic refund information if it isn\u2019t played.\r\n\r\n\"\"","postId":26477,"datePublished":"09/12/2023","timestamp":"09/12/2023 11:08:03 AM","headline":"The Path To An Atlanta Dream Home Playoff Game","guid":"https://dream.wnba.com/news/the-path-to-an-atlanta-dream-home-playoff-game/","slug":"the-path-to-an-atlanta-dream-home-playoff-game","section":"Atlanta Dream","tags":[],"postTime":"2023-09-12T11:08:03-04:00","modifiedDate":"2023-09-12T11:08:03-04:00","content":"

The Atlanta Dream have earned a berth in the 2023 WNBA Playoffs, taking the #5 seed in the eight-team tournament.

\n

Atlanta will take on the #4 seed Dallas Wings in a best-of-three series beginning Friday night in Dallas.

\n

However, the WNBA\u2019s playoff format is unique. And that means there is one step remaining before Atlanta hosts its first WNBA Playoff game since 2018. But if that home game is played, it would decide the series.

\n

Other leagues have, or are currently using, best-of-three game series formats in their playoffs. Major League Baseball, for instance, uses one for their Wild Card round.

\n

What makes the WNBA\u2019s format unique is the potential for the tie-breaking final game of the series to be played in the home of the lower seeded team.

\n

That\u2019s because the first two games are played at the home of the higher seeded team, so that team (the Dallas Wings in this case) could win the first two games on their court and win the series without ever playing at the home of the lower seed.

\n

But if the lower seed, Atlanta for instance, wins one of the first two games on the road, they would host the series-deciding Game 3. Giving the lower seed the home court advantage in a series that goes the distance is certainly a rarity in sports.

\n

ROUND 1 SERIES SCHEDULE:

\n

GAME 1: Atlanta Dream at Dallas Wings \u2013 Friday 9/15, 9:30PM

\n

GAME 2: Atlanta Dream at Dallas Wings \u2013 Tuesday 9/19, 9:00PM

\n

GAME 3: Dallas Wings at Atlanta Dream (if necessary) \u2013 Friday 9/22 (time TBD)

\n

 

\n

Win either Game 1 or Game 2 in Dallas, and Atlanta will host its biggest WNBA game in at least five years. A series-deciding Game 3 will send the winner to the WNBA Semi-Finals, likely to face the defending champion Las Vegas Aces.

\n

TICKETS: Visit this page for information about purchasing tickets for a potential Game 3 in Atlanta, including automatic refund information if it isn\u2019t played.

\n

\"\"

\n","teamSlug":"dream","imageCredit":"","coverImage":"","thumbnailUrl":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/09/wnba_playoffs_bracket_2023-1.jpg","thumbnail":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/09/wnba_playoffs_bracket_2023-1.jpg","Images":{"Featured":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/09/wnba_playoffs_bracket_2023-1.jpg","Large":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/09/wnba_playoffs_bracket_2023-1.jpg?resize=1440px:*","Medium":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/09/wnba_playoffs_bracket_2023-1.jpg?resize=1024px:*","Small":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/09/wnba_playoffs_bracket_2023-1.jpg?resize=640px:*"}},{"author":"","title":"Atlanta Locked In Fifth Seed For Playoffs","url":"https://dream.wnba.com/news/atlanta-locked-in-fifth-seed-for-playoffs/","description":" \r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_26413\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"683\"]\"\" Danielle Robinson #3 of the Atlanta Dream goes to the basket during the game on September 10, 2023 at Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n \r\n

Atlanta Dream Fall To Dallas Wings In Season Finale

\r\nBy: Jameelah Johnson\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nThe Atlanta Dream (19-21) entered their regular season finale the same way they opened the season, facing the Dallas Wings (22-18). Each team already secured a spot in the playoffs, with Dallas locking in the number four seed prior to the game.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\r\n\u201cNot the way you want to end the season, but the season is over,\u201d Dream\u2019s head coach Tanisha Wright expressed following the loss. \u201cCan\u2019t dwell on it. Have to get ready for the playoffs and so that\u2019s what we\u2019re going to focus on now.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n

*Get Your 2023 Playoffs Single Game Tickets*\u00a0

\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nAtlanta\u2019s Rhyne Howard finished with 19 points and 7 assists in the loss. Dallas\u2019 Arike Ogunbowale had 32 points and 6 assists. The Wings\u2019 length and ability to slow down the game helped them find success against the usually fast-paced Atlanta Dream.\r\n\r\nBoth teams jumped out to an energetic start. While Dallas took an early first quarter lead, Atlanta went on two runs to tie it. When the Dream controlled the pace, they were able to take advantage and score in the paint. There were at least four lead changes, and the game was tied twice early. Dallas began to establish their big play behind Kalani Brown\u2019s contribution off the bench in the second quarter where she scored 8 of her 10 total points.\u00a0\r\n\r\nAlthough Howard put up 9 points in the third quarter, Dallas outscored Atlanta 22-19. The Dream struggled to score in the final period to offset Ogunbowale\u2019s 16 points and the Wings\u2019 growing lead. Dallas won 94-77.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\r\nAtlanta announced their 12th sellout to end the regular season. They finished the 2023 season as the WNBA leaders in sellouts. The Dream\u2019s Cheyenne Parker scored 13 points, reaching the threshold of 600 points scored in the season. She joined her teammates Allisha Gray (649) and Rhyne Howard (681) to become the third trio in WNBA history to have three different players to score 600-plus points in a season.\r\n\u00a0\r\n

The Dream hit the road to face the Wings for Game 1 of Round 1 of the playoffs on Friday, September 15th at 9:30pm ET on ESPN2.\r\n\u00a0

\r\nLineup notes:\u00a0\r\n\r\nATL: AD Durr out due to right knee, Nia Coffey out due to hand.\u00a0\r\n\r\nStarters: Danielle Robinson, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Monique Billings, Cheyenne Parker\u00a0\r\n\r\n[embed]https://twitter.com/AtlantaDream/status/1700909750014160978?s=20[/embed]\r\n\r\nDAL: Diamond DeSheilds out due to knee, Lou Lopez Senechal out due to knee.\u00a0\r\n\r\nStarters: Veronica Burton, Arike Ogunbowale, Satou Sabally, Natasha Howard, Teaira McCowan\u00a0\r\n\r\n[embed]https://twitter.com/DallasWings/status/1700910234863013928?s=20[/embed]\r\n\r\nGame Highlights:\u00a0\r\n\r\nReminiscent of the contest against Washington, the game started with Howard gaining just enough space from her defender to knock down the catch and shoot three from the Gray assist.\r\n\r\n[embed]https://twitter.com/AtlantaDream/status/1700284922705895837?s=20[/embed]\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nWith Gray pushing the pace and Billings following in quick pursuit, Billings was rewarded with the drop-off pass for an easy transition two.\u00a0\r\n\r\n[embed]https://twitter.com/AtlantaDream/status/1700920095407567339?s=20[/embed]\r\n\r\nAtlanta\u2019s Naz Hillmon played big by grabbing the offensive board amongst a crowd of Dallas players and was able to get the putback to end the quarter.\u00a0\r\n\r\n[embed]https://twitter.com/AtlantaDream/status/1700924692888961231?s=20[/embed]\r\n\r\nBillings capitalized on her quickness to get around her defender for the layup.\u00a0\r\n\r\n[embed]https://twitter.com/AtlantaDream/status/1700926455461363899?s=20[/embed]\r\n\r\nParker scored 6 of her 13 points in the fourth quarter, while also leading the break after coming up with a steal.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\r\n[embed]https://twitter.com/AtlantaDream/status/1700944813925773598?s=20[/embed]\r\n\r\nPostgame Sounds:\u00a0\r\n\r\nDream head coach Tanisha Wright on shots not falling for Atlanta: \u201cI think their (Dallas\u2019) length probably is a factor in that. They\u2019re aggressive in terms of on the ball but we gotta be able to handle that. I mean, at the end of the day that\u2019s who we gotta go through, you know what I mean. We gotta figure out a way to not allow it to bother us. Plain and simple, to get easier things. But I think our pace on the offensive end really attributed to some of that.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nMonique Billings on how to combat Dallas\u2019 length: \u201cWith players who are bigger than you, you have to try to stop them early. You can\u2019t let them bury you in the paint. So that\u2019ll be a focus for us. Looking to help off of our guards or players we can dig off of, that\u2019s gonna be a big factor, too.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nStats:\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nAtlanta: 38.2% (26-of-68 FG) from the field\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\r\nDallas: 50% (33-of-66 FG) from the field\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nAtlanta: 19-of-26 from the line\u00a0\r\n\r\nDallas: 23-of-23 from the line\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nAtlanta: 29 rebounds (seven offensive)\u00a0\r\n\r\nDallas: 44 rebounds (six offensive)\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nAtlanta:\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\r\nRhyne Howard: 19 points (7-17 FG, 2-2 FT), 7 assists, 4 rebounds; Allisha Gray: 13 points (3-10 FG, 6-8 FT), 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 block\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nDallas:\u00a0\r\n\r\nArike Ogunbowale: 32 points (9-18 FG, 10-10 FT), 6 assists, 4 rebounds, 3 steals; Natasha Howard: 15 points (5-11 FG, 5-5 FT), 9 rebounds, 4 assists\r\n\r\n ","postId":26412,"datePublished":"09/11/2023","timestamp":"09/11/2023 11:24:39 AM","headline":"Atlanta Locked In Fifth Seed For Playoffs","guid":"https://dream.wnba.com/news/atlanta-locked-in-fifth-seed-for-playoffs/","slug":"atlanta-locked-in-fifth-seed-for-playoffs","section":"Atlanta Dream","tags":[],"postTime":"2023-09-11T11:24:39-04:00","modifiedDate":"2023-09-11T11:32:18-04:00","content":"

 

\n
\"\"
Danielle Robinson #3 of the Atlanta Dream goes to the basket during the game on September 10, 2023 at Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images)
\n

 

\n

Atlanta Dream Fall To Dallas Wings In Season Finale

\n

By: Jameelah Johnson
\n\u00a0

\n

The Atlanta Dream (19-21) entered their regular season finale the same way they opened the season, facing the Dallas Wings (22-18). Each team already secured a spot in the playoffs, with Dallas locking in the number four seed prior to the game.\u00a0\u00a0

\n

\u201cNot the way you want to end the season, but the season is over,\u201d Dream\u2019s head coach Tanisha Wright expressed following the loss. \u201cCan\u2019t dwell on it. Have to get ready for the playoffs and so that\u2019s what we\u2019re going to focus on now.\u201d

\n

 

\n

*Get Your 2023 Playoffs Single Game Tickets*\u00a0

\n

\u00a0

\n

Atlanta\u2019s Rhyne Howard finished with 19 points and 7 assists in the loss. Dallas\u2019 Arike Ogunbowale had 32 points and 6 assists. The Wings\u2019 length and ability to slow down the game helped them find success against the usually fast-paced Atlanta Dream.

\n

Both teams jumped out to an energetic start. While Dallas took an early first quarter lead, Atlanta went on two runs to tie it. When the Dream controlled the pace, they were able to take advantage and score in the paint. There were at least four lead changes, and the game was tied twice early. Dallas began to establish their big play behind Kalani Brown\u2019s contribution off the bench in the second quarter where she scored 8 of her 10 total points.\u00a0

\n

Although Howard put up 9 points in the third quarter, Dallas outscored Atlanta 22-19. The Dream struggled to score in the final period to offset Ogunbowale\u2019s 16 points and the Wings\u2019 growing lead. Dallas won 94-77.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0

\n

Atlanta announced their 12th sellout to end the regular season. They finished the 2023 season as the WNBA leaders in sellouts. The Dream\u2019s Cheyenne Parker scored 13 points, reaching the threshold of 600 points scored in the season. She joined her teammates Allisha Gray (649) and Rhyne Howard (681) to become the third trio in WNBA history to have three different players to score 600-plus points in a season.
\n\u00a0

\n

The Dream hit the road to face the Wings for Game 1 of Round 1 of the playoffs on Friday, September 15th at 9:30pm ET on ESPN2.
\n\u00a0

\n

Lineup notes:\u00a0

\n

ATL: AD Durr out due to right knee, Nia Coffey out due to hand.\u00a0

\n

Starters: Danielle Robinson, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Monique Billings, Cheyenne Parker\u00a0

\n
\n

Your Atlanta Dream Starting 5! #DoItForTheDream | @georgialottery pic.twitter.com/32FFjrM4Qg

\n

— Atlanta Dream (@AtlantaDream) September 10, 2023

\n

\n

DAL: Diamond DeSheilds out due to knee, Lou Lopez Senechal out due to knee.\u00a0

\n

Starters: Veronica Burton, Arike Ogunbowale, Satou Sabally, Natasha Howard, Teaira McCowan\u00a0

\n
\n

Time to finish strong. @TexasLifeInsCo | #VoltUp\u26a1\ufe0f pic.twitter.com/8hKJ57xUdZ

\n

— Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) September 10, 2023

\n

\n

Game Highlights:\u00a0

\n

Reminiscent of the contest against Washington, the game started with Howard gaining just enough space from her defender to knock down the catch and shoot three from the Gray assist.

\n
\n

No other way to start3\u20e3\ud83e\udea3 @howard_rhyne #atlantadream pic.twitter.com/ouXqaZaOv9

\n

— Atlanta Dream (@AtlantaDream) September 8, 2023

\n

\n

\u00a0

\n

With Gray pushing the pace and Billings following in quick pursuit, Billings was rewarded with the drop-off pass for an easy transition two.\u00a0

\n
\n

TEAM WORK \ud83d\udff0 DREAM WORK \ud83d\ude09#atlantadream pic.twitter.com/affcIs7dGx

\n

— Atlanta Dream (@AtlantaDream) September 10, 2023

\n

\n

Atlanta\u2019s Naz Hillmon played big by grabbing the offensive board amongst a crowd of Dallas players and was able to get the putback to end the quarter.\u00a0

\n
\n

That's how you end the first! \ud83d\udc4f@nazhillmon #atlantadream pic.twitter.com/bMZlyMyjRK

\n

— Atlanta Dream (@AtlantaDream) September 10, 2023

\n

\n

Billings capitalized on her quickness to get around her defender for the layup.\u00a0

\n
\n

MOOOOO MONEYY \ud83e\udd11\ud83e\udef0@moniquebillings #atlantadream pic.twitter.com/Ez3IM2OxFn

\n

— Atlanta Dream (@AtlantaDream) September 10, 2023

\n

\n

Parker scored 6 of her 13 points in the fourth quarter, while also leading the break after coming up with a steal.\u00a0\u00a0

\n
\n

COAST TO COAST\ud83e\udea3\ud83d\udd25!!!#atlantadream pic.twitter.com/u6B581WFFP

\n

— Atlanta Dream (@AtlantaDream) September 10, 2023

\n

\n

Postgame Sounds:\u00a0

\n

Dream head coach Tanisha Wright on shots not falling for Atlanta: \u201cI think their (Dallas\u2019) length probably is a factor in that. They\u2019re aggressive in terms of on the ball but we gotta be able to handle that. I mean, at the end of the day that\u2019s who we gotta go through, you know what I mean. We gotta figure out a way to not allow it to bother us. Plain and simple, to get easier things. But I think our pace on the offensive end really attributed to some of that.\u201d
\n\u00a0

\n

Monique Billings on how to combat Dallas\u2019 length: \u201cWith players who are bigger than you, you have to try to stop them early. You can\u2019t let them bury you in the paint. So that\u2019ll be a focus for us. Looking to help off of our guards or players we can dig off of, that\u2019s gonna be a big factor, too.\u201d
\n\u00a0

\n

Stats:
\n\u00a0

\n

Atlanta: 38.2% (26-of-68 FG) from the field\u00a0\u00a0

\n

Dallas: 50% (33-of-66 FG) from the field
\n\u00a0

\n

Atlanta: 19-of-26 from the line\u00a0

\n

Dallas: 23-of-23 from the line
\n\u00a0

\n

Atlanta: 29 rebounds (seven offensive)\u00a0

\n

Dallas: 44 rebounds (six offensive)
\n\u00a0

\n

Atlanta:\u00a0\u00a0

\n

Rhyne Howard: 19 points (7-17 FG, 2-2 FT), 7 assists, 4 rebounds; Allisha Gray: 13 points (3-10 FG, 6-8 FT), 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 block
\n\u00a0

\n

Dallas:\u00a0

\n

Arike Ogunbowale: 32 points (9-18 FG, 10-10 FT), 6 assists, 4 rebounds, 3 steals; Natasha Howard: 15 points (5-11 FG, 5-5 FT), 9 rebounds, 4 assists

\n

 

\n","teamSlug":"dream","imageCredit":"","coverImage":"","thumbnailUrl":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/09/9.10vdal-2.png","thumbnail":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/09/9.10vdal-2.png","Images":{"Featured":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/09/9.10vdal-2.png","Large":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/09/9.10vdal-2.png?resize=1440px:*","Medium":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/09/9.10vdal-2.png?resize=1024px:*","Small":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/09/9.10vdal-2.png?resize=640px:*"}},{"author":"","title":"League-Leading 12th Sell-Out of the 2023 Season","url":"https://dream.wnba.com/news/league-leading-12th-sell-out-of-the-2023-season/","description":"One game after clinching their first playoff berth since 2018, the WNBA\u2019s Atlanta Dream announced today\u2019s final home game of the regular season, against the Dallas Wings, is officially sold out (again!).\r\n\r\nLast season, the Dream finished with eight home sell-outs, the second-most in the WNBA. Today\u2019s game marks the team\u2019s 12th home sell-out of the 2023 season at Gateway Center Arena, cementing their spot as the WNBA leaders for sell outs in 2023.\r\n\r\n\u201cAtlanta has truly come out of the woodwork to support the Dream, and the fan energy and atmosphere in Gateway Arena is unmatched in this city!\u201d said Atlanta Dream President & COO, Morgan Shaw Parker. \u201cOur goal has been to put women\u2019s basketball on the map in Atlanta \u2013 not only on the court, but in the community \u2013 and Atlanta Dream games have quickly become a must-see event for all ages.\u201d\r\n\r\nFollowing today\u2019s game, the Dream will begin preparations for the first round of the 2023 WNBA Playoffs presented by Google, which is scheduled to begin on Sept. 13. Each series will follow a best-of-three format with seeding based on overall regular season record regardless of conference. The first round of the WNBA playoffs is a 2-1 format with the higher seed hosting the first two games. The Dream will start the playoffs on the road with the possibility of returning to Gateway for the series finale.\r\n\r\nAtlanta Dream Playoff Tickets On Sale: While the Dream won\u2019t know who their first round opponent will be or where their first game will be played until the WNBA\u2019s playoff seeds are determined, tickets are already on sale for the Dream\u2019s first potential home playoff game at Gateway Arena. Details can be found at dream.wnba.com\r\n\r\nMedia Credential applications for Atlanta Dream home playoff games will be available at the end of the regular season. A link will be emailed to the Atlanta Dream media list to apply.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nAbout the Atlanta Dream \r\n\r\nThe Atlanta Dream is a professional women\u2019s basketball team based in Atlanta, Ga. that strives to build a place where our team, our fans and our city come together to represent the community we seek to serve. We celebrate diversity, represent Atlanta, reward innovation and imagination, and aim to empower women both on and off the court. The team currently plays home games at the Gateway Center Arena @ College Park and has qualified for the WNBA Playoffs in nine of its first 15 seasons. To learn more about the Dream and purchase 2023 season and group tickets, please visit dream.wnba.com/tickets or call 877-977-7729.","postId":26474,"datePublished":"09/10/2023","timestamp":"09/10/2023 11:01:55 AM","headline":"League-Leading 12th Sell-Out of the 2023 Season","guid":"https://dream.wnba.com/news/league-leading-12th-sell-out-of-the-2023-season/","slug":"league-leading-12th-sell-out-of-the-2023-season","section":"Atlanta Dream","tags":[],"postTime":"2023-09-10T11:01:55-04:00","modifiedDate":"2023-09-12T10:46:23-04:00","content":"

One game after clinching their first playoff berth since 2018, the WNBA\u2019s Atlanta Dream announced today\u2019s final home game of the regular season, against the Dallas Wings, is officially sold out (again!).

\n

Last season, the Dream finished with eight home sell-outs, the second-most in the WNBA. Today\u2019s game marks the team\u2019s 12th home sell-out of the 2023 season at Gateway Center Arena, cementing their spot as the WNBA leaders for sell outs in 2023.

\n

\u201cAtlanta has truly come out of the woodwork to support the Dream, and the fan energy and atmosphere in Gateway Arena is unmatched in this city!\u201d said Atlanta Dream President & COO, Morgan Shaw Parker. \u201cOur goal has been to put women\u2019s basketball on the map in Atlanta \u2013 not only on the court, but in the community \u2013 and Atlanta Dream games have quickly become a must-see event for all ages.\u201d

\n

Following today\u2019s game, the Dream will begin preparations for the first round of the 2023 WNBA Playoffs presented by Google, which is scheduled to begin on Sept. 13. Each series will follow a best-of-three format with seeding based on overall regular season record regardless of conference. The first round of the WNBA playoffs is a 2-1 format with the higher seed hosting the first two games. The Dream will start the playoffs on the road with the possibility of returning to Gateway for the series finale.

\n

Atlanta Dream Playoff Tickets On Sale: While the Dream won\u2019t know who their first round opponent will be or where their first game will be played until the WNBA\u2019s playoff seeds are determined, tickets are already on sale for the Dream\u2019s first potential home playoff game at Gateway Arena. Details can be found at dream.wnba.com

\n

Media Credential applications for Atlanta Dream home playoff games will be available at the end of the regular season. A link will be emailed to the Atlanta Dream media list to apply.

\n

 

\n

About the Atlanta Dream

\n

The Atlanta Dream is a professional women\u2019s basketball team based in Atlanta, Ga. that strives to build a place where our team, our fans and our city come together to represent the community we seek to serve. We celebrate diversity, represent Atlanta, reward innovation and imagination, and aim to empower women both on and off the court. The team currently plays home games at the Gateway Center Arena @ College Park and has qualified for the WNBA Playoffs in nine of its first 15 seasons. To learn more about the Dream and purchase 2023 season and group tickets, please visit dream.wnba.com/tickets or call 877-977-7729.

\n","teamSlug":"dream","imageCredit":"Casey Sykes","coverImage":"","thumbnailUrl":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/09/230822_CLS_AtlantaDream_LasVegasAces_3902-scaled.jpg","thumbnail":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/09/230822_CLS_AtlantaDream_LasVegasAces_3902-scaled.jpg","Images":{"Featured":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/09/230822_CLS_AtlantaDream_LasVegasAces_3902-scaled.jpg","Large":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/09/230822_CLS_AtlantaDream_LasVegasAces_3902-scaled.jpg?resize=1440px:*","Medium":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/09/230822_CLS_AtlantaDream_LasVegasAces_3902-scaled.jpg?resize=1024px:*","Small":"https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2023/09/230822_CLS_AtlantaDream_LasVegasAces_3902-scaled.jpg?resize=640px:*"}}]}