Dream Crush Sun by 35 in Historic 104-Point Blowout
Atlanta Dream Soar Past Connecticut Sun in 104-69 Victory
Game Overview
The Atlanta Dream flew into Uncasville, Connecticut, and left with a massive win! On Thursday night, the Dream defeated the Connecticut Sun 104-69 — that’s a 35-point difference. Think of it like winning a race by several laps.
Important Point: This win improves Atlanta’s season record to 21 wins and 12 losses, while Connecticut falls to 8 wins and 24 losses.
Star Players of the Night
Rhyne Howard — The Scoring Machine
Rhyne Howard was absolutely on fire from the start:
- Scored 29 points total
- Made 5 three-pointers (shots from far away worth 3 points each)
- Scored 10 of Atlanta’s first 12 points — talk about a hot start!
- Had 23 points by halftime (the break in the middle of the game)
- Shooting stats: 7 of 10 shots made overall, 5 of 8 three-pointers, and 10 of 11 free throws (uncontested shots after a foul)
Fun Fact: A "three-pointer" is when a player shoots from behind a special arc on the court. It’s worth 3 points instead of the usual 2!
Allisha Gray — The Sharpshooter
Allisha Gray matched Howard with 29 points of her own:
- Made 4 of 5 three-point attempts — that’s 80% accuracy!
- Hit Atlanta’s 11th three-pointer of the game during the 4th quarter
- Helped the team shoot 14 of 26 (54%) from three-point range as a team
Angel Reese — The Rebound Queen
Angel Reese didn’t score much (only 8 points on 3 of 13 shooting), but she dominated in another way:
- Grabbed 15 rebounds (catching the ball after a missed shot)
- Set a new franchise record for most total rebounds in a single season: 375 rebounds in just 32 games
ELI5 Definition: A rebound is when a player grabs the ball after someone misses a shot. It’s like catching a ball that bounces off the rim!
Connecticut’s Top Performer
- Aaliyah Edwards led the Sun with 15 points, coming off the bench (starting the game as a substitute)
How the Game Unfolded
- First Half: Atlanta jumped ahead early and led 53-32 at halftime
- Third Quarter: The Dream came out strong after the break, going on a 17-4 run (scoring 17 points while only allowing 4)
- Biggest Lead: Atlanta led by as many as 37 points at one point
- Final Score: 104-69 — a decisive victory for the Dream
Team Shooting Comparison
| Team | Three-Pointers Made | Attempts | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Dream | 14 | 26 | 54% |
| Connecticut Sun | Not specified | Not specified | Lower |
Key Takeaway: Atlanta’s incredible three-point shooting (making more than half their attempts!) was a huge reason they won so easily.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Atlanta Dream (21-12)
- Next Game: Host Indiana on Sunday
- Looking to build momentum at home
Connecticut Sun (8-24)
- Next Game: Host New York on Saturday
- Trying to bounce back in front of their home crowd
Summary
The Atlanta Dream put on a masterclass performance against the Connecticut Sun, winning 104-69. Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray each scored 29 points, combining for 58 points — more than the entire Sun team managed in the first half! Atlanta’s red-hot three-point shooting (54%) and Angel Reese’s record-setting rebounding were the stars of the show. The Dream improve to 21-12, while the Sun fall to 8-24.
FAQ — Your Questions Answered
What does "104-69" mean?
This is the final score. The first number (104) is the Atlanta Dream’s points, and the second number (69) is the Connecticut Sun’s points. The team with the higher number wins!
What is a "three-pointer" and why is it special?
A three-pointer is a shot made from behind a curved line on the court (about 22 feet from the basket). It’s worth 3 points instead of the usual 2, making it a very valuable skill. Atlanta made 14 of them in this game!
What does "off the bench" mean for Aaliyah Edwards?
It means she didn’t start the game as one of the first 5 players on the court. She came in as a substitute later. Scoring 15 points as a substitute is very impressive!
What is a "franchise record"?
A franchise record is the best performance in a specific category in the entire history of that team. Angel Reese now has the most rebounds in a single season in Atlanta Dream history!
What does "17-4 run" mean?
During a stretch of the game, Atlanta scored 17 points while Connecticut only scored 4 points. This is a way to describe one team dominating a specific time period.
Source: AP WNBA — https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball