Dream 104 - Sun 69 (8/13/2026): Howard's 29 Points Ignite Victory

The Atlanta Dream traveled to the Mohegan Sun Arena and delivered a commanding performance, defeating the Connecticut Sun 104-69. This victory showcased the Dream's offensive dominance as they maintained a stronghold from the first quarter onward. With this win, Atlanta's record improved to 21-12, solidifying their top position in the Eastern Conference.

The Connecticut Sun, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm on their home court. The Sun's shooting woes were evident, hitting only 30% from the field. This loss added another setback to their challenging season, dropping their record to 8-24.

Dominant Performance by Atlanta Dream

From the outset, the Atlanta Dream were on the attack, scoring 28 points in the first quarter compared to Connecticut's 17. Rhyne Howard was a standout for the Dream, contributing 29 points with remarkable shooting efficiency, going 7-for-10 from the field. The Dream continued their offensive onslaught in the third quarter, putting up 30 points and putting the game out of reach.

In addition to Howard's impressive performance, Angel Reese dominated the boards with 15 rebounds. Her presence in the paint was crucial in controlling the tempo of the game. Naz Hillmon also added valuable contributions with 8 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists.

Connecticut Sun's Struggles

Connecticut's offense couldn't keep pace with Atlanta's high-powered attack. Despite the efforts of Charlisse Leger-Walker, who managed 8 points, the Sun struggled to find consistent scoring options. Brittney Griner added 7 points and 8 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to counter Atlanta's efforts.

Diamond Miller had a difficult night, scoring just 1 point with limited impact on the game. The Sun's shooting accuracy was a major concern, as they only made 21 of their 70 attempts from the field.

Key Statistics and Future Outlook

The Dream's shooting from beyond the arc was exceptional, connecting on 14 of their 26 attempts for a sizzling 53.8%. Their free throw shooting was equally impressive, converting 32 of their 36 opportunities. On the defensive side, the Dream's pressure resulted in 8 steals and 9 blocks, disrupting the Sun's offensive flow.

Looking ahead, the Atlanta Dream will aim to maintain their momentum as they prepare to host the Indiana Fever on August 16. The Dream's schedule then takes them on the road for challenging games against the Las Vegas Aces and Los Angeles Sparks. Maintaining focus and intensity will be key as they head towards the postseason.

The Connecticut Sun, meanwhile, will look to regroup quickly as they face the New York Liberty at home on August 15. They will then host the Los Angeles Sparks before traveling to face the Las Vegas Aces. Finding consistency on both ends of the floor will be crucial for the Sun as they seek to finish the season on a positive note.

This game marked a clear indication of the difference in current form between the two teams. Atlanta's strong showing on both ends of the court demonstrated why they are at the top of the Eastern Conference, while the Sun's struggles highlighted the areas they need to improve upon. Fans will be eager to see how both teams progress in their upcoming games.