#atlanta_dream

DeWanna Bonner Joins Atlanta Dream After Phoenix Mercury Buyout Free agent forward DeWanna Bonner is set to join the Atlanta Dream following her contract buyout with the Phoenix Mercury, according to sources who spoke to ESPN on Wednesday. The move marks a significant addition to the Dream’s roster, which is looking to secure its first WNBA championship. Bonner, a two-time WNBA champion and six-time All-Star, will sign with the Dream for the remainder of the 2026 season, with her deal valued at approximately $116,000—prorated to the maximum allowed for free agents. The Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty were also considered potential destinations for her, though the Dream had pursued her for several years. Bonner is expected to finalize her agreement with Atlanta on Thursday. Bonner’s decision to seek a buyout came after the Phoenix Mercury were eliminated from playoff contention, allowing her to pursue a title shot with a new team. The 39-year-old forward, who is the second-oldest player in the league, was granted the buyout by Phoenix, which had already cleared her off waivers earlier in the week. Phoenix general manager Nick U’Ren expressed his support for Bonner’s decision, stating, “Because of the relationship we have with DeWanna, we worked out a buyout agreement that gives her the opportunity to chase a title in what could be her final postseason.” Bonner’s career with the Mercury spanned 17 seasons, during which she was drafted in 2009 and became a key contributor to the team’s success. She also spent five seasons with the Connecticut Sun and nine games with the Indiana Fever before returning to Phoenix. This season, Bonner averaged 10.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.2 steals while starting 26 of 37 games.#wnba #phoenix_mercury #atlanta_dream #dewanna_bonner #nick_uren

Rhyne Howard, Angel Reese earn spots on 2026 WNBA All-Star team The 2026 WNBA All-Star reserves were officially announced on July 7, with Atlanta Dream players Rhyne Howard and Angel Reese securing their places among the 12 players set to join the starting lineup at the Chicago-based event on July 25. Despite the Dream’s absence from the All-Star starting roster—a decision Angel Reese described as “a slap in the face”—the team dominated the reserves list, earning three spots. The reserves were selected by league coaches, unlike the 10 starters, who were chosen through fan, media, and player voting. The Atlanta Dream’s representation in the reserves included Howard, Reese, and Allisha Gray. Howard, a 6-foot-2 guard, led the league in steals with 2.5 per game while averaging career highs in points (18.9), field-goal percentage (41.6%), and 3-point percentage (36.8%). Her 67 made 3-pointers tied Marina Mabrey for the league lead. Gray, a 6-foot guard, averaged 18.5 points per game on 43.1% shooting and 1.6 steals, showcasing her versatility as a playmaker and defender. Reese, a 6-foot-4 forward, dominated the boards, leading the league in rebounds (11.8) and offensive rebounds (5.4). She also set WNBA records for the fastest player to reach 1,000 career rebounds (in 79 games) and the most double-doubles through a player’s first 75 games (57). Other notable reserves included Kelsey Plum of the Los Angeles Sparks, who earned her fifth consecutive All-Star nod despite a lower leg injury preventing her from securing a starting spot. Plum averaged 23.9 points per game, ranking second in the league, and contributed 6.4 assists. Jackie Young of the Las Vegas Aces, averaging 16.4 points, 6.6 assists, and 4.6 rebounds, joined the reserves after a career-high performance.#angel_reese #kelsey_plum #atlanta_dream #rhyne_howard #2026_wnba_all_star

Caitlin Clark Admits What Hurt Indiana Fever Most in Loss to Atlanta Dream The Indiana Fever fell to the Atlanta Dream on Saturday, losing 113-96 after blowing an 11-point lead in the first half. The game saw the Dream surge in the second half, outscoring the Fever 28-15 in the third quarter and extending their lead to as many as 22 points in the fourth. The Fever entered the second quarter with a 44-33 advantage after a 3-pointer by Kelsey Mitchell with 6:51 remaining in the second period. However, the Dream’s relentless attack at the basket and efficient layups quickly eroded Indiana’s lead. By halftime, the Dream had narrowed the gap to just three points, setting the stage for a dramatic second-half collapse. Atlanta’s dominance in the third quarter marked a turning point, as the Fever’s offense faltered under pressure. Key performers for the Dream included Rhyne Howard, who led the team with 24 points, and Allisha Gray, who added 22 points. Angel Reese contributed 18 points and seven rebounds, while Jordin Canada stepped up with 12 points and 12 assists. For the Fever, Caitlin Clark carried the load with a game-high 26 points and seven assists, but her seven turnovers became a critical weakness. Mitchell scored 16 points, though her shooting efficiency suffered, as she managed only 5-of-13 from the field. After the game, Clark reflected on the loss, emphasizing the team’s struggles in the third quarter when the Dream took control. She pointed to turnovers and foul troubles as major factors hindering their offensive execution. “We have to take care of the ball better, and that starts with me,” Clark said, per The Ballers Magazine. “What we did well in the first half was play in transition, spray, and find open people. But when all we do is foul and they score, it’s really hard to do that.#caitlin_clark #indiana_fever #kelsey_mitchell #atlanta_dream #rhyne_howard

Brittney Griner Draws WNBA Punishment After Incident With Angel Reese During Dream Reunion The matchup between the Atlanta Dream and the Connecticut Sun was expected to be a key moment for Brittney Griner, who previously played for the Dream before joining the Sun. However, the game’s most notable moment involved an incident between Griner and Angel Reese, which drew attention to the league’s enforcement of new rules. The clash occurred in the fourth quarter, sparking discussions about officiating and player conduct. With 7:43 remaining in the fourth quarter, the Atlanta Dream led the Connecticut Sun 68-65. The tension escalated when Reese, playing for the Dream, engaged with Griner under the basket after a missed shot. Officials ruled that Griner had wrapped her hand around Reese’s arm, causing the Dream forward to fall to the floor. The call resulted in Griner being assessed her first Flagrant 1 foul of the 2026 season, sending Reese to the free-throw line, where she converted one of two attempts. The incident highlighted the league’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) rules, which impose stricter penalties for flagrant fouls. A Flagrant 1 foul carries an automatic $500 fine and one flagrant point, while a Flagrant 2 results in a $1,000 fine, two flagrant points, and an automatic ejection. Players who accumulate four flagrant points during the season face a one-game suspension. Griner now has one flagrant point, and three more would trigger an automatic suspension. The ruling also placed Griner’s situation in the context of broader league efforts to address inconsistent officiating and rising physicality. Last season, the WNBA faced criticism for perceived leniency in calling fouls, particularly in high-stakes games.#angel_reese #wnba #brittney_griner #connecticut_sun #atlanta_dream

Kamilla Cardoso Shines as Chicago Sky's Star in WNBA 2026 Season The WNBA 2026 regular season is entering its third week, with the Chicago Sky emerging as a key contender in the East Division. Central to their success is center Kamilla Cardoso, whose stellar performance has positioned her as one of the league’s most impactful players. With the Sky navigating a transition after losing star Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream in a mid-season trade, Cardoso has stepped into the spotlight, delivering career-best numbers and leading her team toward playoff contention. Cardoso, a third-year player, is averaging 14.4 points and 10.8 rebounds per game, making her the Sky’s second-highest scorer and top rebounder. Her ability to dominate on both ends of the floor has been critical as the team adjusts to its new roster. Despite a 99-89 loss to the Dallas Wings on Wednesday, Cardoso showcased her all-around skills with a career-high 24 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists. She shot an impressive 71.4% from the field, underscoring her efficiency in high-pressure moments. Her dominance continued in a 86-79 victory over the Minnesota Lynx, where she added a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds. These performances have earned her recognition as the Chicago Sky’s Player of the Week, a testament to her growing influence in the league. The award comes as the Sky prepare for a crucial matchup against the Lynx on Saturday, May 23, which will be broadcast live on CBS and streamed on Paramount+. The Sky’s 3-2 record this season places them tied for first in the East, alongside Indiana, New York, and Atlanta. With Cardoso anchoring their offense and defense, the team is optimistic about securing a playoff berth for the first time in two seasons.#angel_reese #chicago_sky #dallas_wings #atlanta_dream #kamilla_cardoso

Angel Reese Leads Atlanta Dream's Comeback Over Minnesota Lynx in WNBA Debut The Atlanta Dream staged a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback to defeat the Minnesota Lynx 91-90 in their season opener on Saturday, with Angel Reese delivering a game-saving block in the final moments. Despite trailing by as many as 19 points in the first half, the Dream rallied to secure a thrilling victory in Minneapolis. Reese, making her debut with the team, finished with 11 points, 14 rebounds, three blocks, and two steals, marking her 50th career double-double—a milestone achieved in just 65 games, the fewest in WNBA history. The game began with the Dream struggling to find their rhythm. In the first quarter, Atlanta shot 36% from the field and committed 13 turnovers, allowing Minnesota to build a 24-12 lead. Reese, who scored her first points in a Dream uniform with a layup on an and-1 play at the 6:57 mark of the first quarter, was also plagued by shooting inefficiency, going 1-of-5 from the floor. By halftime, the Lynx held a 52-37 advantage, with Minnesota’s Courtney Williams leading all scorers with 10 points. The Dream’s turnaround began in the third quarter, as they cut the deficit to 10 points (54-44) by the 8:40 mark. Allisha Gray, who finished with 22 points, led the charge with 16 third-quarter points, but Minnesota responded with a 13-6 run to extend their lead. By the end of the third quarter, the Lynx held a 71-63 edge. However, the Dream’s resilience continued into the fourth, as Gray and Te-Hina Paopao made clutch plays to keep Atlanta in the game. The decisive moment came in the final minutes. With the Dream down by one, Gray blocked a layup attempt by Minnesota’s Olivia Miles, preserving the lead.#angel_reese #minnesota_lynx #atlanta_dream #courtney_williams #karl_smesko

Washington Mystics Face Atlanta Dream in Final Preseason Matchup The Washington Mystics will travel to Georgia to face the Atlanta Dream on Sunday, May 3, at 3 p.m. ET in their second and final preseason game of the 2026 season. The matchup at the Gateway Center in College Park will serve as the last opportunity for both teams’ coaching staffs to assess roster depth and refine player rotations before the regular season begins. The game will be broadcast on the Monumental Sports Network, offering fans a chance to watch the Mystics’ preparations for the upcoming campaign. Both teams are currently managing multiple players listed with day-to-day injuries, which could limit the playing time for established starters. The Atlanta Dream, led by Allisha Gray and Brionna Jones, have added forward Angel Reese to their roster. Reese, the older sister of Washington Wizards center Juju Reese, joined the team following an offseason trade from the Chicago Sky. Her inclusion marks a significant development for the Dream, as she brings experience from her 2025 season, which saw her post improved shooting percentages and consistent double-double performances. Reese’s presence in the frontcourt will provide a major test for the Mystics’ defense, which is still in the process of finalizing its defensive schemes. For the Washington Mystics, the game against Atlanta will be a critical evaluation of their roster as final decisions on player contracts and developmental assignments remain pending. Team management is expected to use the performance against the Dream to determine which players secure remaining roster spots and which are placed on developmental contracts. The game will also highlight the Mystics’ ability to adapt to the challenges posed by the Dream’s revamped roster, which includes Reese and other new additions.#angel_reese #washington_mystics #atlanta_dream #allisha_gray #brionna_jones

WNBA Player Rankings: The Top 50 Players Heading Into 2026 As the WNBA prepares to kick off its 30th season with a new collective bargaining agreement in place and the addition of new franchises in Portland and Toronto, a comprehensive ranking of the league’s top 50 players has been released. The list, which excludes rookies and unsigned players but includes those expected to return from injuries within the first two months of the season, highlights the league’s most impactful athletes ahead of the 2026 campaign. The New York Liberty and Atlanta Dream lead the rankings with six players each, while the Las Vegas Aces, Chicago Sky, and Los Angeles Sparks each have five representatives. The rankings open with A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces, who remains the league’s dominant force. The four-time MVP and defending champion secured her fourth regular-season MVP award in 2025, leading the Aces to their third WNBA title. Wilson’s 23.4 points per game, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks in 2025 underscore her continued excellence, including a 50.5% shooting efficiency from the field and an 80% free-throw accuracy. Her performance solidified her position as the league’s most consistent player. Alyssa Thomas of the Phoenix Mercury follows in second place, showcasing her elite playmaking abilities. The forward led the WNBA in assists per game in 2025, breaking the league’s single-season record with 357 assists. Her 15.4 points, 9.2 assists, and 8.8 rebounds per game reflect her role as a dual threat, while her eight triple-doubles—more than the rest of the league combined—highlight her dominance. Thomas’s ability to elevate her team’s offense while maintaining defensive impact makes her a key figure in the rankings.#las_vegas_aces #wnba #phoenix_mercury #new_york_liberty #atlanta_dream