Dream Drop Fifth Straight in 88-83 Loss to Valkyries

The Atlanta Dream’s losing streak reached five games Friday night as they fell 88-83 to the Golden State Valkyries. The loss was Atlanta’s third against Golden State during the current skid despite strong performances from Allisha Gray, Angel Reese, and Rhyne Howard.

Atlanta came out with energy, taking a 22-19 lead after the opening quarter behind balanced scoring and defensive intensity. The Dream’s starting lineup featured Jordin Canada, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Isobel Borlase, and Angel Reese, marking the first start of Borlase’s WNBA career. It was also the first time this starting five had taken the floor together.

Golden State answered in the second quarter, outscoring Atlanta 23-13 to erase the early deficit and carry a 42-35 lead into halftime. Despite the setback, the Dream responded after the break by winning the third quarter 24-15, reclaiming the lead heading into the final 10 minutes.

With momentum on their side entering the fourth quarter, Atlanta looked poised to end its losing streak. However, the Valkyries outscored the Dream 31-24 in the final period to secure the five-point victory.

Gray led Atlanta with 22 points while adding four rebounds, three assists, and one steal. The performance marked her eighth game this season with at least 20 points.

Reese continued her strong season by recording her 14th double-double, finishing with 17 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Howard added 19 points, five rebounds, and three assists, while rookie Madina Okot delivered an efficient performance with 11 points on a perfect 4-for-4 shooting from the field and 3-for-3 from the free-throw line.

Canada finished with seven points, four rebounds, eight assists, and two steals, recording her 18th game of the season with at least five assists.

The loss dropped Atlanta to 2-4 all-time against the expansion Golden State Valkyries, including a 1-1 record at home.

The Dream will look to end their five-game losing streak when they return home to face the Seattle Storm on July 9. Seattle won their last meeting between the two teams this season, defeating Atlanta 105-90 in Seattle on June 27.