28
May
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Atlanta's dream start to 2025 season rolls on
Julie Allemand #20 of the Los Angeles Sparks is guarded by Allisha Gray #15 of the Atlanta Dream during the first half at Crypto.com Arena on May 28, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Harry How/Getty Images
Highlights
Los Angeles Sparks struggle to start the 2025 WNBA, losing their fourth game in six
- Allisha Gray had 25, five rebounds and six assists in six-point win
- Atlanta Dream move to 4-2 to start the WNBA season
- The Sparks are sputtering after the first six games
Allisha Gray's 25-point performance helped the Dream hold off a late Sparks rally as Atlanta (4-2) beat Los Angeles (2-4) 88-82 at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday, May 28. 2025.
Key Details
- Result: Atlanta Dream 88 def. Los Angeles Sparks 82
- When: 28th May 2025
- Where: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
- Standings: Atlanta Dream (#3) | Los Angeles Sparks (#9)
By the Numbers
- Allisha Gray (Atlanta) starred with 25 points, five rebounds, six assists, and one steal in 36 minutes.
- Dearica Hamby (Los Angeles) scored 28 points, and had six rebounds, eight assists, and four steals in 36 minutes.
What Happened
Atlanta overcame a slow start to secure their fourth win of the season. After a tight first quarter where they led by just one point (16-15), the Dream extended their advantage in the second period by outscoring the Sparks 24-16 to take a 40-31 halftime lead.
The Dream maintained control in the third quarter, with Allisha Gray's perfect shooting night helping them extend their lead to 66-53 heading into the final period. However, the Sparks refused to go away quietly, with Kelsey Plum sparking a 29-22 run in the fourth quarter that brought Los Angeles within striking distance.
With just under four minutes remaining, Rhyne Howard hit a crucial three-pointer that extended Atlanta's lead to nine points after the Sparks had cut the deficit to six. Howard finished with 15 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, three steals and one block in an all-round performance.
The Dream's offensive efficiency was the difference in this contest. Atlanta shot 46.9 percent from the field (30-from-64) compared to Los Angeles' 44.8 percent (30-from-67). Their perfect free-throw shooting (17-from-17) proved critical in maintaining their lead down the stretch.
Defensively, Atlanta's rim protection was exceptional, recording six blocks to Los Angeles' one. Naz Hillmon and Shatori Walker-Kimbrough each contributed two blocks off the bench. The Dream also forced 13 Sparks turnovers, converting them into valuable transition opportunities.
With this victory, Atlanta improves to 4-2 on the season, strengthening their position at third in the WNBA standings. Meanwhile, Los Angeles falls to 2-4, dropping to ninth place and facing an uphill battle to climb into playoff contention.
