Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream came away with a 107-95 victory over the Toronto Tempo on Monday, with Reese once again making her presence felt on both ends of the floor. The forward finished with 20 points and 14 rebounds, along with a steal and a block, while shooting 7-of-14 from the field and 1-of-3 from three-point range. Her performance also saw her make franchise history, as her 22nd double-double of the season moved her past the previous single-season record for the Dream.
Rhyne Howard was equally impressive, knocking down six three-pointers on her way to 22 points. Howard also made WNBA history by reaching 100 three-pointers in just 31 games, becoming the fastest player ever to hit that mark in a single season. She surpassed the previous record of 33 games, which she shared with legendary guard Diana Taurasi.
Angel Reese and Rhyne Howard Make WNBA History in Dream’s Win Over Tempo
The Atlanta Dream bounced back from Friday’s loss to the Washington Mystics with a convincing 107-95 victory over the Toronto Tempo at Gateway Center on Monday. Six Dream players finished in double figures as Atlanta improved to 20-12 on the season and 12-5 at home, while completing a 4-0 sweep of Toronto in the season series. Rhyne Howard led the way with 22 points, shooting 6-of-11 from three, while also contributing four rebounds, seven assists, three steals and a block. Angel Reese added 20 points and 14 rebounds for her 22nd double-double of the season, setting a new single-season franchise record.
Howard also made WNBA history during the win by becoming the fastest player to reach 100 three-pointers in a season. The 26-year-old accomplished the feat in just 31 games, surpassing the previous mark of 33 games that she had shared with Diana Taurasi. Jordin Canada also scored 20 points for Atlanta, while Brionna Jones added 15 off the bench, giving the Dream enough firepower to stay in control against Toronto.
Tempo Slide to Ninth Straight Loss as Brittney Sykes Inches Closer to Comeback
The loss extended Toronto’s skid to nine games, dropping the expansion Tempo to 10-22. While the Tempo had several strong stretches offensively, their lack of defensive intensity proved costly as Atlanta’s transition attack repeatedly punished them. Marina Mabrey led Toronto with a season-best 36 points, including seven three-pointers, while Kiki Rice chipped in 18 off the bench. Toronto’s reserves actually outscored Atlanta’s bench 42-19, but the team still struggled to contain the Dream’s starters, with three Atlanta players reaching at least 20 points.
Toronto could receive a major boost if Brittney Sykes is able to return soon. The veteran guard has been sidelined since June 16 with a plantar fascia injury but has recently progressed to half-court practice. Head coach Sandy Brondello said Sykes looked good during limited work, although she remains cautious about rushing her back. Sykes was averaging 20.1 points before the injury and would also provide much-needed defensive leadership and depth. With no firm return date yet, Toronto will next look to avoid a 10th consecutive defeat against the Dallas Wings.
