COLLEGE PARK, GA – The Gateway Center Arena witnessed a masterclass in offensive execution and defensive grit on Sunday, June 22, 2025, as the Atlanta Dream soared past the Chicago Sky with a commanding 93-80 victory. This crucial WNBA matchup solidified the Dream’s position in the league standings, improving their record to an impressive 10-4, while the struggling Sky dropped to 3-10 after enduring their third consecutive loss and sixth in their last seven outings.
From the opening tip, the Dream showcased their intent, establishing an early rhythm that would ultimately dictate the flow of the game. While the Sky, led by a phenomenal performance from Ariel Atkins, fought valiantly, they simply couldn’t withstand the consistent pressure and offensive firepower unleashed by the home team. This Dream vs Sky WNBA game was a true test of wills, with Atlanta emerging as the clear victor.
A Fourth Quarter Explosion Seals the Deal
The contest remained competitive for much of the first three quarters, with both teams exchanging blows and showcasing moments of brilliance. However, it was in the decisive fourth quarter that the Atlanta Dream truly asserted their dominance. Outscoring the Chicago Sky by a significant 24-11 margin in the final frame, Atlanta transformed a tight contest into a comfortable victory. This surge was fueled by an incredible display of three-point shooting, a recurring theme throughout the Dream’s impressive performance.
Three-Point Barrage Propels Atlanta
A key differentiator in this WNBA clash was the Dream’s remarkable efficiency from beyond the arc. Atlanta converted an astonishing 16 of their 33 three-point attempts, good for a blistering 49%. This long-range precision kept the Sky defense on its heels and created significant spacing for Atlanta’s interior attack. Rookie Te-Hina Paopao was a revelation, hitting a career-high five three-pointers and tying her season best with 16 points, showcasing her burgeoning talent and clutch shooting. Allisha Gray also contributed significantly from deep, adding five triples of her own en route to a stellar 19-point performance.
Dream Stars Shine Bright
Leading the charge for the Atlanta Dream was none other than their dynamic star, Rhyne Howard. Howard poured in a game-high 22 points, demonstrating her versatile scoring ability and leadership on the court. Her timely baskets and overall offensive impact were instrumental in the Dream’s success. Complementing Howard’s efforts was the ever-reliable Allisha Gray, whose 19 points and sharp shooting provided a vital offensive punch.
Inside, Brionna Jones delivered a dominant double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds, controlling the boards and providing a strong defensive anchor. Naz Hillmon also chipped in with 12 points, contributing to Atlanta’s balanced scoring attack. The collective effort and seamless teamwork were evident in every possession, highlighting the Dream’s growing cohesion.
Sky’s Resilience Not Enough Despite Atkins’ Heroics
For the Chicago Sky, Ariel Atkins was an absolute force, leading all scorers with a season-high 29 points. Her offensive explosion kept the Sky within striking distance for much of the game, showcasing her elite scoring prowess. Angel Reese, despite a challenging offensive night (10 points on 3-of-11 shooting), continued to demonstrate her relentless motor and rebounding tenacity, grabbing an incredible 19 rebounds. Elizabeth Williams also added a season-best 16 points for Chicago.
However, the Sky’s overall offensive efficiency lagged behind the Dream, particularly from three-point range, where they managed only 4 of 15 attempts. This disparity in outside shooting proved to be a critical factor in the outcome. The Sky’s continued struggles, including this Dream vs Sky WNBA game, highlight areas for improvement as they navigate the remainder of the 2025 WNBA season.
Looking Ahead for Both Franchises
This victory marks the Atlanta Dream’s fifth win in their last six games and ninth in their last eleven, firmly establishing them as a formidable contender in the WNBA standings. Their balanced attack, combined with timely defensive stops and exceptional perimeter shooting, makes them a dangerous opponent for any team in the league. The Dream will look to continue their winning ways as they prepare to face the Dallas Wings on Tuesday.
Conversely, the Chicago Sky face an uphill battle to turn their season around. Despite flashes of individual brilliance, consistency has eluded them. They will need to address their offensive struggles, particularly their three-point shooting, and find ways to close out games more effectively. The Sky will aim to bounce back when they host the Los Angeles Sparks next. This WNBA matchup provided valuable insights into the trajectories of both franchises as the 2025 season progresses.
