WASHINGTON D.C. – The Atlanta Dream sent a resounding message across the WNBA on Sunday, June 15, 2025, as they dismantled the Washington Mystics with an emphatic 89-56 victory in a Commissioner’s Cup showdown at CareFirst Arena. The centerpiece of this commanding performance was a career-defining night for Allisha Gray, who erupted for a personal best 32 points, propelling the Dream to a franchise-record 18 three-pointers. This win not only solidified Atlanta’s position in the Commissioner’s Cup standings but also highlighted their dangerous offensive prowess.
From the opening tip, it was clear the Dream had arrived with a specific game plan: unleash a torrent of long-range bombs. While the first quarter was a relatively tight affair, with Atlanta edging out Washington 16-13, the Dream truly found their rhythm in the second, pouring in 29 points. Gray was incandescent, converting on 6 of 9 attempts from beyond the arc, seemingly unable to miss. Her hot hand proved contagious, as Atlanta’s collective shooting exhibition left the Mystics reeling.
The statistics paint a clear picture of Atlanta’s offensive masterclass. The Dream shot an impressive 42% from three-point range on a staggering 42 attempts, a stark contrast to Washington’s anemic 17% on just 17 attempts. This perimeter dominance was the primary driver of the massive scoring disparity. Beyond Gray’s heroic efforts, Rhyne Howard contributed 14 points, sinking four triples herself, further cementing her status as a prolific scorer. Te-Hina Paopao also had a career night, adding 16 points with four three-pointers, demonstrating the depth of Atlanta’s shooting talent.
For the Washington Mystics, it was a night to forget. Despite their best efforts, they struggled to find any offensive flow against a stifling Dream defense and couldn’t match Atlanta’s offensive firepower. The Mystics managed only 18 total field goals throughout the entire game, shooting a dismal 29.5% from the field. Rookie sensation Sonia Citron was the lone bright spot, reaching double figures with 10 points, extending her impressive streak of scoring in double figures in all 11 of her WNBA career games. However, even her consistent production couldn’t stem the tide of Atlanta’s onslaught. Shakira Austin battled hard on the boards, grabbing seven rebounds, and Brittney Sykes added nine points and five rebounds, but their efforts were overshadowed by the overwhelming deficit.
The second half was a continuation of Atlanta’s dominance. The Dream exploded with a 16-0 run to start the third quarter, turning a respectable halftime lead of 45-34 into an insurmountable chasm. With Gray leading the charge, sinking crucial shots and creating opportunities for her teammates, the Dream extended their lead to as much as 35 points, effectively putting the game out of reach well before the final buzzer. Naz Hillmon was a force off the bench for Atlanta, contributing 10 points and a game-high 11 rebounds, showcasing the team’s strong all-around performance. The Dream’s unselfish play was also evident in their 24 assists on 31 made baskets, a testament to their fluid ball movement and collective effort.
This comprehensive victory propels the Atlanta Dream to an 8-3 record, placing them firmly among the league’s elite and strengthening their bid for a Commissioner’s Cup title game appearance. Their ability to consistently knock down the three-ball and their balanced scoring attack make them a formidable opponent for any team in the league. Meanwhile, the Washington Mystics, now sitting at 4-7, face an uphill battle to find consistency and climb out of the bottom half of the standings. This loss serves as a stark reminder of the adjustments needed for the Mystics to compete with the top-tier teams in the WNBA. As the WNBA season progresses, both teams will undoubtedly use this game as a key moment – for the Dream, a statement of intent; for the Mystics, a valuable lesson in resilience and adaptation.
