Los Angeles, California- In a captivating WNBA showdown that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer, the Atlanta Dream showcased their burgeoning prowess by overcoming a resilient Los Angeles Sparks squad with a hard-fought 88-82 victory. The clash at the Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, solidified the Dream’s position as a formidable contender, extending their impressive winning streak to three games and pushing their season record to 4-2. At the heart of Atlanta’s triumph was the exceptional performance of Allisha Gray, whose offensive brilliance proved to be the decisive factor in a contest marked by relentless runs and clutch plays.
Gray delivered a masterclass in efficiency, leading all Dream scorers with a remarkable 25 points on an almost flawless shooting night. Her 7-for-8 effort from the field, including a perfect 2-for-2 from beyond the arc and an unblemished 9-for-9 from the free-throw line, underscored her invaluable contribution. Beyond her scoring, Gray displayed a comprehensive game, chipping in with 5 rebounds and 6 assists, orchestrating Atlanta’s offense with precision. This stellar outing by Gray was crucial in fending off a spirited fourth-quarter surge from the Sparks, who, despite their valiant efforts, now sit at a 2-4 record for the season.
The Atlanta Dream started the game with intent, establishing a slim 16-15 lead at the end of the first quarter. Their momentum swelled in the second period, as they outscored the Sparks 24-16, heading into halftime with a comfortable 40-31 advantage. The Dream’s cohesive team play and sharp shooting continued into the third quarter, allowing them to stretch their lead to 66-53, seemingly putting the game out of reach as they entered the final frame. However, the Los Angeles Sparks, known for their tenacity, refused to capitulate.
Led by the electrifying duo of Dearica Hamby and Kelsey Plum, the Sparks launched a furious comeback in the fourth quarter. Hamby was nothing short of sensational for Los Angeles, pouring in a game-high 28 points, alongside 6 rebounds, 8 assists, and 4 steals, demonstrating her all-around impact. Plum, not to be outdone, added 27 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals, keeping the Sparks’ hopes alive. Their combined efforts ignited a 10-0 run to start the quarter, swiftly cutting Atlanta’s lead to a mere three points, 66-63, with approximately seven minutes left on the clock.
This dramatic shift in momentum tested the resolve of the Atlanta Dream, but their composure under pressure ultimately shone through. Crucial three-pointers from Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray at pivotal moments helped the Dream regain control and re-establish a more comfortable margin. Howard herself had a significant all-around game for Atlanta, contributing 15 points, a team-high 9 rebounds, and 7 assists. Supporting Gray and Howard were Brionna Jones with 13 points, Naz Hillmon adding 11 points and 7 rebounds off the bench, and Shatori Walker-Kimbrough contributing 10 points, highlighting the Dream’s balanced attack.
Despite Azura Stevens’ 10 points and 11 rebounds for the Sparks, and their tenacious defense in the final quarter, the Dream maintained their poise. Gray’s ability to consistently find the bottom of the net, particularly from the free-throw line in the closing stages, ensured that Atlanta weathered the storm. The WNBA Dream vs Sparks contest served as a testament to the competitive nature of the league, with both teams showcasing high-caliber talent and strategic gameplay.
As the Atlanta Dream continues their impressive run, this victory over the Los Angeles Sparks not only bolsters their standings but also builds crucial confidence for upcoming challenges. Both teams now prepare for road games on Friday, with the Dream facing the Seattle Storm and the Sparks heading to Las Vegas to take on the Aces. The narrative of the 2025 WNBA season continues to unfold, with the Atlanta Dream making a definitive statement about their aspirations, largely due to the consistent excellence of players like Allisha Gray.
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