In Dream vs Storm, Rhyne Howard dropped 25 points and Allisha Gray delivered a double-double as the Dream beat Seattle 85-75 for their sixth straight win. Full recap, context, and what’s next.
Dream vs Storm Context:
- Final Score: Atlanta Dream 85, Seattle Storm 75 — Atlanta’s 6th straight win.
- Stars: Rhyne Howard scored 25 points (incl. three clutch threes late in Q3), Allisha Gray added 22 points and 11 rebounds — her second double-double of the season.
- Impact: The Dream leapfrogged New York for 2nd in the standings with 12 games remaining.
- Why It Matters: This dominant road win amidst the Dream’s hot streak underscores Atlanta’s ascent; Seattle’s 6-game skid deepens amid team turmoil.
Deep Dive: What Went Down in Dream vs Storm
Game Flow & Clutch Execution
Atlanta carried a narrow 41–39 lead into halftime, but the third quarter flipped with an 11–5 Dream run anchored by Rhyne Howard’s three inspiriting triples in the final 30 seconds — turning a one-possession game into a commanding margin. In the fourth, Seattle closed to within eight, but Gray’s basket and Howard’s free throws sealed it.
Leadership & Statistical Spark
- Rhyne Howard: 25 points, 7 assists. Her timely 3-pointers were game-altering.
- Allisha Gray: 22 points, 11 rebounds — her second double-double of the season.
- Support: Brittney Griner contributed 11 points and 8 boards; Maya Caldwell brought 10 first-half points to set the tone.
Seattle’s Decline Intensifies
Despite Nneka Ogwumike’s 29 points and 9 rebounds—top scoring effort of the night—Seattle dropped their sixth straight game amid ongoing internal challenges and a slipping playoff picture.
2025 Storylines for Atlanta Dream and Players
Allisha Gray: Quiet MVP Contender
Gray is having a career year—earning her third Eastern Player of the Week and back-to-back Player of the Month honors, with nearly 19 ppg, 5.4 rpg, and nearly 4 apg while shooting over 40% from deep. Analysts peg her as a leading candidate for Most Improved Player. ([turn0news10]; [turn0news17])
Rhyne Howard’s Stellar Season
Howard, the 2022 #1 overall pick, continues to assert herself as a bonafide star. She was named an All-Star starter this year and anchors the Dream’s rising ceiling. ([turn0search20]; [turn0search21])
Team Synergy & Depth
With Naz Hillmon stepping up in the absence of Rhyne Howard and Brittney Griner (averaging 14 points and 9 rebounds), the Dream’s depth and resilience have become vital in their current win streak. ([turn0news12])
Strategic Breakdown: Why the Dream Outplayed the Storm
Atlanta Dream:
- Momentum control: Thrived in high-pressure late game situations.
- Balanced attack: Offensive leadership from both Howard and Gray.
- Rotational strength: Role players like Griner and Caldwell provided key minutes off the bench.
Seattle Storm:
- Isolated efforts: Heavy reliance on Ogwumike but lacked support firepower.
- Team discord: Front-office rumors and locker room instability likely weighed on on-court performance.
The @AtlantaDream win their 6th in a row! 📈🔥 pic.twitter.com/wcLQwoNqQW
— NBA (@NBA) August 14, 2025
WNBA Landscape and the Rivalry Arc
Back in late May, the Dream overcame a 17-point deficit to topple Seattle with huge games from Howard (33) and Gray (career-high 28)—adding context to their evolving rivalry.
This victory marks Dream’s continued momentum during WNBA’s “Rivals Week” and positions them as one of the most dangerous teams entering the season’s stretch run.
What’s Next?
- Dream’s upcoming schedule: After a road trip including the Storm rematch, follow how Gray, Howard, and Hillmon sustain performance.
- Storm’s response: Will Seattle address locker-room tension and arrest their slide?
- Award Watch: If Gray keeps climbing, she may feature prominently in both MVP and MIP discussions.
- Playoff Seeding: Atlanta’s leap to 2nd could secure home-court advantages later in the postseason.