Howard, Reese help Dream rally from 11-point deficit, beat Mystics 92-77 in Game 1 of playoff series
Rhyne Howard had 26 points and five steals, Angel Reese added 13 points and 12 rebounds in her first career playoff game, and the Atlanta Dream beat the Washington Mystics 92-77 Sunday night in Game 1 of their first-round series. Game 2 of the series is Wednesday in Washington. The No. 5 seed Mystics committed 22 turnovers which Atlanta converted into 27 points.
In Game 1 of their first-round playoff series, the Atlanta Dream stunned the Washington Mystics with a decisive 92-77 victory at College Park, Georgia. Rhyne Howard led the Dream with 26 points and a team-high five steals, while Angel Reese made her mark in her first career playoff game with 13 points and 12 rebounds. The No. 5-seeded Mystics struggled offensively, committing a season-high 22 turnovers which the Dream capitalized on for 27 points.
The Dream set a franchise record with 16 steals, falling one shy of the WNBA's all-time high set by Indiana in 2009. Allisha Gray led the Dream with 22 points, while Jordin Canada contributed 10 points and 11 assists. Howard was efficient from the free-throw line, converting 10 of his 10 attempts, although his field goal percentage was not as impressive at 7-of-18.
The Mystics were led by Sonia Citron with 25 points, aided by 15 points and 14 rebounds from Kiki Iriafen and Shakira Austin's 12 points and 16 rebounds. Canada sealed the Dream's lead in the third quarter with a crucial layup that trimmed the deficit to 41-36. DeWanna Bonner, however, paced a 18-5 run that cemented the Mystics' lead at 61-48 with just 2:29 remaining in the fourth quarter.
The Dream's relentless defense, including Howard's 10-for-10 free throws and 16 steals, proved too much for the Mystics, who are making their first playoff appearance since winning the 2019 WNBA championship.
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