The Atlanta Dream are inching closer than ever to the team's first playoffs victory since 2018 — and potentially their first trip to the WNBA Finals since 2013.
The team's 100-78 win over the Wings Friday was enough to lock in Atlanta's spot in the WNBA playoffs this season, the first crucial step. That winning effort was led by Rhyne Howard, who racked up 24 points — including six 3 pointers — and a career-high six blocks. She was joined by potential MVP Allisha Gray, who had 19 points, Brionna Jones with 16 points, rookie Te-Hina Paopao with 14, and Brittney Griner with 11 off the bench.
While the Dream were playing against a heavily embattled Dallas Wings, (they operated last night with just barely enough players to stay in the game after suffering a rash of late-season injuries and illnesses), the team has enjoyed a strong season and a shot at the playoffs this season has seemed inevitable.
Four teams are vying for the second seed playoffs spot
The Dream is one-fourth of a tight race for the second seed playoff spot, which would give them the opportunity to host the first game of round one (and all the advantages that come with that, especially in terms of home fan support) and could also host Game 3. The Las Vegas Aces are currently ranked No. 2 overall but nothing has been officially locked in.
The Dream have two more games to play — and crucially, two more games than the Aces have left — and could end up tying Las Vegas' record. If that reality hits, the Aces will have the tiebreaker since the team has dominated the Dream 3-0 this season.
Atlanta will also have to keep their collective eye on the No. 4 Mercury and the No. 5 Liberty, who are vying for the exact same spot.
Staying in the top 3 will help the Dream's chances
While landing the No. 2 overall spot would be ideal for Atlanta, not falling past No. 3 overall is crucial so that the team will go up against one of the bottom three teams during the first round of playoffs this season. Right now, it's looking like those teams will be the Indiana Fever, the Seattle Storm, and the Golden State Valkyries — but the season isn't finished just yet.
The Dream has surprised doubters one game at a time this season, and can absolutely continue that trend throughout the playoffs — and maybe even make a little history while doing so.