The Atlanta Dream overcame a 14-point deficit on Thursday to defeat the New York Liberty. During the rally, guard Rhyne Howard made her 129th three-pointer, setting a new WNBA single-season record.
Rhyne Howard's 129th triple breaks the single-season mark
Rhyne Howard's performance was a masterclass in persistence. according to the report, Howard struggled early in the game, missing her first eight attempts from behind the arc. However, she eventually found her rhythm, sinking her 129th long-range shot with 6:45 remaining in the fourth quarter to officially surpass Sabrina Ionescu for the WNBA single-season record.
This milestone comes during a career-best shooting season for the five-year veteran. The source notes that Howard is currently shooting 36% from deep,having converted 129 of her 358 attempts this year. This represents both the highest volume of three-point shots and the most efficient percentage of her professional career to date.
Reese and Parker-Tyus anchor the Dream's 14-point comeback
The Atlanta Dream's ability to erase a significant deficit was fueled by dominant interior play and high-scoring efficiency. Forward Cheyenne Parker-Tyus led the charge, delivering a massive line of 30 points and 14 rebounds to help stabilize the team during the comeback attempt.
Alongside Parker-Tyus, Reese reached the 30-point milestone for the second time this season. As reported by the source, this performance also marked Reese's 30th double-double of the year, extending a season in which she already set the record for most double-doubles in a single campaign. In her third WNBA season, Reese is currently averaging 16.5 points and 12.4 rebounds per game.
The battle for second place behind the 30-11 Liberty
This victory has significant implications for the WNBA standings as the postseason approaches. With this win, the Atlanta Dream have moved to a 28-14 record, placing them in a tie for second place in the standings with the Connecticut Sun.
The New York Liberty remain at the top of the league with a 30-11 record, but the Dream's ability to rally against such a high-caliber opponent signals a shift in the competitive landscape. The Dream are increasingly positioning themselves as a primary championship contender in the Eastern Conference.
Uncertainty surrounding Reese's exit with 3:18 remaining
While the Atlanta Dream secured the victory, a moment of ambiguity occurred late in the fourth quarter. Reese appeared to be on the verge of breaking her career-high of 31 points, but she left the game with 3:18 remaining while the Dream held a 75-60 lead. the report does not clarify if her departure was due to a physical injury or a tactical decision to rest a star player, leaving questions about her immediate availability for the next matchup.
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