COLLEGE PARK, Ga. โ In an impressive display of shooting accuracy, Allisha Gray poured in 26 points, highlighted by a career-best seven 3-pointers, to propel the Atlanta Dream to a 96-72 triumph over the Phoenix Mercury on Friday night. Joining the scoring effort, Naz Hillmon, making her first start of the season, contributed 18 points and secured nine rebounds.
The Dream came out firing on all cylinders, amassing 34 points in the opening quarter thanks to a remarkable 62% shooting performance. Their long-range shooting proved particularly potent, with the team sinking eight out of 11 attempts from beyond the arc. Gray spearheaded the scoring surge with 14 points during this quarterโher personal best for any single quarter. Meanwhile, Maya Caldwell chipped in with 11 points, helping Atlanta outpace Phoenixโs 23-point quarter. The eight 3-pointers also matched a franchise record for any single quarter.
Leading comfortably, Atlanta carried a formidable 58-42 advantage into halftime, bolstered by Grayโs 16 points and four successful 3-pointers in the first half. Kicking off the third quarter, the Dream initiated a scorching 9-0 run, stretching their lead to 67-42 before Phoenix managed its first score of the second half with 6:30 left on the clock.
Entering the fourth quarter, the Dream had already compiled 84 points and connected on 12 3-pointers, underscoring their dominant offensive exhibition.
For Atlanta, additional key contributions came from Brionna Jones, who recorded 16 points and eight rebounds, while Caldwell delivered a season-high 14 points. Grayโs performance was both efficient and spectacular as she converted 8 of 12 shots from the field, including an impressive 7 of 9 from 3-point land, marking her seventh game this season with at least 25 points. Playmakers Brittney Griner and Rhyne Howard were unable to participate due to neck and knee injuries, respectively.
On the opposing side, Phoenixโs effort was led by Kahleah Copper, who tallied 19 points. Alyssa Thomas also made her presence felt with a double-double, scoring 12 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. In the process, Thomas ascended to the 13th position in league history with a career total of 2,579 rebounds.