The Atlanta Dream staged a thrilling comeback on Sunday, erasing a 15-point deficit to defeat the Phoenix Mercury 82-80. Playing without Brionna Jones, who was sidelined with a knee injury, Atlanta dug deep in this 2026 WNBA Regular Season matchup. The dramatic turnaround showcased the resilience of a Dream squad that refused to fold under early pressure.
The decisive moment
The turning point arrived right at the start of the final frame. Trailing for a majority of the contest, Atlanta surged ahead, taking the lead for good with exactly 10:00 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Dream's defense tightened dramatically down the stretch, preserving a razor-thin two-point margin to seal the remarkable victory.
By the numbers
- Rhyne Howard paced the Dream with 21 points and 8 rebounds.
- Angel Reese delivered a double-double for Atlanta, recording 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists.
- Alyssa Thomas led Phoenix with an impressive line of 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists.
- Kahleah Copper added 20 points and 3 rebounds for the Mercury.
Despite being without a key frontcourt presence in Jones, the Dream relied heavily on Reese and Howard to secure the win. Thomas and Copper provided a strong one-two punch for Phoenix, but it wasn't enough to withstand Atlanta's late surge.
What it means
This thriller establishes the Atlanta Dream as a resilient force in the 2026 WNBA Regular Season. Overcoming a massive deficit against a talented Mercury squad is a significant confidence builder. For Phoenix, blowing a 15-point lead will undoubtedly prompt a tough film session focusing on closing out games when holding a commanding advantage.
What to watch next
Atlanta will look to carry the momentum from this dramatic comeback into their next regular-season matchup. Meanwhile, Phoenix must quickly regroup and find ways to sustain their execution for a full four quarters.