Atlanta Dream Dominate Sparks Behind Tina Charles’ Historic Night

LOS ANGELES — The Atlanta Dream hit the court with a starting lineup of Jordin Canada, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Naz Hillmon, and Tina Charles for the seventh time this season, and it paid off big. The Dream not only secured a critical 80-62 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks but also moved into a tie for the final WNBA playoff spot, marking a significant win in their season.

From the start, the Dream set the tone. Rhyne Howard opened the game with a deep three, and Tina Charles followed with three consecutive baskets, forcing the Sparks into an early timeout. This 9-0 run was just the beginning of Atlanta’s relentless assault. Charles and Howard combined for an impressive 23 of the Dream’s 25 points in the first quarter, with Charles alone scoring 14 points on 7-for-9 shooting and grabbing four rebounds. By the end of the first quarter, the Dream led 25-12, a lead they never relinquished.

Charles’ dominance continued throughout the game. She finished with 23 points and 10 rebounds, securing her 14th double-double of the season and the 187th of her illustrious career. With this performance, Charles notched her 100th regular season game with at least 20 points and 10 rebounds, a first in WNBA history. Howard provided ample support, adding 19 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two blocks.

The Dream’s offensive momentum extended into the second quarter. Despite a brief rally by the Sparks, who trimmed the lead to single digits, Canada, Gray, Hillmon, and Charles quickly restored order. Canada initiated a 17-7 run that pushed Atlanta’s lead to 18 points by halftime, with Howard continuing to lead the charge.

In the third quarter, the Dream continued to pour it on, stretching their lead to a game-high 27 points. Gray was particularly effective, scoring eight points in the quarter, while Charles and Hillmon contributed four points each. The Dream’s shooting from beyond the arc was lethal, and they maintained their composure at the free-throw line, hitting all their attempts.

The Sparks tried to fight back in the fourth quarter, with Kia Nurse and Rae Burrell sparking a mini-run that cut the deficit to 13 points. But the Dream, led by Howard’s efficient shooting and contributions from the bench, quickly quashed any hopes of a comeback. By the final whistle, Atlanta had not only secured the win but also showcased their depth and resilience.

This victory also improved Atlanta’s all-time record against the Sparks to 23-20 overall and 10-12 when playing in Los Angeles. With Charles leading the way, supported by key performances from Howard, Gray, and Hillmon, the Dream showed they have the firepower to make a serious push for the playoffs.

The Sparks, meanwhile, were led by Li Yueru’s 14 points off the bench, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Dream’s balanced attack. As the Dream celebrated their critical win, the Sparks were left searching for answers, having dropped eight of their last nine games despite a brief glimmer of hope in their recent victory over the New York Liberty.

Up Next: The Dream will look to build on this momentum as they continue their playoff push, while the Sparks will aim to regroup and salvage what’s left of their season.