Rhyne Howard's 36-point masterclass lifts Atlanta Dream over Chicago Sky in WNBA

In a commanding performance, Rhyne Howard delivered a season-best 36 points, leading the Atlanta Dream to an 88-70 win against the Chicago Sky at Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia, on Friday.

Atlanta (7-3) continued their impressive form, securing their sixth victory in seven matches. Allisha Gray contributed 15 points, while Brionna Jones achieved a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Jordin Canada enhanced the team's performance with 12 points and eight assists.



For Chicago (2-7), Kamilla Cardoso led with 15 points and nine rebounds. Angel Reese and Ariel Atkins each scored 12 points, with Reese adding nine rebounds. The Sky's struggles continued as they recorded their third consecutive loss, leaving their away record at 1-5.

The match momentum shifted early in the third quarter when Atlanta overtook Chicago's half-time lead through successive three-pointers from Canada and Howard.


Despite Atkins' free throws putting Chicago ahead by three points with 7:06 remaining in the third, Atlanta's defence held firm, preventing any Sky scores for nearly five minutes while establishing a 53-50 lead.

Howard's step-back shot in the final second of the third quarter secured Atlanta's 58-54 advantage.

The Dream extended their lead to 66-56 in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter, prompting Chicago to call time-out.

Following the break, Jones scored a three-point play and Howard added a layup, extending Atlanta's lead to 71-56.