WNBA photo essay: How the Atlanta Dream turned an 11-point deficit into a celebratory Game 1 win

In a thrilling start to the first-round WNBA playoff series, the Atlanta Dream showcased remarkable resilience to overturn an 11-point halftime deficit and secure a 92-77 victory over the Washington Mystics. The matchup, hosted at State Farm Arena, featured two closely matched teams seeded fourth and fifth respectively, each vying to advance in the postseason.

The first half saw the Mystics take control, executing plays with a level of precision that contrasted with the Dream's slower start. Atlanta, which had concluded the regular season with a surge of confident and cohesive performances, struggled to find its rhythm early on. Washington’s youthful squad appeared composed and effective, capitalizing on opportunities to build a substantial lead.

However, the momentum shifted dramatically during the third quarter. The Dream, fueled by veteran forward DeWanna Bonner, mounted a spirited comeback. Bonner, whose late-season acquisition was aimed at injecting playoff experience and toughness, delivered a pivotal performance by scoring 11 of her 13 points in this crucial period. Her offensive burst was instrumental in energizing the team and narrowing the gap.

Atlanta head coach Karl Smesko highlighted Bonner's impact, emphasizing not just her experience but the infectious enthusiasm she brought to the court. This combination of seasoned poise and joy for the game helped settle the team and change the atmosphere, contributing significantly to the turnaround.

Complementing Bonner’s efforts was the Dream’s core trio. Rhyne Howard led the scoring with 26 points and contributed defensively with five steals, which were critical in facilitating Atlanta’s franchise-record 16 takeaways. Allisha Gray supported with 22 points, while Angel Reese added a double-double, finishing with 13 points and 12 rebounds. Together, they anchored the Dream’s dominant third quarter and maintained control through the final stages.

The win in Game 1 serves as an encouraging sign for Atlanta’s playoff aspirations, demonstrating their ability to adjust under pressure and capitalize on veteran leadership. The Mystics, despite their strong start, were unable to sustain their early success against a more experienced and resilient Dream squad.

Photographer Christina Merrion of Swish Appeal captured the intensity and celebration surrounding this game, providing a vivid visual narrative of Atlanta’s comeback and the palpable excitement at State Farm Arena.

While the Dream’s performance in this opener sets a positive tone for the series, further details about the remaining games and the broader playoff picture remain limited at this time. Both teams will undoubtedly look to build on lessons learned from this contest as the series progresses.