Dream out to solidify 2-seed, while Sparks in need of win
Posted on: Sep 05, 2025 04:04 IST | Posted by: Hindustantimes
With a hebdomad remaining in the habitue flavor, the capital of georgia stargaze are playing with as much confidence as any team in the WNBA.
Atlanta has won three straight and 12 of 15 overall ahead of its second home matchup in three days with the Los Angeles Sparks on Friday at College Park, Ga.
Entering Thursday, the Dream led the Las Vegas Aces and Phoenix Mercury by a half-game for the No. 2 seed. Atlanta bolstered its odds of securing the spot on Wednesday, overcoming an early 10-point deficit to beat the Sparks 86-75. Brionna Jones totaled 16 points and 13 rebounds in the win.
For first-year head coach and WNBA Coach of the Year candidate Karl Smesko, the 2025 campaign has gone as well as he could've hoped. The Dream breezed past last year's win total of 15 and will enter the postseason as a legitimate title contender. For now, it's about finishing out the regular season on a strong note.
"It was a good win for us," Smesko said on Wednesday. "We had a really good second quarter, and we were better defensively. Obviously, it was a tough start, but we kept our composure; we knew there was a lot of time left. ... Los Angeles is competing really hard right now; they want that last playoff spot. It was really nice for us to be able to get the win."
Allisha Gray's 18.6 points per game lead the surging Dream, while Rhyne Howard follows with 16.9.
Los Angeles has alternated wins and losses across its last 12 games and is in desperate need of a victory. The Sparks will enter Friday trailing the Indiana Fever by 1 1/2 games for the eighth and final postseason spot with four games remaining.
Dearica Hamby went for 21 points and Kelsey Plum added 18 on Wednesday for the Sparks, who are in danger of missing their fifth consecutive postseason.
"When you're playing a team like Atlanta, especially on the road, you can't dig yourself a hole. You have to play pretty perfect," Plum said. "It's just one of those things where you watch the film, learn, make adjustments and then get the opportunity to play again Friday. It's rare to be able to play a team back-to-back. It's a great opportunity for us."
Plum leads Los Angeles in scoring at 19.9, while Hamby chips in 18.3 points and eight rebounds per contest.
Field Level Media
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.