Atlanta Dream Upset Las Vegas Aces, 61–57

PARADISE, Nev. (Aug. 20, 2025) -strong> - In a tough game at Michelob ULTRA Arena, the Atlanta Dream beat the Las Vegas Aces 61–57. This loss marked the Aces’ first home defeat in eight games.

The Dream (23–12) rallied late, raising their road record to 13–7. The Aces (21–15) had their seven-game winning streak come to an end.

Atlanta took a 19–18 lead in the first quarter. They held a one- to two-point edge for the next three periods. The Dream’s strong perimeter defense kept the league’s best offense to only 57 points. This is the lowest total they’ve scored on the road this season.

Rhyne Howard scored 18 points and grabbed six rebounds for Atlanta. She made four key free throws in the last two minutes to secure the win. Allisha Gray put up 14 points and dished out four assists. Brittney Griner chipped in with 10 points and pulled down seven rebounds. Naz Hillmon’s defense in the second half shut down the Aces’ paint attack. She grabbed eight rebounds and had two blocks.

For Las Vegas, A’ja Wilson poured in 20 points and grabbed nine boards, but struggled to find consistent help. Jackie Young scored 12 points, and Chelsea Gray had seven assists. Still, the Aces only managed 23 points in the second half.

Head Coach Karl Smesko praised his team’s tenacity: “Tonight was about grit. We knew shutting them down early would give us a chance, and the players executed that plan perfectly.”

Becky Hammon reflected on her team’s missed chances. “We just couldn’t find a rhythm after halftime.” Credit to Atlanta-they made every play when it mattered.”

With the win, the Dream climb to second place in the Eastern Conference, while the Aces remain in fourth in the West. Atlanta returns home Friday to face Minnesota, and Las Vegas heads to Phoenix on Sunday.