Trending in opposite directions, the Atlanta Dream host the Golden State Valkyries on Saturday afternoon in College Park, Georgia, for the third meeting between the teams in 11 days.
Atlanta (12-8) has dropped four consecutive games, a skid that began with a pair of losses in San Francisco on June 24 and 26. The stretch marks the Dream’s longest losing streak since August 2024.
“I think we’re playing hard,” Atlanta coach Karl Smesko said following Thursday’s 81-76 defeat to the Washington Mystics. “But we have to make some shots. We’ve got to find a way to win even when we don’t shoot it well and the other team does.”
During the slide, the Dream have averaged 76.8 points per game, a sharp decline from the 90.4 they posted over their first 16 contests.
Rhyne Howard leads Atlanta with 18.9 points per game, followed closely by Allisha Gray at 18.3. Newcomer Angel Reese has contributed 14.8 points and 11.7 rebounds per outing.
None of the three were selected as starters for the July 25 All-Star Game, an omission that drew sharp criticism from Reese.
“I think they work so hard and they put a lot of work in, and the way that they’re guarded every game and they have to adjust. The reason why we’re where we are is because of those two,” Reese said. “For us not to have anyone in the starting lineup was just a slap in the face, but they’re not going to say anything. I am.”
Golden State (13-7), meanwhile, arrives on a three-game winning streak. Leading scorer Gabby Williams (15.8 ppg) earned a starting nod for the All-Star contest in Chicago, helping propel the Valkyries to the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference entering a five-game road trip.
“What’s most important is our next game and that’s it,” Golden State coach Natalie Nakase said. “We don’t look too far ahead. I think that’s what keeps our players really level-headed and focused on each team.”
Janelle Salaun adds 12.5 points per game for the Valkyries, while Veronica Burton chips in 12.2 points and 5.4 assists.
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