Dream Clash with Storm, Fever Rise After Upset

WNBA action heats up as teams vie for playoff contention amid roster changes and surprise performances.

As teams emerge from a league-wide break, the WNBA is witnessing fierce competition. Playoff implications loom large with key matchups and surprising shifts in team dynamics as squads jostle for position.

Crucial Game in Atlanta

A critical contest unfolds as the Atlanta Dream, currently fourth in the standings, host the Seattle Storm, who hold fifth place. This match could be a preview of the postseason, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle. In their previous encounter, the Dream secured a 94-87 victory over the Storm in late May.

• Recently, the Dream defeated New York by nine points, avenging an earlier loss. In the game, **Rhyne Howard** (33 points) and **Allisha Gray** (28 points) accounted for nearly 65% of Atlanta’s total score.

• Meanwhile, the Storm suffered a significant setback, losing by 27 points to the Golden State Valkyries. Since beating the Liberty, Seattle has struggled, losing three of their last four games.

**Skylar Diggins** of Seattle is poised to be named a reserve All-Star. Meanwhile, **Gray** is already an All-Star starter.

• **Gray** scored 20 points against the Liberty. It marked her first time reaching that mark and shooting at least 50% from the field in her last six games. She is on track to surpass her previous records for 20-point games in a season.

• **Diggins** contributed 18 points and 6 assists in Sunday’s loss, maintaining a streak of six consecutive games with at least 15 points and 5 assists while keeping turnovers to a minimum. Only **Jackie Young** has achieved a similar streak in WNBA history.

Fever’s Surprise Surge

Despite a roster shuffle and league-wide break, the Indiana Fever might be the hottest team right now. The Fever recently secured a win against the league-leading Lynx, showcasing improved play despite **Caitlin Clark**’s absence. The team will now play five consecutive home games.

• Coming off their most significant victory in a decade, Indiana remains at .500. On Tuesday, the Fever displayed exceptional defense, holding the Lynx to just 59 points.

• In the game, **Aliyah Boston** recorded 12 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists, underscoring her adaptability without **Clark** on the court. According to Across the Timeline, the Fever have only had a winning record in 10 out of the 28 seasons they have been a team. (Across the Timeline).

Without **Clark** in the lineup, **Boston** averages approximately 33% fewer points per game (12.5 compared to 18.6), and her assist numbers increase by 50%.

Aces Eyeing a Comeback

After a period of roster adjustments, the Las Vegas Aces are looking to regain their dominant form. Having won three of their last four games, the Aces appear to be turning a corner after a rocky stretch.

• Since **A’ja Wilson**’s return from concussion protocol, Las Vegas has shown signs of offensive resurgence. After struggling with consistent scoring, the team has achieved offensive ratings of at least 103 in five consecutive games.

• However, the Aces’ defense has faltered in their two losses since **Wilson**’s return, allowing high offensive ratings on their home court.

• **Wilson** has scored 20+ points in all five games since her return. Additionally, **Jewell Loyd** has found her rhythm, and **Jackie Young** is performing at her peak.