The Atlanta Dream did not let the All-Star break cool their form. On Wednesday, they edged the Dallas Wings 82-81 after Allisha Gray finished with a game-high 25 points and hit the winner in the closing seconds.
It was a result that underlined just how competitive both teams are right now, with the Dream improving to 17-10 and extending their winning streak to four games. For the Wings, it was a defeat that came down to a single possession after they had already built a 12-point advantage.
Gray delivers when it matters most
Gray's finish was the decisive moment. She made three free throws before landing the game-winning jumper with 18 seconds remaining, turning a tight game into another Atlanta escape.
That kind of late shot-making is exactly what good teams need in close games. The Dream did not need to dominate for long stretches; they just had to stay close enough to make the final moments count.
A contest full of star power
The matchup also had the feel of a showcase game, with Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd, Angel Reese and Arike Ogunbowale all part of the wider conversation around the contest. During the All-Star break, Azzi Fudd won the Three-Point Contest, a reminder that the league's top names continue to set the standard on big stages.
Atlanta, though, were the team that handled the pressure best. The Dream's comeback after trailing by 12 points showed resilience, while Dallas were left to wonder how the lead slipped away.
What comes next for Atlanta?
The Dream's focus now turns quickly to Friday, when they face the Seattle Storm. After a fourth consecutive victory, they will go into that game with confidence and momentum, while the Wings will be left to revisit a missed opportunity against another contender.
For anyone tracking Paige Bueckers stats, this was also the kind of high-level game that shows how thin the margins can be when top teams meet. One late jumper was enough to settle it.
