Angel Reese scored a career-high 31 points and grabbed 14 rebounds as the Atlanta Dream clinched a playoff berth with a 99-89 road win over the Phoenix Mercury on Saturday.
The Atlanta Dream defeated the Phoenix Mercury 99-89 on Saturday, August 23, clinching a playoff berth behind a career-high 31 points from Angel Reese. Reese added 14 rebounds for her 25th double-double of the season, outdueling Kahleah Copper’s game-high 38 points for Phoenix.
Dream’s Balanced Attack Overwhelms Mercury
The Dream, now 24-13 and first in the Eastern Conference, used a balanced offensive effort to pull away. Reese was the engine, converting on 14 rebounds and providing a constant interior presence. Isobel Borlase added a team-high six assists, keeping the Dream’s offense flowing. Atlanta’s defense also stepped up, limiting Phoenix’s supporting cast despite Copper’s explosion.
Copper’s Heroics Not Enough for Mercury
Kahleah Copper delivered a spectacular performance for the Mercury, pouring in 38 points to lead all scorers. Alyssa Thomas stuffed the stat sheet with 16 rebounds and 10 assists, anchoring Phoenix’s glass and playmaking. However, the Mercury, now 13-24 and sixth in the Western Conference, couldn’t overcome Atlanta’s depth and the absence of key players.
Injuries Decimate Both Rosters
Both teams were shorthanded. The Dream were without Kara Dunn, Shay Ciezki, Marta Suarez, and Kelsey Plum, while the Mercury missed Jovana Nogic, Jaylyn Sherrod, Indya Nivar, and Brionna Jones. The injury toll was particularly heavy on Phoenix, which relied heavily on Copper and Thomas.
Turning Point: Reese’s Third-Quarter Surge
After a tight first half, the Dream used a decisive third-quarter run to seize control. Reese scored 12 of her 31 points in the period, and Atlanta’s defense forced several Mercury turnovers to build a double-digit lead. Phoenix fought back in the fourth, but the early deficit proved too large to overcome.
What It Means for Both Teams
Atlanta clinches a playoff spot and can now focus on building momentum and health. They travel to Los Angeles on Tuesday to face the Sparks, a team they beat 124-88 just days ago. Phoenix, meanwhile, faces a critical stretch to secure a postseason position, hosting the Washington Mystics on Tuesday. Copper’s scoring and Thomas’s all-around play give them hope, but the injury list remains a major concern.
Key Takeaways
- Angel Reese’s career-high 31 points and 14 rebounds powered Atlanta to a playoff-clinching win.
- Kahleah Copper scored 38 points for Phoenix, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Dream.
- Both teams were missing key players due to injuries, impacting depth.
- Atlanta’s balanced attack and defensive pressure were decisive factors.
- The Dream now look ahead to a rematch with the Sparks, while the Mercury host the Mystics.
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