Introduction
If you follow the WNBA closely, you already know that some of the most exciting moments happen when you least expect them. The Atlanta Dream vs Phoenix Mercury match player stats from May 24, 2026, tell exactly that kind of story. Atlanta trailed by as many as 15 points at one stage, and yet they found a way to close out a dramatic 82 to 80 victory on their home floor. This was not just a win. It was a statement.
In this article, you get a complete breakdown of everything that happened in that game. We cover the quarter by quarter scoring, the top individual performances, team statistics, and the key moments that swung the contest in Atlanta’s favor. Whether you are a die hard Dream fan, a Mercury supporter trying to figure out what went wrong, or just a WNBA fan hungry for detailed analysis, this is the one article you need to read.
The Atlanta Dream vs Phoenix Mercury match player stats reveal a fascinating contrast in styles, strategies, and performances. Let us get into all of it.
Game Overview: Atlanta Dream vs Phoenix Mercury, May 24, 2026
The game was played at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. Phoenix came in with momentum and showed it early. Atlanta, however, staged one of the most impressive fourth quarter comebacks of the early WNBA season.
Final Score
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final |
| Atlanta Dream | 13 | 24 | 12 | 33 | 82 |
| Phoenix Mercury | 25 | 19 | 13 | 23 | 80 |
Phoenix owned the first quarter 25 to 13. Atlanta clawed back in the second quarter, outscoring them 24 to 19. The third quarter was close. Then came the fourth quarter: Atlanta exploded for 33 points against just 23 from Phoenix. That is the story of this game in a single quarter.
Atlanta Dream Team Statistics
When you look at the Atlanta Dream vs Phoenix Mercury match player stats at the team level, Atlanta’s numbers are a mixed bag that ultimately added up to a victory. Their shooting was efficient, their assists were excellent, and their fourth quarter energy was elite.
| Stat | Atlanta Dream | Phoenix Mercury |
| Points | 82 | 80 |
| Field Goals Made / Attempted | 30 / 68 | 29 / 66 |
| FG% | 44.1% | 43.9% |
| 3-Pointers Made / Attempted | 11 / 26 | 4 / 21 |
| 3P% | 42.3% | 19.0% |
| Free Throws Made / Attempted | 11 / 21 | 18 / 19 |
| FT% | 52.4% | 94.7% |
| Total Rebounds | 46 | 40 |
| Offensive Rebounds | 12 | 9 |
| Assists | 22 | 14 |
| Steals | 9 | 8 |
| Blocks | 3 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 15 |
| Points in Paint | 38 | 42 |
| Fast Break Points | 21 | 6 |
| Second Chance Points | 13 | 16 |
| Points Off Turnovers | 15 | 12 |
| Bench Points | 11 | 17 |
| Biggest Lead | 4 | 15 |
A few numbers stand out. Atlanta made 11 threes compared to Phoenix’s 4, hitting them at 42.3 percent. That three point efficiency was a massive factor. Atlanta also had 22 assists compared to 14 for Phoenix, showing how much more connected their offense was. Phoenix had the bigger lead and more bench production, but Atlanta’s fast break points (21 to 6) and overall shot quality won the night.
Atlanta Dream Player Statistics
The individual Atlanta Dream vs Phoenix Mercury match player stats show three players who were especially outstanding for the home team. Here is the full Atlanta player breakdown.
| Player | Pos | PTS | REB | AST | STL | FG% | 3P% | +/- |
| Rhyne Howard | F | 21 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 46.7% | 50.0% | +2 |
| Allisha Gray | G | 18 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 46.7% | 40.0% | +7 |
| Angel Reese | C | 17 | 10 | 4 | 4 | 37.5% | N/A | +4 |
| Jordin Canada | G | 11 | 7 | 14 | 3 | 50.0% | N/A | +12 |
| Isobel Borlase | G | 5 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 28.6% | 25.0% | +7 |
| Naz Hillmon | F | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 100% | N/A | -1 |
| Te-Hina Paopao | G | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 100% | 100% | -4 |
| Indya Nivar | G | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100% | 100% | 0 |
| Madina Okot | C | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | N/A | N/A | -6 |
| Sika Kone | F | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | N/A | N/A | -11 |
Rhyne Howard: The Hot Hand
Rhyne Howard was simply on fire. She dropped 21 points on 46.7 percent shooting and hit 6 of 12 three point attempts for a stunning 50 percent from deep. She also grabbed 8 rebounds, making her a complete two way presence. Her fast break points (6) show she was not just a spot up shooter. She was attacking the game at every opportunity.
Allisha Gray: Reliable Scorer
Allisha Gray added 18 points with an efficient 46.7 percent shooting effort. She hit 2 of 5 threes and converted from mid range too. Gray contributed 8 fast break points, the most of any Atlanta player in that category. She was the engine of Atlanta’s transition offense.
Angel Reese: Double Double Force
Angel Reese posted a double double with 17 points and 10 rebounds. She also had 4 steals and 4 assists, making her influence felt all over the court. Reese grabbed 5 offensive rebounds, directly creating second chance opportunities for her team. She was a load to handle around the basket.
Jordin Canada: Assist Queen
Jordin Canada may not have had the most points with 11, but her game was a masterclass in running a team. She dished out 14 assists against just 1 turnover for an incredible assist to turnover ratio of 14.0. She finished with a plus minus of plus 12, the best on the team. Canada was the glue that held Atlanta’s offense together in the crucial fourth quarter.
Phoenix Mercury Player Statistics
The Phoenix Mercury played a competitive game and came very close to stealing a road win. Looking at the Atlanta Dream vs Phoenix Mercury match player stats for Phoenix, you see some excellent individual efforts that just were not enough.
| Player | Pos | PTS | REB | AST | STL | FG% | 3P% | +/- |
| Alyssa Thomas | F | 20 | 12 | 7 | 2 | 69.2% | N/A | -1 |
| Kahleah Copper | G | 20 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 37.5% | 16.7% | -8 |
| Jovana Nogic | G | 11 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 33.3% | 50.0% | -2 |
| Kyara Linskens | C | 10 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 75.0% | 50.0% | +5 |
| Natasha Mack | C | 6 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 60.0% | N/A | +4 |
| Noemie Brochant | F | 6 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 42.9% | N/A | 0 |
| Kiana Williams | G | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | N/A | N/A | +1 |
| DeWanna Bonner | F-G | 4 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 28.6% | N/A | -7 |
| Marta Suarez | F | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | N/A | N/A | -2 |
Alyssa Thomas: Dominant Post Presence
Alyssa Thomas was the best player on the floor for extended stretches. She recorded a double double with 20 points and 12 rebounds, adding 7 assists and 2 steals. Her field goal percentage of 69.2 percent is remarkable. She scored 18 of her points in the paint, dominating physically. The problem was that Phoenix simply could not get her the ball enough in the fourth quarter when Atlanta started doubling her.
Kahleah Copper: High Volume, Mixed Results
Kahleah Copper led Phoenix in scoring alongside Thomas with 20 points. However, her efficiency tells a more complicated story. She shot 37.5 percent from the field and only 16.7 percent from three. She did earn 8 free throws and converted 7 of them, which kept her point total respectable. Her plus minus of minus 8 suggests Phoenix struggled when the offense ran through her late in the game.
Kyara Linskens: Efficient Off the Bench
Off the bench, Kyara Linskens gave Phoenix a genuine spark. She scored 10 points on 75 percent shooting and also hit a three. Her true shooting percentage of 94 percent is extraordinary. She was one of Phoenix’s most efficient contributors and finished with a plus minus of plus 5.
Key Moments That Decided the Atlanta Dream vs Phoenix Mercury Match
Numbers tell part of the story. But to fully understand the Atlanta Dream vs Phoenix Mercury match player stats, you need to understand the moments that shaped the outcome.
Phoenix’s Dominant First Quarter
Phoenix came out firing. They led 25 to 13 after the first quarter, building momentum and forcing Atlanta to adjust. Their biggest lead reached 15 points, which is a significant hole to dig out of in a WNBA game.
Atlanta’s Three Point Revolution
Atlanta’s three point shooting was the most decisive factor in the comeback. They hit 11 threes at 42.3 percent. Phoenix, by contrast, managed only 4 at 19 percent. In a game decided by 2 points, Atlanta’s three point advantage was the difference.
The Fourth Quarter Explosion
Atlanta outscored Phoenix 33 to 23 in the fourth quarter. That 10 point quarter advantage is what flipped the entire game. Rhyne Howard’s threes, Allisha Gray’s fast break buckets, and Jordin Canada’s playmaking all combined in that final period to produce one of the best quarters you will see this season.
Atlanta’s Fast Break Dominance
Atlanta scored 21 fast break points. Phoenix scored just 6. That is a 15 point swing from transition offense alone. Canada’s ball handling and Howard’s finishing ability in transition made Phoenix pay every time they turned it over.
Head to Head Statistical Comparison
Here is a side by side look at the most telling statistics from the Atlanta Dream vs Phoenix Mercury match player stats.
| Category | Atlanta Dream | Phoenix Mercury | Advantage |
| 3-Point % | 42.3% | 19.0% | Atlanta |
| Assists | 22 | 14 | Atlanta |
| Fast Break Points | 21 | 6 | Atlanta |
| Free Throw % | 52.4% | 94.7% | Phoenix |
| Points in Paint | 38 | 42 | Phoenix |
| Bench Points | 11 | 17 | Phoenix |
| Second Chance Points | 13 | 16 | Phoenix |
| Rebounds | 46 | 40 | Atlanta |
| Turnovers | 14 | 15 | Even |
| Steals | 9 | 8 | Atlanta |
Atlanta won 6 of the 10 categories shown above. Phoenix had the edge in physical, paint oriented stats. Atlanta had the edge in ball movement and perimeter shooting. In the end, Atlanta’s style won out.
What These Stats Mean for Both Teams Going Forward
The Atlanta Dream vs Phoenix Mercury match player stats give both teams clear takeaways as the season continues.
For the Atlanta Dream
- Rhyne Howard is one of the most dangerous scoring threats in the WNBA when she gets going from three.
- Jordin Canada’s playmaking at the point guard spot is a genuine X factor.
- Angel Reese is developing into a complete player, not just a rebounder.
- The 52.4 percent free throw percentage is a concern. Leaving points at the line cost them in the first half.
- Their fourth quarter scoring ability (33 points) shows mental toughness and conditioning.
For the Phoenix Mercury
- Alyssa Thomas is an elite player, but she needs more support from her backcourt teammates.
- The three point shooting (19 percent) is unsustainable if they want to compete with teams that shoot well from deep.
- Their free throw shooting (94.7 percent) is elite and gives them a built in advantage in late game situations.
- Bench scoring (17 points) is solid and should be a foundation to build on.
- Giving up 33 points in a fourth quarter is something head coach Nate Tibbetts will be drilling in practice.
Conclusion
The Atlanta Dream vs Phoenix Mercury match player stats from May 24, 2026, paint the picture of a game that had everything. A dominant start by Phoenix, a stubborn comeback by Atlanta, elite individual performances on both sides, and a thrilling two point finish. Atlanta won 82 to 80 in a game that neither side will forget quickly.
Rhyne Howard’s three point shooting, Jordin Canada’s playmaking, and Angel Reese’s physical dominance were the pillars of Atlanta’s victory. For Phoenix, Alyssa Thomas was brilliant, but it was not enough on the night.
The Atlanta Dream vs Phoenix Mercury match player stats show us that in the WNBA, no lead is safe and no game is over until the final buzzer sounds. If you enjoyed this breakdown, share it with a fellow WNBA fan. And ask yourself: can Phoenix bounce back and get the result they want the next time these two teams meet? Drop your prediction in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What was the final score of the Atlanta Dream vs Phoenix Mercury game on May 24, 2026?
Atlanta Dream won 82 to 80 in a dramatic home victory, overcoming a 15 point deficit.
2. Who was the top scorer in the Atlanta Dream vs Phoenix Mercury match?
Rhyne Howard led Atlanta with 21 points. Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper both scored 20 points for Phoenix.
3. How many assists did Jordin Canada record?
Jordin Canada had an outstanding 14 assists against just 1 turnover in this game.
4. What was Atlanta Dream’s three point percentage in this game?
Atlanta Dream shot 42.3 percent from three, making 11 of 26 attempts.
5. Did any player record a double double in this game?
Yes, three players recorded double doubles: Angel Reese (17 pts, 10 reb), Jordin Canada (11 pts, 14 ast), and Alyssa Thomas (20 pts, 12 reb).
6. How many fast break points did Atlanta Dream score?
Atlanta Dream scored 21 fast break points compared to just 6 for Phoenix Mercury.
7. What was Phoenix Mercury’s free throw percentage?
Phoenix Mercury shot an impressive 94.7 percent from the free throw line, making 18 of 19 attempts.
8. Who led Phoenix Mercury in rebounds?
Alyssa Thomas dominated the boards for Phoenix with 12 total rebounds.
9. What was the biggest lead in the game?
Phoenix Mercury held a biggest lead of 15 points. Atlanta Dream’s biggest lead in the game was 4 points.
10. What quarter did Atlanta Dream dominate the most?
Atlanta Dream dominated the fourth quarter, outscoring Phoenix Mercury 33 to 23 to complete the comeback.
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Email: johanharwen314@gmail.com
Author Name: Johan Harwen
About the Author: Johan Harwen Sports Writer and WNBA Analyst Johan Harwen is a passionate sports journalist and WNBA analyst with over eight years of experience covering women’s basketball at every level. He has a deep love for the data behind the game and believes that statistics tell stories that pure watching sometimes misses. Johan has contributed to several top tier sports publications and runs his own analytics driven blog where he breaks down game film, player trends, and team strategies. When he is not courtside or crunching numbers, Johan coaches a youth basketball program in his community. He believes women’s basketball deserves the same depth of analysis as any other sport, and he brings that conviction to every article he writes.
