Friday night was a game the Atlanta Dream would like to have back. In a 96-92 overtime loss at home to the Minnesota Lynx, the Dream overcame an eight-point deficit after the first quarter to force the extra period.
Naz Hillmon’s 3-point attempt late in overtime missed, serving as Atlanta’s final chance after a pair of Kayla McBride free throws sealed the win for Minnesota.
The loss dropped Atlanta to 10-6 on the season, but the Dream remain second in the Eastern Conference behind the New York Liberty.
While fans left frustrated, the Dream stayed positive. One of their key players, Brittney Griner, shared an optimistic message after the game.
Griner posted four words to Instagram alongside a highlight reel from the matchup: “We stay locked in.”
Brittney Griner, Instagram
Brittney Griner, Instagram
Griner played 28 minutes and scored 16 points. She was one of six Dream players to reach double digits, including Brionna Jones (team-high 18), Alisha Gray (17), Rhyne Howard (15), Jordin Canada (14) and Hillmon (10).
Griner also contributed seven rebounds and one assist.
Atlanta Dream center Brittney Griner (42)
© Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
The 34-year-old center has appeared in 14 games this season, averaging 23.5 minutes, 9.8 points and 5.7 rebounds per game.
First-year head coach Karl Smesko took over the team in November after leading Florida Gulf Coast from 2002-24.
The Dream are aiming for their third straight trip to the WNBA playoffs but haven’t won a postseason game since 2018.
The Dream return to action Sunday when they host the first-place Liberty (11-4) at 3 p.m. ET. New York won the season’s first matchup 86-81 on June 17.
