Rhyne Howard and Angel Reese Set Records in Atlanta Dream Win Over Tempo

Historic Milestones for Howard and Reese in Atlanta’s Victory

Rhyne Howard set a new WNBA benchmark during Monday’s matchup against the expansion franchise in Toronto, becoming the fastest player in league history to record 100 made three-pointers in a single season. Howard accomplished the feat in just 31 games, surpassing the previous record of 33 games that she previously shared with Diana Taurasi, as noted by the Associated Press. Howard finished the night with 22 points, hitting six shots from beyond the arc. In addition to her six 3-pointers and 22 points, Howard also finished with seven assists.

Meanwhile, Angel Reese continued her dominant interior play by posting 20 points, 14 rebounds, a steal, and a block on 7-of-14 from the field and 1-of-3 from deep. The performance marked her 22nd double-double of the season, breaking the Atlanta Dream’s all-time single-season record. With 12 games remaining, she has the chance to set the single-season WNBA record.

Balanced Offense and Defensive Execution Overwhelm Toronto

The Dream relied on more than just their record-setting stars to sweep the season series against the Tempo. Six Atlanta players scored in double figures, matching a season high with 14 made three-pointers on 29 assists and 36 made field goals. Jordin Canada contributed 20 points, nine assists, and six boards, while Allisha Gray and returning forward Brionna Jones each added 15 points.

Jones, returning from injury and still finding her footing while giving herself grace, went a perfect 5-of-5 from the field and spoke about the developing synergy with her teammates.

“Our ball movement and our ability to play off each other, I think we’re continuing to get better at that,” Jones said. “Playing with Angel makes it so easy. Having that inside-outside dynamic, I can find her in the post, she can find me in the post. I know when she’s posting up down there, I’m gonna find her.”

Brionna Jones, Atlanta Dream forward, via CBS News

Despite a game-high 36 points and seven 3-pointers from Toronto’s Marina Mabrey—who made seven-plus 3-pointers in a game for the third time this season—the Tempo dropped their ninth game to fall to 10-22 as they continue to struggle in their first season as a WNBA franchise. Toronto also got 18 points off the bench from Kiki Rice and 12 points and 12 rebounds from Nyara Sabally, but only one other starter was in double figures for the visitors. Atlanta built separation by outscoring Toronto 30-17 in the second quarter to take a 54-39 lead at the break, improving their record to 20-12, moving into fifth place in the WNBA standings, and tying with the fourth-placed Indiana Fever. The victory also gave head coach Karl Smesko his 50th career victory, and the team improved to 14-2 when leading at halftime, according to the Associated Press.

Looking Ahead to International Duty and WNBA All-Star Festivities

The momentum in Atlanta extends beyond league play. Both Howard and Reese have been selected to represent the United States at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin next month, marking the first time two Dream players have been named to a Team USA 5-on-5 World Cup or Olympic roster together. Team USA—looking for their fifth straight FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup title after qualifying in March—will open Group D play against Czechia, Italy, and China on September 4.

Howard is a four-time WNBA All-Star averaging 17 points per game while leading the WNBA in steals, having previously won three gold medals with USA Basketball and a bronze medal in 3×3 basketball at the 2024 Olympics. Reese is making her first USA Basketball Women’s World Cup roster after leading the league in rebounding and double-doubles, having recently become the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 1,000 career rebounds. Reese is also heading back to Chicago this week for the WNBA All-Star weekend after being voted into her third All-Star Game amid a season in which she is averaging 15.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.7 steals per game.

Before heading overseas, both players are slated to participate in the WNBA All-Star weekend festivities. Howard will compete in the league’s 3-Point Contest on Friday alongside Marina Mabrey, Azzi Fudd, Bridget Carleton, Natisha Hiedeman, and Janelle Salaun, prompting Reese to post a lighthearted request on social media for a custom T-shirt and sign.

I need a RHYNE HOWARD TEE & SIGN made by FRIDAY, Reese wrote on her Instagram story.

The Dream have won seven of their last nine games and return to action on Thursday for a road matchup against the Connecticut Sun, while the Tempo visit the Dallas Wings on Wednesday.