Dream hold off Sparks behind Howard's 21 points
COLLEGE PARK, Ga. -- — Rookie Rhyne Howard scored 21 points, including five of Atlanta's 13 3-pointers, and the Dream held off the Los Angeles Sparks 77-75 on Wednesday night.
Howard made a 3-pointer in the corner with 3:07 left in the fourth quarter for a seven-point lead, but Atlanta did not score again. The No. 1 pick in the draft was called for a charge with 16.3 seconds left for Atlanta’s third straight possession with a turnover.
After a timeout, Los Angeles had two chances in the closing seconds, but Chiney Ogwumike missed a contested layup in the paint and Nneka Ogwumike was off on a jumper at the buzzer.
Howard also grabbed eight rebounds. Megan Walker added 11 points, and Kristy Wallace and Cheyenne Parker each had 10 points for Atlanta (2-0).
Atlanta led 40-39 at halftime as both teams shot under 38% from the field. Jordin Canada led Los Angeles with 12 points and Howard had 10.
Canada scored 19 points for Los Angeles (2-1). Nneka Ogwumike had 17 points and 15 rebounds for her 80th career double-double and Liz Cambage scored 16 points.
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Regular Season Series
ATL wins 2-1
Game Information
- Referees:
- Tim Greene
- Byron Jarrett
- Toni Patillo
2023-24 Western Conference Standings
2023-24 Eastern Conference Standings
Team | W | L | PCT | GB | STRK |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
New York | 32 | 8 | .800 | - | L1 |
Connecticut | 28 | 12 | .700 | 4 | W1 |
Indiana | 20 | 20 | .500 | 12 | L1 |
Atlanta | 15 | 25 | .375 | 17 | W3 |
Washington | 14 | 26 | .350 | 18 | W1 |
Chicago | 13 | 27 | .325 | 19 | L5 |