Las Vegas Aces Defeat Atlanta Dream 85-84 in Thrilling WNBA Matchup
The Las Vegas Aces secured a narrow 85-84 victory over the Atlanta Dream in a dramatic WNBA game at State Farm Arena. Chelsea Gray led the Aces with 21 points, hitting the decisive jumper with 3.6 seconds remaining and sealing the win with a late steal. Despite a fierce fourth-quarter comeback by Atlanta that erased a 17-point deficit, the Dream suffered their first loss of the season. A'ja Wilson and Chennedy Carter each contributed 20 points for Las Vegas, extending their winning streak to four games while showcasing resilience against a competitive opponent.
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Atlanta Dream Show Championship Potential Despite Narrow Loss to Las Vegas Aces
The Atlanta Dream demonstrated significant resilience and championship potential in a narrow 85-84 defeat against the Las Vegas Aces on May 17, 2026. Despite being shorthanded due to injuries to key players Bri Jones and Rhyne Howard, the Dream mounted a impressive comeback, erasing a 17-point deficit by outscoring the Aces 20-4 in the final eight minutes of regulation. Although Atlanta struggled with shooting efficiency, hitting only 37% from the field and 22% from three-point range, they dominated the paint with 42 points and won the rebounding battle 45-38. The game was ultimately decided in the final seconds when Aces guard Chelsea Gray sank a crucial jumper with 3.6 seconds remaining and later secured the win with a steal at the buzzer. Atlanta coach Karl Smesko expressed pride in his team's competitive spirit and highlighted the room for improvement, suggesting that the performance signals a high ceiling for the organization despite the loss. This close contest against a top-tier opponent serves as a strong indicator of the Dream's status as emerging contenders in the WNBA.
yahoo sportsAces Survive Dream Comeback to Extend Win Streak to Four
The Las Vegas Aces secured a narrow 85-84 victory over the Atlanta Dream in a tense WNBA matchup at State Farm Arena, extending their winning streak to four games. Despite holding a commanding 19-point lead earlier in the contest, the Aces faced a fierce fourth-quarter comeback from the home team. Chelsea Gray emerged as the decisive factor, scoring 21 points and delivering crucial plays in the final minute, including a go-ahead jumper and a game-sealing steal. A'ja Wilson contributed 20 points, while Chennedy Carter added 20 and NaLyssa Smith scored 13. The Dream struggled with efficiency, shooting only 22% from three-point range and converting just 67% of their 37 free throw attempts. Angel Reese was limited to single-digit points and rebounds amid eight turnovers. Aces head coach Becky Hammon praised her team's resilience and chemistry in overcoming the adversity of a hostile road environment. The victory marks a successful conclusion to the Aces' East Coast road trip before they return home to face the Los Angeles Sparks.
yahoo sportsChelsea Gray's Late Jumper Secures Aces Victory Over Dream
The Las Vegas Aces defeated the Atlanta Dream 85-84 in a thrilling WNBA matchup on May 17, 2026, handing Atlanta their first loss of the season. Chelsea Gray was the standout performer for Las Vegas, scoring 21 points and hitting the decisive go-ahead jumper with just 3.6 seconds remaining. She also sealed the victory with a steal on the final possession. A'ja Wilson and Chennedy Carter contributed 20 points each for the Aces, who improved their record to 4-1 with their fourth consecutive road win. Despite building a significant lead, Las Vegas nearly collapsed after Atlanta mounted a fierce 17-1 run in the fourth quarter. Allisha Gray led the Dream with 25 points, supported by Te-Hina Paopao's 19 points and Madina Okot's double-double. The game featured dramatic momentum shifts, including an 11-0 run by Las Vegas in the second quarter and a late surge by Atlanta that cut the deficit to one point before Gray's clutch play secured the win for the visitors at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
Deadspin > Sports News Without Fear, Favor or CompromiseRoad-tested Aces Aim to Spoil Dream's Home Opener
The reigning WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces are set to face the Atlanta Dream in the Dream's home opener, aiming to complete a four-game road sweep. The Aces enter the contest with a 3-1 record, having recovered from a season-opening loss with three consecutive victories, including a recent triumph over the Connecticut Sun where A'ja Wilson scored 45 points. Wilson’s evolving three-point shooting has added a new dimension to the Aces' offense, drawing praise from head coach Becky Hammon. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Dream, who set a franchise win record in 2025, begin their home schedule with a 2-0 record achieved entirely on the road. Despite their unbeaten start, the Dream have struggled with shooting efficiency, converting only 40.1% of field goals. Head coach Karl Smesko acknowledged the need for improved shooting performance to challenge the potent Aces lineup. Key contributors for Atlanta include Allisha Gray, averaging 25 points per game, and offseason addition Angel Reese, who has dominated the boards with 15 rebounds per game. The highly anticipated matchup is sold out, highlighting the strong interest in the Dream's return to their home court under second-year head coach Smesko.
Deadspin > Sports News Without Fear, Favor or CompromiseWilson Leads Las Vegas Against Atlanta After 45-Point Performance
The Las Vegas Aces are set to face the Atlanta Dream in an upcoming WNBA matchup scheduled for Sunday at 1:30 p.m. EDT in Atlanta. The Aces enter the game with a 3-1 overall record following a decisive 101-94 victory over the Connecticut Sun, driven by A'ja Wilson's exceptional 45-point performance. In contrast, the Atlanta Dream holds a perfect 2-0 start to the season. Historical data from the previous season highlights Atlanta's strong home court advantage, where they achieved a 16-6 record, averaging 84.4 points per game. Las Vegas also finished the prior season with a 30-14 record, demonstrating solid shooting percentages of 43.9% from the field and 35.1% from three-point range. Both teams are dealing with key absences; the Dream will be without Brionna Jones due to a knee injury, while the Aces are missing Dana Evans because of a leg injury. This preview provides essential context for fans anticipating the clash between two competitive Western and Eastern Conference contenders, emphasizing recent form and roster availability.
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