Washington Mystics vs Atlanta Dream Preview

Mystics  vs Dream

When: Sunday, Aug 3rd, at 3:00 p.m.

Where: Gateway Center, College Park, GA.

TV: League Pass | Monumental Sports Network | ESPN 3

Injury

Mystics: Georgia Amoore (Out for the Season/ACL), Sika Kone (Out/ Partial Suspension- Afrobasket Play), Aaliyah Edwards (Game Time Decision/ Wrist)

Dream: Brittney Griner (Out/Neck), Rhyne Howard (Outs/Knee)

Keep An Eye on: 

Allisha Gray:

is delivering a MVP caliber season for the Atlanta Dream, averaging a team‑high 18.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.1 steals, shooting 44.1% from the field, 40.6% from deep, and 80.8% from the free‑throw line. With Rhyne Howard out (knee) and Brittney Griner likely sidelined (neck injury or game‑time decision), the Mystics should focus a large amount of their defensive focus, to her. Washington will need to prioritize contesting her threes, forcing her to drive into traffic or settle for mid‑range jumpers, while also limiting her touches late in the shot clock. Containing her is Washington’s best hope at slowing Atlanta’s offensive execution and possibly securing a much needed win in this matchup.

Limiting Atlanta’s three-point attempts: will be critical if the Mystics are to secure a much-needed win. The Dream ranks second in the WNBA in both threes made (9.5) and threes attempted (28.3) per game, thriving off volume and rhythm from deep. Washington must stay disciplined on closeouts, communicate through screens, and run Atlanta’s shooters off the line to disrupt their perimeter flow. If the Mystics can control the arc defensively, they’ll put themselves in strong position to dictate pace and get back in the win column.

Keeping the Atlanta Dream off the free throw line: will be critical if the Mystics hope to come away with a win. Atlanta ranks fourth in the WNBA in free throw attempts at 20.2 per game, consistently putting pressure on opposing defenses with aggressive drives and physical play. The Mystics must defend with discipline, avoid unnecessary fouls, and force the Dream to score in the half court rather than at the stripe. Limiting Atlanta’s free throw opportunities could be the difference in what’s expected to be a tightly contested matchup.

Rebound, Rebound, Rebound: The Mystics must make rebounding a priority against an elite Atlanta Dream frontcourt. Atlanta leads the WNBA in both total rebounds (36.3) and defensive rebounds (27.7) per game, fueled by a deep and active rotation that features five players averaging at least five rebounds. To neutralize Atlanta’s edge on the glass, Washington will need a collective effort—crashing the boards aggressively, boxing out with purpose, and securing second-chance opportunities. Winning the rebounding battle could be the difference in controlling tempo and limiting Atlanta’s transition offense.