The Atlanta Dream edged out the Phoenix Mercury 82-80 in a tightly contested WNBA clash on May 25, 2026, at Gateway Center Arena. The one-possession game saw the Dream hold their nerve in the final seconds to secure their third straight home win of the season, while the Mercury fell just short despite a furious fourth-quarter comeback.
Match Overview
From the opening tip, both teams traded baskets in a game defined by defensive intensity and clutch shooting. Atlanta controlled much of the first half, building a 45-40 lead at the break behind sharp perimeter shooting and aggressive drives to the rim. Phoenix clawed back in the third quarter, tying the game at 64 heading into the final period. The decisive moments came in the last two minutes: with the score level at 80-80, Dream guard Aari McDonald hit a pull-up jumper with 12 seconds left, and Phoenix's Diana Taurasi missed a potential game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer.
Key Moments
- First-quarter surge: Atlanta opened with a 12-4 run, fueled by Cheyenne Parker's interior presence.
- Third-quarter Mercury rally: Brittney Griner scored 10 points in the period, including two alley-oop dunks that energized the visiting bench.
- Clutch shot by Aari McDonald: Her mid-range jumper with 12 seconds left proved to be the game-winner.
- Final defensive stand: On the ensuing possession, Atlanta forced Taurasi into a contested off-balance three that clanked off the rim.
Standout Players
Atlanta Dream: Aari McDonald finished with 22 points and 5 assists, including the game-winning basket. Rhyne Howard contributed 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals, while Cheyenne Parker added a double-double (14 points, 11 rebounds).
Phoenix Mercury: Brittney Griner led all scorers with 26 points and 10 rebounds, dominating the paint. Diana Taurasi, playing in her 21st season, had 15 points and 6 assists but struggled from deep (1-of-5 from three). Sophie Cunningham chipped in 12 points off the bench.
Tactical Story
Atlanta head coach Tanisha Wright opted for a switching defense that limited Phoenix's three-point attempts but conceded interior baskets to Griner. Offensively, the Dream ran high pick-and-rolls with McDonald and Parker, exploiting mismatches when Phoenix switched. The Mercury relied on isolation sets for Taurasi and post-ups for Griner, but turnovers (14) proved costly. Atlanta outscored Phoenix 18-8 on fast-break points.
Season Impact
The win improved the Dream's record to 5-2, keeping them in the top three of the WNBA standings. For Phoenix (4-3), the loss snapped a two-game winning streak and highlighted their ongoing struggles in close games. Atlanta's home-court advantage continues to be a factor; they are now 3-0 at Gateway Center Arena. The two teams will meet again on June 12 in Phoenix.

