Atlanta @ Seattle Game Overview

Atlanta (20-11) has climbed alongside the defending champion New York Liberty atop the Eastern Conference thanks to its longest winning streak since posting seven straight victories in July 2023. The Dream claimed their fifth win in a row on Sunday at Phoenix as they used an 11-4 run to close out a 74-66 victory.

Under first-year head coach Karl Smesko, the Dream already have surpassed last season's win total by five games while asserting themselves as championship contenders a month out from postseason play. The most recent victory cemented a season sweep over Phoenix, but Smesko knows the road only gets tougher as Atlanta continues a six-game stretch away from home.

"We know it doesn't get any easier," Smesko said. "This is a trip where we're playing a lot of really good teams. It felt good to get that win over Phoenix. They're an excellent team, they're explosive, talented, well-coached. To get out of there with a win, having a good fourth quarter to close it out, feels really good right now."

Allisha Gray, who's averaging 21 points per game during Atlanta's winning streak, has posted 18.9 points per game for the season. Veteran guard Rhyne Howard (15.8 ppg, 4.4 apg) returned to the court Sunday after missing a month with a knee injury, but it was an abbreviated stay as she was ejected for arguing after going 0-for-7 from the field.

Seattle (16-16) enters play losers in five straight, the team's worst stretch since dropping 10 straight in 2023. Each of the Storm's losses in August have been decided by four points or fewer, which includes Sunday's 94-91 setback against the Los Angeles Sparks. Brittney Sykes scored 27 points for Seattle and her layup tied the game with 12 seconds left, but Dearica Hamby converted a three-point play to send the Storm to their fifth consecutive loss.

"I've just got to coach us through it," said Seattle head coach Noelle Quinn. "Continue to focus on the things we're doing decently. Continue to pour into them. We're right there, we're not getting blown out. I'm trying to stay positive as much as possible and find some encouragement to get us through this."

In two games since arriving in a trade with the Washington Mystics, Sykes has averaged 20.5 points. That gives the Storm three prolific scorers with Nneka Ogwumike (17.9 ppg) and Skylar Diggins (16.1 ppg).

--Field Level Media