Atlanta Dream Edges Minnesota Lynx in Close Contest
Saturday, May 9, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Target Center
Atlanta Dream 91, Minnesota Lynx 90, final. Our WNBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Atlanta Dream vs Minnesota Lynx?
Atlanta Dream beat Minnesota Lynx 91-90 at Target Center on May 9, 2026.
Who was favored in Atlanta Dream vs Minnesota Lynx?
Atlanta Dream were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -218 (about 69% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling matchup at Target Center, the Atlanta Dream narrowly defeated the Minnesota Lynx with a final score of 91-90. This game marked the beginning of the season for the Lynx, who now hold a record of 0-1, while the Dream improved to 2-0, having previously won their season opener. The fixture was noteworthy not only for the close scoreline but also for its implications in the ongoing series, where the Dream now leads 2-1 against the Lynx.
Both teams showcased their strengths and weaknesses throughout the game. The Lynx, despite their loss, have been in solid form, with a recent record of 7-3 over their last ten games, including a three-game winning streak prior to this match. They averaged 80.8 points scored and allowed 73.8 points during this stretch. Their home record stands at 5-1, indicating a strong performance on their court, although they could not capitalize on this home advantage against the Dream.
The Dream, on the other hand, have also shown impressive form, boasting a similar record of 7-3 in their last ten games but coming off a loss in their most recent outing. They averaged 84.2 points scored while allowing 76.3 points. Their away record is particularly notable at 3-1, showcasing their ability to compete effectively outside of their home venue.
In terms of previous meetings, the Lynx and Dream have faced each other three times in the last season, with the Dream winning two of those encounters. The last matchup before this game occurred on August 21, 2025, where the Lynx lost 73-75 on the road. The last time they met at Target Center, the Dream also secured a victory with a score of 86-90.
Injuries played a role in the dynamics of the game, particularly for the Lynx, who were without Elena Buenavida, Antonia Delaere, and Dorka Juhasz due to various reasons, including a coach's decision and non-injury related issues. The Dream also faced a setback with Brionna Jones out due to a leg injury. These absences could have influenced the strategies employed by both teams during this closely contested game.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Dream favored by 5.5 points, with a total set at 160.5. The odds for the over and under were both listed at -110. The moneyline reflected the Dream as the favorites at -218, while the Lynx were positioned at +180. These odds indicated a belief in the Dream's ability to perform well, although the final outcome was much tighter than expected.
The game conditions were typical for a WNBA matchup, with both teams looking to establish their rhythm early. The Lynx were expected to leverage their home advantage, while the Dream aimed to continue their strong start to the season. Fans were treated to a back-and-forth contest, with scoring plays that highlighted the skills of both teams. Notable moments included a crucial three-point jumper by Kayla McBride that briefly put the Lynx ahead, and a late-game driving layup by Jordin Canada that helped secure the win for the Dream.
As the game progressed, viewers were advised to watch for the tactical adjustments made by both coaches, particularly in the fourth quarter where the lead changed hands multiple times. The final moments were especially tense, culminating in Te-Hina Paopao's pull-up jump shot that sealed the victory for Atlanta.
Overall, the game was a testament to the competitive spirit of both teams, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead in the WNBA.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | ATL -5.5 | 160.5 o -110 / u -110 | Atlanta Dream -218 · Minnesota Lynx +180 |
Injury report
- Elena BuenavidaOutCoach's DecisionMinnesota Lynx
- Antonia DelaereOutNot Injury RelatedMinnesota Lynx
- Dorka JuhaszOutNot Injury RelatedMinnesota Lynx
- Brionna JonesOutLegAtlanta Dream
Leaders
- PointsOlivia Miles21Minnesota Lynx
- AssistsOlivia Miles8Minnesota Lynx
- ReboundsCourtney Williams6Minnesota Lynx
- PointsAllisha Gray24Atlanta Dream
- AssistsJordin Canada6Atlanta Dream
- ReboundsAngel Reese14Atlanta Dream
Recent form
Minnesota Lynx
Last 10: 7-3Streak W380.8 scored · 73.8 allowed per game5-1 at home
- W73-66vs Toronto TempoMay 2
- W88-79vs NIGERIAApr 28
- W77-66at Washington MysticsApr 25
- L81-86at Phoenix MercurySep 29
- L76-84at Phoenix MercurySep 27
- L83-89vs Phoenix MercurySep 23
- W82-69vs Phoenix MercurySep 21
- W75-74at Golden State ValkyriesSep 18
- W101-72vs Golden State ValkyriesSep 14
- W72-53vs Golden State ValkyriesSep 12
Atlanta Dream
Last 10: 7-3Streak L184.2 scored · 76.3 allowed per game3-1 away
- L72-83vs Washington MysticsMay 3
- W87-78at Chicago SkyApr 29
- L85-87vs Indiana FeverSep 18
- L60-77at Indiana FeverSep 16
- W80-68vs Indiana FeverSep 14
- W88-72at Connecticut SunSep 10
- W87-62vs Connecticut SunSep 8
- W104-85vs Los Angeles SparksSep 5
- W86-75vs Los Angeles SparksSep 3
- W93-76at Connecticut SunSep 1
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | - | 14 | W1 | .650 | 26 |
| Indiana | - | 14 | W2 | .650 | 26 |
| New York | 2 | 16 | W1 | .600 | 24 |
| Washington | 2 | 16 | L1 | .600 | 24 |
| Chicago | 11 | 25 | L3 | .375 | 15 |
| Toronto | 15 | 29 | L4 | .275 | 11 |
| Connecticut | 16 | 30 | L3 | .250 | 10 |
| Minnesota | - | 9 | L2 | .775 | 31 |
| Golden State | 2 | 11 | W4 | .725 | 29 |
| Las Vegas | 4 | 13 | W3 | .675 | 27 |
| Dallas | 7 | 16 | W4 | .600 | 24 |
| Portland | 15 | 24 | L1 | .400 | 16 |
| Los Angeles | 16 | 25 | W2 | .375 | 15 |
| Phoenix | 17 | 26 | W1 | .350 | 14 |
| Seattle | 23 | 32 | L1 | .200 | 8 |
Box score
| Stat | Atlanta Dream | Minnesota Lynx |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 31-73 | 35-70 |
| Field goal % | 42 | 50 |
| Three-pointers | 7-29 | 5-18 |
| Three-point % | 24 | 28 |
| Free throws | 22-30 | 15-22 |
| Free throw % | 73 | 68 |
| Rebounds | 46 | 25 |
| Offensive rebounds | 19 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 27 | 18 |
| Assists | 22 | 20 |
| Steals | 9 | 10 |
| Blocks | 6 | 7 |
| Turnovers | 20 | 15 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 27 | 15 |
| Fast-break points | 14 | 13 |
| Points in the paint | 46 | 46 |
| Fouls | 18 | 24 |
| Largest lead | 1 | 19 |
| Lead changes | 1 | 1 |
| Time in front | 1 | 96 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter57-58Allisha Gray makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter57-60Emma Cechova makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter57-63Olivia Miles makes 24-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 3rd Quarter58-63Madina Okot makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter59-63Madina Okot makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter59-65Emma Cechova makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter59-67Anastasiia Olairi Kosu makes 2-foot layup (Olivia Miles assists)
- 3rd Quarter60-67Jordin Canada makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter61-67Jordin Canada makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter63-67Allisha Gray makes 2-foot layup (Jordin Canada assists)
- 3rd Quarter63-69Emma Cechova makes 2-foot layup (Olivia Miles assists)
- 3rd Quarter63-70Olivia Miles makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter63-71Olivia Miles makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter63-72Olivia Miles makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter63-73Olivia Miles makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter65-73Naz Hillmon makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter67-73Te-Hina Paopao makes 3-foot floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter67-75Emese Hof makes 1-foot reverse layup (Olivia Miles assists)
- 4th Quarter68-75Angel Reese makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter68-77Courtney Williams makes 16-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter70-77Jordin Canada makes driving layup (Rhyne Howard assists)
- 4th Quarter72-77Angel Reese makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter74-77Angel Reese makes running layup (Jordin Canada assists)
- 4th Quarter74-79Emma Cechova makes 3-foot two point shot (Courtney Williams assists)
- 4th Quarter75-79Rhyne Howard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter76-79Rhyne Howard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter76-81Anastasiia Olairi Kosu makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter76-83Olivia Miles makes 2-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter77-83Rhyne Howard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter78-83Rhyne Howard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter78-85Olivia Miles makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter80-85Naz Hillmon makes layup (Angel Reese assists)
- 4th Quarter82-85Naz Hillmon makes layup (Rhyne Howard assists)
- 4th Quarter85-85Naz Hillmon makes 22-foot three point jumper (Jordin Canada assists)
- 4th Quarter85-87Kayla McBride makes 2-foot layup (Olivia Miles assists)
- 4th Quarter86-87Allisha Gray makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter87-87Allisha Gray makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter87-90Kayla McBride makes 23-foot three point jumper (Nia Coffey assists)
- 4th Quarter89-90Jordin Canada makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter91-90Te-Hina Paopao makes 16-foot pullup jump shot (Naz Hillmon assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Minnesota Lynx, below favours Atlanta Dream.
Venue
- Target CenterMinneapolis, MN
- Attendance10821
- OfficialsRoy Gulbeyan, Tyler Mirkovich, Blanca Burns
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WNBA rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Dream Defeat Lynx in Thrilling WNBA ClashAug 30, 2026
- Lynx Defeat Dream 96-81 at Target CenterMay 27, 2026