Atlanta Dream Defeats Phoenix Mercury 99-89
Saturday, August 22, 2026, 10:00 PM ET · Mortgage Matchup Center
Atlanta Dream 99, Phoenix Mercury 89, final. Our WNBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won Atlanta Dream vs Phoenix Mercury?
Atlanta Dream beat Phoenix Mercury 99-89 at Mortgage Matchup Center on August 22, 2026.
Who was favored in Atlanta Dream vs Phoenix Mercury?
Atlanta Dream were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -360 (about 78% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup at the Mortgage Matchup Center, the Atlanta Dream triumphed over the Phoenix Mercury with a final score of 99-89. This victory extends Atlanta's dominance in their series against Phoenix, marking their fifth consecutive win over the Mercury, with Atlanta winning all three matchups this season.
The Atlanta Dream entered the game with a strong record of 24-13, having won their last two games and showcasing an impressive scoring average of 96.0 points over their last ten games. Their recent form has seen them secure victories against teams such as the Los Angeles Sparks and the Las Vegas Aces. In contrast, the Phoenix Mercury, with a record of 13-24, have struggled, finishing their last ten games with a 5-5 record and experiencing a recent loss to the Portland Fire. The Mercury's scoring average during this stretch was 85.5 points, but they also allowed an average of 87.0 points per game, indicating defensive vulnerabilities.
Home and away performances further highlight the contrasting trajectories of the two teams. The Mercury have a home record of 2-2 in their last four games, while the Dream have excelled with a 4-1 record in their last five away games. Historically, the Mercury have been unable to overcome the Dream in their recent encounters, suffering losses in all five previous matchups, including two this season alone.
In terms of injuries, the Mercury faced significant challenges, with key players Kelsey Plum, Kahleah Copper, Valeriane Ayayi, Kyara Linskens, and Jovana Nogic all sidelined. This absence of talent undoubtedly impacted their performance. The Dream also had a notable injury, with Brionna Jones out due to a leg issue, but they have managed to maintain their strong form despite this setback.
The betting market reflected the expectations surrounding the game, with DraftKings listing the Dream as 8.5-point favorites and setting the total at 177.5 points. The odds indicated a strong belief in the Dream's ability to secure a comfortable victory, which they ultimately did.
The game was played under standard basketball conditions, with both teams competing in front of their respective fans. Viewers were treated to a competitive atmosphere, as both teams fought hard for every point. Notable scoring plays included a crucial three-point jumper by Noemie Brochant in the fourth quarter, which helped maintain Atlanta's lead, and a series of free throws by Angel Reese that solidified the Dream's position.
Overall, the Atlanta Dream's victory over the Phoenix Mercury not only extends their winning streak against their rivals but also reinforces their position as a formidable contender in the WNBA. The Mercury will need to regroup and address their injury issues if they hope to improve their standing in the league.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | ATL -8.5 | 177.5 o -108 / u -112 | Atlanta Dream -360 · Phoenix Mercury +285 |
Injury report
- Kelsey PlumOutLower LegPhoenix Mercury
- Kahleah CopperOutAnklePhoenix Mercury
- Valeriane AyayiOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
- Kyara LinskensOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
- Jovana NogicOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
- Brionna JonesOutLegAtlanta Dream
Leaders
- PointsKahleah Copper38Phoenix Mercury
- AssistsAlyssa Thomas10Phoenix Mercury
- ReboundsAlyssa Thomas16Phoenix Mercury
- PointsAngel Reese31Atlanta Dream
- AssistsIsobel Borlase6Atlanta Dream
- ReboundsAngel Reese14Atlanta Dream
Recent form
Phoenix Mercury
Last 10: 5-5Streak L185.5 scored · 87 allowed per game2-2 at home
- L85-88vs Portland FireAug 16
- W94-87at Los Angeles SparksAug 12
- L75-95at Washington MysticsAug 9
- L72-75at Connecticut SunAug 7
- L82-96at Atlanta DreamAug 5
- W106-101at Chicago SkyAug 4
- L92-94vs New York LibertyAug 1
- W91-89vs Golden State ValkyriesJul 30
- W86-82at Los Angeles SparksJul 22
- W72-63vs Connecticut SunJul 19
Atlanta Dream
Last 10: 7-3Streak W296 scored · 86.9 allowed per game4-1 away
- W124-88at Los Angeles SparksAug 21
- W97-82at Las Vegas AcesAug 19
- L91-95vs Indiana FeverAug 16
- W104-69at Connecticut SunAug 13
- W107-95vs Toronto TempoAug 11
- L74-79at Washington MysticsAug 7
- W96-82vs Phoenix MercuryAug 5
- L87-109vs Las Vegas AcesAug 3
- W98-89vs Seattle StormJul 31
- W82-81at Dallas WingsJul 30
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 | Phoenix Mercury |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 37-76 | 29-62 |
| Field goal % | 49 | 47 |
| Three-pointers | 11-38 | 11-23 |
| Three-point % | 29 | 48 |
| Free throws | 14-16 | 20-25 |
| Free throw % | 88 | 80 |
| Rebounds | 32 | 35 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 24 | 28 |
| Assists | 24 | 22 |
| Steals | 12 | 5 |
| Blocks | 3 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 8 | 16 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 7 | 18 |
| Fast-break points | 11 | 7 |
| Points in the paint | 48 | 30 |
| Fouls | 24 | 18 |
| Largest lead | 16 | 0 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 99 | 0 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter65-60Angel Reese makes driving layup (Jordin Canada assists)
- 3rd Quarter65-63Kahleah Copper makes 25-foot three point jumper (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 3rd Quarter67-63Angel Reese makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter68-63Jordin Canada makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter69-63Jordin Canada makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter69-66Lexi Held makes 26-foot three point jumper (Kahleah Copper assists)
- 3rd Quarter69-68Alyssa Thomas makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter70-68Madina Okot makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter71-68Madina Okot makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter73-68Rhyne Howard makes 10-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter73-70Kahleah Copper makes 5-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter75-70Angel Reese makes driving layup (Jordin Canada assists)
- 4th Quarter76-70Rhyne Howard makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter79-70Naz Hillmon makes 25-foot three point jumper (Rhyne Howard assists)
- 4th Quarter79-71DeWanna Bonner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter79-72DeWanna Bonner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter81-72Angel Reese makes 2-foot layup (Rhyne Howard assists)
- 4th Quarter81-74Alyssa Thomas makes 7-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter81-75Alyssa Thomas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter84-75Jordin Canada makes 24-foot three point jumper (Allisha Gray assists)
- 4th Quarter84-76DeWanna Bonner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter84-77DeWanna Bonner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter85-77Jordin Canada makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter86-77Jordin Canada makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter86-79Alyssa Thomas makes driving layup (DeWanna Bonner assists)
- 4th Quarter88-79Angel Reese makes 2-foot layup (Allisha Gray assists)
- 4th Quarter89-79Allisha Gray makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter90-79Allisha Gray makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter90-81Kahleah Copper makes 1-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter90-82Kahleah Copper makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter90-83Kahleah Copper makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter92-83Angel Reese makes 4-foot two point shot (Naz Hillmon assists)
- 4th Quarter92-86Noemie Brochant makes 23-foot three point jumper (Sami Whitcomb assists)
- 4th Quarter94-86Angel Reese makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter95-86Angel Reese makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter95-87Kahleah Copper makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter96-87Angel Reese makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter97-87Angel Reese makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter99-87Rhyne Howard makes 17-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter99-89DeWanna Bonner makes 12-foot pullup jump shot (Sami Whitcomb assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Phoenix Mercury, below favours Atlanta Dream.
Venue
- Mortgage Matchup CenterPhoenix, AZ
- Attendance12431
- OfficialsToni Patillo, Kevin Fahy, Genesis Perrymond
Elsewhere
- Stephen A. on Cathy Engelbert announcing retirement: 'About time'
- 'The Golics' reacts to Cathy Engelbert's retirement announcement
- WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert to retire after season
- Clark, Howard lead U.S. rout of China in women's World Cup opener
- How the US basketball system has shaped Nigeria's D'Tigress
- Nigeria's D'Tigress at the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup - Everything You Need to Know
- Portland Fire's Amy Okonkwo targets medal with Nigeria at FIBA Women's World Cup
- Kanter Freedom files suit against Sky, Wintrust Arena owners