Atlanta Dream Edge Phoenix Mercury in Close Contest
Sunday, May 24, 2026, 3:00 PM ET · Gateway Center
Atlanta Dream 82, Phoenix Mercury 80, 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 Phoenix Mercury vs Atlanta Dream?
Atlanta Dream beat Phoenix Mercury 82-80 at Gateway Center on May 24, 2026.
Who was favored in Phoenix Mercury vs Atlanta Dream?
Atlanta Dream were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -238 (about 70% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling encounter at the Gateway Center, the Atlanta Dream narrowly defeated the Phoenix Mercury with a final score of 82-80. This victory extends Atlanta's dominance over Phoenix in their recent matchups, as the Dream have now won all three meetings this season, including previous victories of 90-79, 95-72, and 74-66.
The Dream entered this game with a strong home record of 4-1, showcasing their prowess at home. Their recent form has been solid, with a record of 6-4 over the last ten games, and they are currently on a one-game winning streak. Atlanta has averaged 81.0 points per game while allowing 78.1 points, indicating a balanced offensive and defensive performance. In their last five games, they have scored an average of 82.0 points while allowing 79.8.
On the other hand, the Phoenix Mercury have struggled this season, holding a 2-5 record away from home and a 4-6 record overall in their last ten games. They are currently on a two-game losing streak, having averaged 89.9 points scored but allowing 87.8 points during this stretch. Their last five games have seen them average 86.4 points scored and 92.2 allowed, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities.
In terms of injuries, the Dream were without Brionna Jones due to a leg injury. The Mercury faced a more significant challenge, missing Kelsey Plum (lower leg), Kahleah Copper (ankle), and three other players due to non-injury-related reasons: Valeriane Ayayi, Kyara Linskens, and Jovana Nogic. The absence of these key players has undoubtedly impacted Phoenix's performance.
The betting market reflected Atlanta's favored status, with DraftKings listing the Dream at -5.5 on the spread, a money line of -238. The total for the game was set at 168.5, with odds of -108 for the over and -112 for the under. This indicates a close contest was anticipated, and the final score aligned with those expectations.
The game conditions were competitive, with both teams trading leads throughout. In the fourth quarter, the Dream managed to secure their lead with crucial plays, including a three-point jumper from Rhyne Howard, which pushed Atlanta ahead 79-75. The Mercury fought back with a three-pointer from Kahleah Copper, narrowing the gap, but Atlanta maintained their composure in the closing moments, securing the victory with free throws from Allisha Gray and Angel Reese.
Viewers should have noted the intensity of the match, particularly in the fourth quarter, where scoring plays were critical. The Dream's ability to execute under pressure, especially with their key players stepping up in the clutch, was a significant factor in their win. The final moments showcased both teams' resilience, with the Dream ultimately holding on for the narrow victory.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | ATL -5.5 | 168.5 o -108 / u -112 | Phoenix Mercury +195 · Atlanta Dream -238 |
Injury report
- Brionna JonesOutLegAtlanta Dream
- Kelsey PlumOutLower LegPhoenix Mercury
- Kahleah CopperOutAnklePhoenix Mercury
- Valeriane AyayiOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
- Kyara LinskensOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
- Jovana NogicOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
Leaders
- PointsRhyne Howard21Atlanta Dream
- AssistsJordin Canada14Atlanta Dream
- ReboundsAngel Reese10Atlanta Dream
- PointsAlyssa Thomas20Phoenix Mercury
- AssistsAlyssa Thomas7Phoenix Mercury
- ReboundsAlyssa Thomas12Phoenix Mercury
Recent form
Atlanta Dream
Last 10: 6-4Streak W181 scored · 78.1 allowed per game2-3 at home
- W86-69vs Dallas WingsMay 22
- L84-85vs Las Vegas AcesMay 17
- W77-72at Dallas WingsMay 13
- W91-90at Minnesota LynxMay 10
- 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
Phoenix Mercury
Last 10: 4-6Streak L289.9 scored · 87.8 allowed per game1-1 away
- L88-97vs Los Angeles SparksMay 22
- L90-98vs Toronto TempoMay 20
- W91-83vs Chicago SkyMay 16
- L84-88vs Minnesota LynxMay 13
- L79-95at Golden State ValkyriesMay 11
- W99-66at Las Vegas AcesMay 9
- W86-60vs JAPANApr 30
- W108-104vs Chicago SkyApr 25
- L86-97vs Las Vegas AcesOct 11
- L88-90vs Las Vegas AcesOct 9
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
Box score
| Stat | Phoenix Mercury | Atlanta Dream |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 29-66 | 30-68 |
| Field goal % | 44 | 44 |
| Three-pointers | 4-21 | 11-26 |
| Three-point % | 19 | 42 |
| Free throws | 18-19 | 11-21 |
| Free throw % | 95 | 52 |
| Rebounds | 36 | 38 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 27 | 26 |
| Assists | 14 | 22 |
| Steals | 8 | 9 |
| Blocks | 6 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 14 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 2 | 2 |
| Technical fouls, total | 2 | 2 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 2 |
| Points off turnovers | 15 | 12 |
| Fast-break points | 6 | 21 |
| Points in the paint | 42 | 38 |
| Fouls | 19 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 15 | 4 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 95 | 3 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter46-42Jordin Canada makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter48-42Alyssa Thomas makes 12-foot jumper (Noemie Brochant assists)
- 3rd Quarter48-45Rhyne Howard makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jordin Canada assists)
- 3rd Quarter48-47Angel Reese makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter50-47Noemie Brochant makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter50-49Jordin Canada makes running layup
- 3rd Quarter53-49Kyara Linskens makes 23-foot three point jumper (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 3rd Quarter55-49Kyara Linskens makes 3-foot layup (Kiana Williams assists)
- 3rd Quarter57-49DeWanna Bonner makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter57-52Rhyne Howard makes 25-foot running jump shot (Jordin Canada assists)
- 4th Quarter57-54Allisha Gray makes running layup (Angel Reese assists)
- 4th Quarter58-54Kyara Linskens makes free throw flagrant 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter59-54Kyara Linskens makes free throw flagrant 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter60-54Kiana Williams makes free throw flagrant 1 of 3
- 4th Quarter61-54Kiana Williams makes free throw flagrant 2 of 3
- 4th Quarter62-54Kiana Williams makes free throw flagrant 3 of 3
- 4th Quarter64-54Alyssa Thomas makes 13-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter64-56Angel Reese makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter66-56Natasha Mack makes 3-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter66-58Angel Reese makes driving layup (Jordin Canada assists)
- 4th Quarter68-58Alyssa Thomas makes 8-foot turnaround jump shot
- 4th Quarter70-58DeWanna Bonner makes running layup
- 4th Quarter70-61Te-Hina Paopao makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jordin Canada assists)
- 4th Quarter70-64Rhyne Howard makes 24-foot running jump shot (Te-Hina Paopao assists)
- 4th Quarter72-64Alyssa Thomas makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter73-64Kahleah Copper makes technical free throw
- 4th Quarter73-66Allisha Gray makes running layup (Jordin Canada assists)
- 4th Quarter75-66Kahleah Copper makes 14-foot pullup jump shot (DeWanna Bonner assists)
- 4th Quarter75-68Angel Reese makes 3-foot layup (Jordin Canada assists)
- 4th Quarter75-70Allisha Gray makes 4-foot two point shot (Angel Reese assists)
- 4th Quarter75-73Isobel Borlase makes 24-foot running jump shot (Jordin Canada assists)
- 4th Quarter75-75Jordin Canada makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter75-76Jordin Canada makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter75-79Rhyne Howard makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jordin Canada assists)
- 4th Quarter78-79Kahleah Copper makes 25-foot three point jumper (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 4th Quarter78-80Angel Reese makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter78-81Allisha Gray makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter78-82Allisha Gray makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter79-82Kahleah Copper makes free throw 1 of 3
- 4th Quarter80-82Kahleah Copper makes free throw 2 of 3
Win probability
Above the line favours Atlanta Dream, below favours Phoenix Mercury.
Venue
- Gateway CenterCollege Park, GA
- Attendance3575
- OfficialsMarcy Williams, Clare Simmons, Sarah Williams
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WNBA rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Atlanta Dream Defeats Phoenix Mercury 99-89Aug 22, 2026
- Atlanta Dream Defeats Phoenix Mercury 96-82Aug 5, 2026