Atlanta Dream Defeats Phoenix Mercury 96-82
Wednesday, August 5, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Gateway Center
Atlanta Dream 96, Phoenix Mercury 82, 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 96-82 at Gateway Center on August 5, 2026.
Who was favored in Phoenix Mercury vs Atlanta Dream?
Atlanta Dream were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -250 (about 71% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup, the Atlanta Dream triumphed over the Phoenix Mercury with a final score of 96-82 at the Gateway Center. This victory solidifies Atlanta's dominance in the series, as they have now won all four encounters against Phoenix this season, including three previous meetings this year. The Dream's ability to maintain control throughout the game was evident, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they consistently extended their lead.
Atlanta entered the game with a strong home record of 19-11, while Phoenix struggled with a 12-20 record overall. The Dream's recent form showed a mixed bag, with a record of 6-4 in their last ten games but having lost their most recent outing against the Las Vegas Aces 87-109. They averaged 91.2 points scored and allowed 90.3 points during this stretch. In contrast, the Mercury had a record of 4-6 in their last ten games, winning their most recent match against the Chicago Sky 106-101. Phoenix averaged 84.3 points scored and allowed 90.4 points during their recent games.
At home, the Dream had a record of 4-3 in their last seven games, while Phoenix had a 2-4 record in their last six away games. The matchup was particularly significant for both teams, as Atlanta aimed to secure their playoff position, while Phoenix sought to build on their recent win.
In terms of injuries, the Dream were missing Brionna Jones due to a leg issue. The Mercury faced a more significant injury crisis, with Kelsey Plum, Kahleah Copper, Valeriane Ayayi, Kyara Linskens, and Jovana Nogic all sidelined for various reasons, impacting their depth and overall performance.
The betting market reflected Atlanta's strong position, with DraftKings setting the odds at ATL -6.5 for the spread and a total of 182.5 for the game. The home money line was listed at -250.0, while Phoenix's money line was at 205.0, indicating a clear expectation of an Atlanta win.
The game conditions were favorable for both teams, and viewers were treated to a competitive atmosphere. The Dream's strategy focused on leveraging their home-court advantage, while the Mercury attempted to adapt without key players. As the game progressed, Atlanta's consistent scoring and defensive efforts proved too much for Phoenix, who struggled to keep pace.
With this victory, the Atlanta Dream not only reinforced their position in the league but also continued their impressive streak against the Mercury, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | ATL -6.5 | 182.5 o -108 / u -112 | Phoenix Mercury +205 · Atlanta Dream -250 |
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 Howard23Atlanta Dream
- AssistsRhyne Howard8Atlanta Dream
- ReboundsAngel Reese10Atlanta Dream
- PointsKelsey Plum19Phoenix Mercury
- AssistsAlyssa Thomas7Phoenix Mercury
- ReboundsDeWanna Bonner11Phoenix Mercury
Recent form
Atlanta Dream
Last 10: 6-4Streak L191.2 scored · 90.3 allowed per game4-3 at home
- L87-109vs Las Vegas AcesAug 3
- W98-89vs Seattle StormJul 31
- W82-81at Dallas WingsJul 30
- W93-91vs Chicago SkyJul 19
- W111-92at Toronto TempoJul 17
- W101-92vs Los Angeles SparksJul 13
- L92-102vs Portland FireJul 11
- W89-78vs Seattle StormJul 10
- L83-88vs Golden State ValkyriesJul 4
- L76-81at Washington MysticsJul 2
Phoenix Mercury
Last 10: 4-6Streak W184.3 scored · 90.4 allowed per game2-2 away
- 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
- L83-96vs Connecticut SunJul 18
- L100-104at Minnesota LynxJul 14
- L58-106at Las Vegas AcesJul 11
- L89-92vs Indiana FeverJul 10
- L66-77vs Chicago SkyJul 8
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 | 26-64 | 33-70 |
| Field goal % | 41 | 47 |
| Three-pointers | 7-24 | 14-33 |
| Three-point % | 29 | 42 |
| Free throws | 23-26 | 16-17 |
| Free throw % | 88 | 94 |
| Rebounds | 28 | 38 |
| Offensive rebounds | 4 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 24 | 31 |
| Assists | 22 | 29 |
| Steals | 4 | 3 |
| Blocks | 2 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 11 | 11 |
| Fast-break points | 7 | 10 |
| Points in the paint | 36 | 36 |
| Fouls | 13 | 22 |
| Largest lead | 0 | 20 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 0 | 98 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter51-61Angel Reese makes running layup (Allisha Gray assists)
- 3rd Quarter51-63Jordin Canada makes 1-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter51-66Naz Hillmon makes 24-foot three point jumper (Isobel Borlase assists)
- 3rd Quarter53-66Alyssa Thomas makes 5-foot layup (Noemie Brochant assists)
- 3rd Quarter53-68Naz Hillmon makes layup (Brionna Jones assists)
- 3rd Quarter53-69Rhyne Howard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter53-70Rhyne Howard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter56-70Sami Whitcomb makes 24-foot three point jumper (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 3rd Quarter56-73Rhyne Howard makes 24-foot three pointer (Angel Reese assists)
- 3rd Quarter56-76Jaylyn Sherrod makes 22-foot three point jumper (Rhyne Howard assists)
- 3rd Quarter59-76Sami Whitcomb makes 25-foot three point jumper (Kahleah Copper assists)
- 3rd Quarter60-76Kahleah Copper makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter61-76Kahleah Copper makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter62-76Alyssa Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter63-76Alyssa Thomas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter63-78Angel Reese makes driving layup (Isobel Borlase assists)
- 3rd Quarter66-78Sami Whitcomb makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 3rd Quarter66-81Jordin Canada makes 23-foot three point jumper (Allisha Gray assists)
- 4th Quarter66-83Allisha Gray makes two point shot (Rhyne Howard assists)
- 4th Quarter66-84Allisha Gray makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter68-84Valeriane Ayayi makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter68-85Jordin Canada makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter69-85DeWanna Bonner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter70-85DeWanna Bonner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter70-88Jordin Canada makes 24-foot three pointer (Brionna Jones assists)
- 4th Quarter72-88Noemie Brochant makes 4-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter72-90Brionna Jones makes 2-foot layup (Jordin Canada assists)
- 4th Quarter73-90Kelsey Plum makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter74-90Kelsey Plum makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter76-90Kahleah Copper makes two point shot (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 4th Quarter76-92Jordin Canada makes 3-foot two point shot (Rhyne Howard assists)
- 4th Quarter77-92Kelsey Plum makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter78-92Kelsey Plum makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter80-92Kelsey Plum makes 4-foot two point shot (Kahleah Copper assists)
- 4th Quarter80-93Jordin Canada makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter80-94Jordin Canada makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter80-95Jordin Canada makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter80-96Jordin Canada makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter81-96DeWanna Bonner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter82-96DeWanna Bonner makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Atlanta Dream, below favours Phoenix Mercury.
Venue
- Gateway CenterCollege Park, GA
- Attendance3575
- OfficialsAngelica Suffren, Tiara Cruse, Jason Alabanza
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WNBA rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Atlanta Dream Defeats Phoenix Mercury 99-89Aug 22, 2026
- Atlanta Dream Edge Phoenix Mercury in Close ContestMay 24, 2026