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Streaking Aces, Rising Dream to Battle for Second Place in WNBA
The Las Vegas Aces and Atlanta Dream enter Wednesday night’s showdown with plenty at stake. Both teams are comfortably in the playoff picture, but the outcome could determine which club secures the second seed — a huge advantage in postseason positioning.
Las Vegas (25-14) comes in red-hot, riding an 11-game winning streak capped by a gritty 79-74 road win over the Chicago Sky. That victory officially clinched their playoff berth and pushed them into a tie for second with Atlanta (24-13), who just set a franchise record for wins after beating the New York Liberty 78-62.
With the postseason looming, both squads are looking not just for wins, but for momentum, confidence, and proof that they can challenge the Liberty for WNBA supremacy.
The Aces’ winning formula
Las Vegas has been the league’s hottest team since early August. Becky Hammon’s squad has rediscovered its balance, with a mix of veteran leadership, star power, and defensive grit fueling the streak.
Jackie Young, who scored 22 points against Chicago, emphasized the team’s growth:
“Back in early June, we probably would have lost this game. But it shows our growth throughout the year, how we can grind out a win. They’re not all going to be pretty.”
The Aces’ winning streak hasn’t been built solely on offense. They’ve tightened up defensively, holding opponents to an average of just 74.8 points during the run.
Aces’ key stretch during win streak
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Win Streak | 11 games |
| Points Allowed per Game | 74.8 |
| Avg. Margin of Victory | +10.1 |
| Record vs. Playoff Teams | 6-0 |
A’ja Wilson remains the centerpiece, averaging 22.7 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. With Chelsea Gray facilitating and Kelsey Plum providing perimeter shooting, the Aces have the depth and firepower to match any team in the league.
Atlanta Dream: Breaking records, building belief
While the Aces’ streak has grabbed headlines, the Dream are quietly one of the league’s most improved teams. Their 24th win set a new franchise record, surpassing their previous best of 23 wins back in 2011.
Head coach Karl Smesko has emphasized consistency and focus:
“This is still a really important stretch because I say we’re playing well, and there are probably a handful of other coaches who know their team is playing really well right now, too. It’s hard to get separation.”
Allisha Gray has been Atlanta’s go-to scorer, averaging 18.8 points per game. Against the Liberty, she hit four 3-pointers and paced the Dream with 19 points.
Dream’s franchise-best season snapshot
| Season | Wins | Key Player | Playoff Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 23 | Angel McCoughtry | WNBA Finals |
| 2024 | 24* | Allisha Gray | TBD |
(*franchise record, still ongoing)
Gray’s backcourt partnership with Rhyne Howard gives the Dream one of the league’s most dynamic scoring tandems. Meanwhile, Naz Hillmon and Tina Charles anchor the frontcourt with toughness and rebounding.
Head-to-head: Aces on top
This will be the third meeting between the teams this season, and Las Vegas has taken both so far.
- July 22: Aces 87, Dream 72
- Aug. 19: Aces 74, Dream 72
The first was a comfortable win; the second came down to the final possessions. That progression suggests Atlanta has closed the gap, but they’ll need to finish stronger to flip the result.
Naz Hillmon downplayed the standings focus, noting:
“Our focus is on the next game. We’re worried about what we’re doing to put ourselves in the best overall position, just preparing and putting ourselves in position to win every single night.”
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Key players to watch
Aces
- A’ja Wilson: MVP candidate, dominant scorer and rebounder.
- Jackie Young: Versatile guard capable of controlling tempo.
- Chelsea Gray: Floor general with veteran experience.
Dream
- Allisha Gray: Primary scorer, perimeter threat.
- Rhyne Howard: Breakout star with two-way impact.
- Naz Hillmon: Defensive anchor and emotional leader.
What’s at stake
For Las Vegas, a win extends their win streak to 12 and gives them a strong hold on the second seed. Momentum and confidence are critical for a team that expects to make another Finals run.
For Atlanta, this is a chance to validate their franchise-best season with a statement win. Beating the Aces would not only keep them ahead in the standings but also prove they can hang with the league’s elite heading into the playoffs.
Both teams are secure in the postseason, but this matchup is about more than standings — it’s about sending a message.
Prediction outlook
Las Vegas enters as the hotter team, but Atlanta’s recent form and home-court edge make this one closer than many expect. If the Dream’s defense can slow Wilson and force turnovers, they could pull off a signature win.
Still, the Aces’ experience in big moments may give them the edge in crunch time. Expect a physical, playoff-like atmosphere in Atlanta.
Conclusion
The Las Vegas Aces and Atlanta Dream have taken different paths to this point, but both arrive at Wednesday night’s clash with momentum and belief. The Aces are streaking, the Dream are breaking records, and the outcome could determine who holds the upper hand in the playoff race.
For fans, this is more than a late-season matchup. It’s a preview of playoff intensity, a test of resilience, and a battle for positioning among the WNBA’s top contenders.
