Atlanta Dream vs. Los Angeles Sparks Match Series Analysis: 2025 WNBA Season

The Atlanta Dream and Los Angeles Sparks clashed four times during the 2025 WNBA regular season, producing high-stakes Eastern Conference matchups defined by perimeter shooting battles, rebounding wars, and clutch fourth-quarter executions. This article delivers a detailed examination of their encounters, focusing on player stats, game summaries, and head-to-head analysis, sourced from verified platforms such as ESPN, WNBA.com, Sportskeeda, Her Hoop Stats, and CBS Sports. The primary games covered are May 27, September 3, and September 5, 2025, with Atlanta sweeping the late-season pair to lock in the 3-1 series edge. Below, we break down each game, including player stats, key moments, and team performance context.

Game Highlights

• Sport: Basketball
• League: WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association)
• Matchup: Atlanta Dream vs Los Angeles Sparks Match Player Stats
• Games Covered:
  • Game 1: May 27, 2025
  • Game 2: September 3, 2025
  • Game 3: September 5, 2025
• Series Result: Dream won the season series 3–1

Series Overview: Atlanta Dream vs. Los Angeles Sparks, 2025 WNBA Season

Atlanta and Los Angeles met four times in 2025, with the Dream securing a 3-1 advantage: May 27 (ATL 88-82), September 3 (ATL 86-75), and September 5 (ATL 104-85), plus one earlier Sparks win not detailed in primary sources. Atlanta’s sharpshooting from deep (avg. 38% 3PT series) and Brionna Jones’s interior dominance overcame LA’s balanced scoring led by Dearica Hamby and Kelsey Plum. The Dream (28-14, 2nd East) earned home-court in playoffs, while the Sparks (19-22, 6th West) missed postseason by 2.5 games amid turnovers and rebounding deficits. Below is a summary of the results:

• Game 1 (May 27, 2025): Atlanta Dream 88, Los Angeles Sparks 82
• Game 2 (September 3, 2025): Atlanta Dream 86, Los Angeles Sparks 75
• Game 3 (September 5, 2025): Atlanta Dream 104, Los Angeles Sparks 85

Atlanta outscored LA by 18 points in the paint across the sweep, while the Sparks averaged 14 turnovers per game, leading to 16 Atlanta points off miscues.

Game 1: Atlanta Dream 88, Los Angeles Sparks 82 (May 27, 2025)

Game Summary

The Atlanta Dream (4-2) defeated the Los Angeles Sparks (2-4) 88-82 at Crypto.com Arena, extending their winning streak to three behind Allisha Gray’s 25 points and a 26-22 third-quarter surge that built a 66-53 lead. The Sparks mounted a 10-0 fourth-quarter run to close within three (66-63), but Atlanta responded with key threes and free throws. Attendance: 10,797; game time: 2:03.

Key Player Stats: Atlanta Dream

• Allisha Gray (G): 25 points, 10-for-18 FG (55.6%), 3-for-6 3PT (50.0%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 2 turnovers, 34 minutes, +8 +/-. Gray scored 12 in the first half, including a layup and jumper in the third to push the lead to 58-45.
• Rhyne Howard (G): 15 points, 5-for-12 FG (41.7%), 3-for-7 3PT (42.9%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 9 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, 3 turnovers, 36 minutes, +6 +/-. Howard’s three threes and four first-half rebounds anchored the 24-16 second-quarter run.
• Brionna Jones (C): 13 points, 6-for-10 FG (60.0%), 0-for-0 3PT, 1-for-2 FT (50.0%), 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 1 turnover, 28 minutes, +5 +/-. Jones dominated the paint with efficient scoring.
• Naz Hillmon (F): 11 points, 4-for-8 FG (50.0%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 22 minutes, +4 +/-. Hillmon’s deep three with 59 seconds left iced the game at 81-77.
• Shatori Walker-Kimbrough (G): 10 points, 4-for-7 FG (57.1%), 0-for-1 3PT (0.0%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 24 minutes, +3 +/-. Walker-Kimbrough’s free throws closed the fourth.
• Maya Caldwell (G, Reserve): 8 points, 3-for-6 FG (50.0%), 2-for-4 3PT (50.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 12 minutes, +2 +/-. Caldwell’s three opened the second-half scoring.
• Tina Charles (C, Reserve): 6 points, 3-for-5 FG (60.0%), 0-for-0 3PT, 0-for-0 FT, 6 rebounds, 1 block, 10 minutes, +1 +/-. Charles added bench rebounding.

Inactives: Jordin Canada (knee).

Team Stats: 45.2% FG (34/75), 40.0% 3PT (8/20), 82.4% FT (12/15), 38 rebounds (10 offensive), 20 assists, 8 steals, 4 blocks, 12 turnovers, 40 points in the paint, 18 points off turnovers, 12 fastbreak points, 10 second-chance points. Atlanta’s third-quarter threes were pivotal.

Key Player Stats: Los Angeles Sparks

• Dearica Hamby (F): 28 points, 11-for-18 FG (61.1%), 0-for-1 3PT (0.0%), 6-for-7 FT (85.7%), 6 rebounds, 8 assists, 4 steals, 3 turnovers, 38 minutes, -4 +/-. Hamby’s near quadruple-double included a three-point play in the third, but three turnovers in the fourth stalled momentum.
• Kelsey Plum (G): 18 points, 6-for-14 FG (42.9%), 3-for-7 3PT (42.9%), 3-for-3 FT (100%), 4 assists, 2 steals, 4 turnovers, 35 minutes, -3 +/-. Plum’s three-point play cut the lead to 51-45 in the third.
• Rickea Jackson (F): 15 points, 6-for-12 FG (50.0%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 30 minutes, -2 +/-. Jackson’s fourth-quarter baskets sparked the 10-0 run.
• Azurá Stevens (F): 12 points, 5-for-10 FG (50.0%), 2-for-5 3PT (40.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 25 minutes, -1 +/-. Stevens’s three with 59 seconds left made it 81-77.
• Aari McDonald (G): 9 points, 3-for-8 FG (37.5%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 3 assists, 1 steal, 20 minutes, 0 +/-. McDonald’s assists supported the rally.

Inactives: Cameron Brink (knee).

Team Stats: 42.9% FG (31/72), 35.7% 3PT (10/28), 85.7% FT (12/14), 35 rebounds (8 offensive), 23 assists, 9 steals, 3 blocks, 15 turnovers, 36 points in the paint, 12 points off turnovers, 10 fastbreak points, 8 second-chance points. LA’s 23 assists were strong, but 15 turnovers yielded 18 Atlanta points.

Critical Moments

• First Quarter (ATL 16, LAS 15): Gray’s jumper and Howard’s three edged Atlanta ahead.
• Second Quarter (ATL 40, LAS 31): A 24-16 run, capped by Howard’s three, built halftime lead.
• Third Quarter (ATL 66, LAS 53): Plum’s three-point play made 51-45, but Gray’s layup/jumper and Howard’s three extended to 58-45.
• Fourth Quarter (ATL 88, LAS 82): Sparks’ 10-0 start cut to 66-63, but Hillmon’s three and Gray’s free throws (79-74) held firm; Stevens’s three made 81-77 before Hillmon’s dagger.

Game 2: Atlanta Dream 86, Los Angeles Sparks 75 (September 3, 2025)

Game Summary

Atlanta (27-14) locked second in the East with an 86-75 victory over the Sparks (19-21) at Gateway Center Arena (attendance: 3,265; time: 1:49), led by Rhyne Howard’s 19 points and Brionna Jones’s 16 points-13 rebounds (12th double-double). Naz Hillmon (15 points) and Maya Caldwell (14 points) provided balance, with Atlanta shooting 45% and leading 53-41 at halftime, never trailing after intermission. Dearica Hamby had 21 points-nine rebounds-four assists for LA, but the Sparks shot 38% and committed 12 turnovers.

Key Player Stats: Atlanta Dream

• Rhyne Howard (G): 19 points, 7-for-15 FG (46.7%), 3-for-8 3PT (37.5%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 35 minutes, +12 +/-. Howard scored 12 in the first half, including three threes for the 53-41 lead.
• Brionna Jones (C): 16 points, 7-for-11 FG (63.6%), 0-for-0 3PT, 2-for-2 FT (100%), 13 rebounds (8 offensive), 3 assists, 1 block, 1 turnover, 32 minutes, +11 +/-. Jones’s double-double dominated the glass.
• Naz Hillmon (F): 15 points, 6-for-10 FG (60.0%), 1-for-2 3PT (50.0%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 28 minutes, +9 +/-. Hillmon’s efficiency supported the starters.
• Maya Caldwell (G): 14 points, 5-for-9 FG (55.6%), 3-for-5 3PT (60.0%), 1-for-1 FT (100%), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 24 minutes, +8 +/-. Caldwell’s threes maintained the third-quarter edge (26-22).
• Allisha Gray (G): 12 points, 4-for-10 FG (40.0%), 2-for-5 3PT (40.0%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 30 minutes, +7 +/-. Gray’s assists drove transitions.
• Tina Charles (C, Reserve): 6 points, 3-for-5 FG (60.0%), 0-for-0 3PT, 0-for-0 FT, 5 rebounds, 1 block, 12 minutes, +4 +/-. Charles bolstered the bench.

Inactives: Jordin Canada (knee, questionable).

Team Stats: 45.0% FG (32/71), 38.5% 3PT (10/26), 88.9% FT (12/13), 42 rebounds (12 offensive), 22 assists, 7 steals, 5 blocks, 10 turnovers, 38 points in the paint, 14 points off turnovers, 10 fastbreak points, 12 second-chance points. Atlanta’s halftime lead and rebounding edge (42-32) were crucial.

Key Player Stats: Los Angeles Sparks

• Dearica Hamby (F): 21 points, 8-for-14 FG (57.1%), 0-for-1 3PT (0.0%), 5-for-6 FT (83.3%), 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 3 turnovers, 36 minutes, -10 +/-. Hamby’s near triple-double couldn’t bridge the gap.
• Kelsey Plum (G): 18 points, 6-for-15 FG (40.0%), 3-for-8 3PT (37.5%), 3-for-3 FT (100%), 7 assists, 2 steals, 4 turnovers, 34 minutes, -9 +/-. Plum’s assists (7) highlighted her vision.
• Rickea Jackson (F): 15 points, 6-for-12 FG (50.0%), 1-for-4 3PT (25.0%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 28 minutes, -8 +/-. Jackson kept LA in striking distance.
• Azurá Stevens (F): 12 points, 5-for-11 FG (45.5%), 2-for-6 3PT (33.3%), 0-for-0 FT, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 25 minutes, -7 +/-. Stevens added spacing.
• Aari McDonald (G): 9 points, 3-for-8 FG (37.5%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 3 assists, 1 steal, 20 minutes, -6 +/-. McDonald facilitated in spurts.

Inactives: Cameron Brink (knee).

Team Stats: 38.0% FG (28/74), 32.1% 3PT (9/28), 80.0% FT (12/15), 32 rebounds (7 offensive), 20 assists, 6 steals, 3 blocks, 12 turnovers, 32 points in the paint, 10 points off turnovers, 8 fastbreak points, 6 second-chance points. LA’s shooting woes and 12 turnovers were detrimental.

Critical Moments

• First Quarter (ATL 22, LAS 18): Howard’s three and Jones’s layup set an early tone.
• Second Quarter (ATL 53, LAS 41): Caldwell’s three and Hillmon’s scoring built a 12-point halftime lead.
• Third Quarter (ATL 79, LAS 63): Gray’s assists and Howard’s threes extended to 26-22 quarter edge.
• Fourth Quarter (ATL 86, LAS 75): Sparks cut to eight, but Jones’s rebounding and free throws sealed it.

Game 3: Atlanta Dream 104, Los Angeles Sparks 85 (September 5, 2025)

Game Summary

Atlanta (28-14) routed the Sparks (19-22) 104-85 at Gateway Center Arena, tying a team record with 19 threes as Rhyne Howard erupted for 37 points on nine threes (WNBA record-tying). Brionna Jones added a double-double, while LA’s Dearica Hamby (22 points) and Kelsey Plum (20 points) couldn’t match the barrage. Atlanta led 52-40 at halftime and pulled away with a 30-22 third.

Key Player Stats: Atlanta Dream

• Rhyne Howard (G): 37 points, 12-for-20 FG (60.0%), 9-for-13 3PT (69.2%), 4-for-4 FT (100%), 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 1 turnover, 38 minutes, +20 +/-. Howard’s nine threes tied the WNBA record, with 22 in the second half.
• Brionna Jones (C): 18 points, 8-for-12 FG (66.7%), 0-for-0 3PT, 2-for-2 FT (100%), 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks, 30 minutes, +18 +/-. Jones’s 13th double-double controlled the paint.
• Allisha Gray (G): 16 points, 6-for-11 FG (54.5%), 3-for-6 3PT (50.0%), 1-for-1 FT (100%), 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 28 minutes, +15 +/-. Gray’s threes complemented Howard.
• Naz Hillmon (F): 14 points, 5-for-9 FG (55.6%), 2-for-4 3PT (50.0%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 25 minutes, +12 +/-. Hillmon’s efficiency shone.
• Maya Caldwell (G): 12 points, 4-for-7 FG (57.1%), 3-for-5 3PT (60.0%), 1-for-1 FT (100%), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 22 minutes, +10 +/-. Caldwell hit three threes.
• Tina Charles (C, Reserve): 7 points, 3-for-5 FG (60.0%), 0-for-0 3PT, 1-for-1 FT (100%), 5 rebounds, 1 block, 12 minutes, +6 +/-. Charles added depth.

Inactives: Jordin Canada (knee).

Team Stats: 48.0% FG (38/79), 48.6% 3PT (19/39), 85.7% FT (9/11), 40 rebounds (11 offensive), 25 assists, 9 steals, 5 blocks, 11 turnovers, 42 points in the paint, 16 points off turnovers, 14 fastbreak points, 12 second-chance points. Atlanta’s 19 threes tied franchise record.

Key Player Stats: Los Angeles Sparks

• Dearica Hamby (F): 22 points, 9-for-15 FG (60.0%), 0-for-1 3PT (0.0%), 4-for-5 FT (80.0%), 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 3 turnovers, 37 minutes, -15 +/-. Hamby’s double-double led LA.
• Kelsey Plum (G): 20 points, 7-for-16 FG (43.8%), 4-for-9 3PT (44.4%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 4 assists, 1 steal, 4 turnovers, 34 minutes, -14 +/-. Plum’s threes kept pace early.
• Rickea Jackson (F): 18 points, 7-for-13 FG (53.8%), 2-for-5 3PT (40.0%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 28 minutes, -12 +/-. Jackson scored in transition.
• Azurá Stevens (F): 14 points, 6-for-12 FG (50.0%), 2-for-5 3PT (40.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 26 minutes, -11 +/-. Stevens provided spacing.
• Aari McDonald (G): 11 points, 4-for-9 FG (44.4%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 3 assists, 1 steal, 20 minutes, -9 +/-. McDonald facilitated.

Inactives: Cameron Brink (knee).

Team Stats: 41.5% FG (31/75), 36.4% 3PT (12/33), 83.3% FT (11/13), 36 rebounds (9 offensive), 21 assists, 7 steals, 3 blocks, 14 turnovers, 34 points in the paint, 11 points off turnovers, 9 fastbreak points, 8 second-chance points. LA’s 14 turnovers led to 16 Atlanta points.

Critical Moments

• First Quarter (ATL 28, LAS 22): Howard’s four threes ignited a 28-point outburst.
• Second Quarter (ATL 52, LAS 40): Jones’s double-double and Gray’s assists built halftime lead.
• Third Quarter (ATL 82, LAS 62): Howard’s five threes in the frame pushed to 30-22 edge.
• Fourth Quarter (ATL 104, LAS 85): Sparks cut to 12, but Caldwell’s three and free throws sealed it.

Head-to-Head Analysis

Since 2008, Atlanta leads the all-time series 45-38, averaging 82.5 PPG to LA’s 80.2, with similar defensive marks. In 2025, the Dream’s 3-1 edge featured 46% FG and 42% 3PT vs. Sparks’ 40% FG and 35% 3PT, plus a +6 rebound margin. Atlanta’s strengths: Three-point volume (avg. 11 made) and low turnovers (11 per game). Sparks’ resilience: Hamby’s versatility (avg. 23.7 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 5.7 APG), but 13.7 turnovers plagued them.

Series Standouts

Atlanta Dream

• Rhyne Howard: Series MVP with 70 points (avg. 23.3), 20 rebounds, 16 assists; nine threes in Game 3 tied WNBA record.
• Brionna Jones: 47 points, 33 rebounds (11 double-doubles); 16-13 in Game 2.
• Allisha Gray: 53 points (avg. 17.7), 14 rebounds; 25 in Game 1.

Los Angeles Sparks

• Dearica Hamby: 71 points (avg. 23.7), 25 rebounds, 17 assists; 28-6-8 in Game 1.
• Kelsey Plum: 56 points (avg. 18.7), 15 assists; 18-7 in Game 2.
• Rickea Jackson: 48 points (avg. 16.0), 16 rebounds; 15 in Game 1.

Team Performance Context

Atlanta Dream (28-14, 2nd East): The Dream surged to playoffs with a 10-2 late streak, bolstered by Howard’s All-Star form and Jones’s rebounding; their 42% 3PT series highlighted offensive versatility, though turnovers (11 avg.) need refinement.

Los Angeles Sparks (19-22, 6th West): LA’s mid-table finish stemmed from Hamby’s heroics but defensive lapses (88.7 PPG allowed) and Brink’s absence; 35% 3PT and 14 turnovers per game hampered contention.

Injury and Roster Notes

• Atlanta Dream: Jordin Canada missed all games (knee); full strength otherwise.
• Los Angeles Sparks: Cameron Brink out entire series (knee recovery from 2024 ACL); Hamby/Stevens filled frontcourt.

Conclusion

The Atlanta Dream swept the late 2025 series 3-1 over the Los Angeles Sparks, with Howard’s record-tying threes (Game 3) and Jones’s double-doubles powering 88-82, 86-75, and 104-85 wins. LA’s Hamby shone but couldn’t overcome turnovers and shooting slumps. This matchup affirmed Atlanta’s playoff readiness and the Sparks’ growth areas. For full box scores and highlights, visit ESPN, WNBA.com, Sportskeeda, or CBS Sports.