Rhyne Howard, Angel Reese show why Dream can make playoff noise in win over Tempo

Rhyne Howard, Angel Reese reach remarkable milestones in Dream win over Tempo

The two 2026 All-Stars are playing the best basketball of their careers, raising Atlanta's ceiling for the playoffs. Howard, the 2022 No. 1 overall pick, has improved her efficiency this season to shoot a career-best 36.4 percent on 8.7 three-point attempts per game. Reese, meanwhile, is on track to lead the league in rebounds per game for the third year in a row.

Playing alongside guards Allisha Gray (another 2026 All-Star) and Jordin Canada, who's third in the league in assists, Howard and Reese are far from alone. But they're arguably the Dream's most important players. Howard's ability to get hot from deep and Reese's rebounding can swing games, making Atlanta a tough out for the rest of the regular season and playoffs. 

Every game will matter down the stretch. The Dream (20-12) moved into fourth following Monday's win but are tied with the Indiana Fever (20-12) for home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. They're also as close to the third-place Las Vegas Aces (22-11) as they are to No. 8 seed Dallas Wings (19-14).

With Howard and Reese playing at historic levels — plus a supporting cast that is more than carrying its weight — Atlanta stands a chance against anyone. By the time the playoffs near, the Dream might be a team most others try to avoid.