The Atlanta Dream overcame a five-point halftime deficit and pulled away from the Washington Mystics in the second half to win 92-77 in Game 1 of their first-round WNBA playoff series Sunday at State Farm Arena. The victory gives Atlanta a 1-0 series lead.
Washington led 41-36 at halftime, but Atlanta completely changed the game after the break, outscoring the Mystics 29-12 in the third quarter and 27-24 in the fourth. The Dream's defense created constant pressure, finishing with 16 steals while forcing Washington into 23 turnovers.
Rhyne Howard led Atlanta with 26 points, five steals and one block, while Sonia Citron paced Washington with 25 points, six rebounds, three assists and two blocks. The Dream also shot 25-of-26 from the free-throw line compared with Washington's 15-of-22.
Atlanta will travel to Washington for Game 2 on September 30 at 7 p.m. ET. The best-of-three series will return to Atlanta for a deciding Game 3 on October 2 if necessary.
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