DeWanna Bonner Powers Atlanta Dream Past Mystics in Playoff Opener

Veteran Spark Shifts the Momentum

The Atlanta Dream overcame a slow start on Sunday to beat the Washington Mystics 92-77 in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series at State Farm Arena.

Atlanta trailed by five points at halftime after looking rattled early. DeWanna Bonner provided the spark the fourth-seeded Dream needed, helping Atlanta outscore the fifth-seeded Mystics 29-12 in the third quarter.

Bonner did not score in the first half but poured in 11 points during that third period. She finished the night with 13 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals.

Experience Pays Off for Atlanta

Bonner brought extensive postseason experience to the floor. The 39-year-old was playing in her 99th career playoff game, having won titles with Phoenix in 2009 and 2014. In contrast, Washington's entire starting lineup entered Sunday with just six combined games of playoff experience.

"One thing you can't do in the playoffs is be uptight," Bonner said. "You've still got to play fun basketball. You've still got to laugh and enjoy this moment. I think the second half settled us down, and we had fun."

Atlanta signed Bonner on Aug. 27 after Phoenix bought out her contract. She played five regular-season games with the Dream before Sunday.

"She made so many big plays for us," Atlanta coach Karl Smesko said. He noted that her joy for playing was contagious and made a huge difference in the outcome.

Balanced Scoring Finishes the Job

Rhyne Howard led the Dream with 26 points, while Allisha Gray added 22. Angel Reese had 13 points and 12 rebounds in her first career playoff game.

Washington could not regain control after Atlanta took over in the second half. Betnijah Laney-Hamilton played in her 27th career postseason game for the Mystics after joining the team off waivers on Aug. 8.

Washington forward Kiki Iriafen, playing in her first playoff contest, acknowledged the swing.

"We let DB kind of get hot, and we know she's great in the playoffs," Iriafen said. "It gave them a lot of momentum and really helped them win this game."