Dream take Game 1, 92-77 — Mystics drop first-round opener in Atlanta

Final — Atlanta Dream 92, Washington Mystics 77

The Atlanta Dream took Game 1 of the first-round series 92-77 over the Washington Mystics on Sunday, Sep. 27 at State Farm Arena (ESPN / Prime Video window).

Washington led 26-21 after one and 41-36 at half. Then Atlanta’s 29-12 third quarter flipped the night — the kind of playoff swing that turns a road lead into a series deficit before the fourth even starts. The Mystics pushed 24 in the fourth; it was not enough against Atlanta’s 27.

Sonia Citron led Washington with 25 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists. Kiki Iriafen had 15 and 14; Shakira Austin 12 and 16. The Dream countered with Rhyne Howard (26), Allisha Gray (22), Angel Reese (13 and 12), and Jordin Canada (10 and 10).

By quarter (ESPN)

| | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T |

| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |

| Mystics | 26 | 15 | 12 | 24 | 77 |

| Dream | 21 | 15 | 29 | 27 | 92 |

Mystics leaders

• Sonia Citron — 25 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists
• Kiki Iriafen — 15 points, 14 rebounds
• Shakira Austin — 12 points, 16 rebounds

Dream leaders

• Rhyne Howard — 26 points
• Allisha Gray — 22 points
• Angel Reese — 13 points, 12 rebounds
• Jordin Canada — 10 points, 10 assists

Series

Atlanta leads 1-0.

Game 2

Wednesday, Sep. 30 — Dream at Mystics, 7:00 p.m. ET, CareFirst Arena, ESPN (ESPN schedule). Confirm tip on the club board.

Sport DMV read

A half-lead on the road means nothing if the third quarter collapses — that is the tape Washington has to burn before Wednesday. CareFirst gets Game 2 on ESPN; the DMV crowd needs a response in that middle frame, or this best-of-three is over before October starts.

The Mystics page is the hub.

*Sunday evening desk, Sep. 27, 2026. Analysis refresh. Box from ESPN.*