Rhyne Howard Shatters Records with Nine 3-Pointers in Dream Win

Atlanta Dream guard Rhyne Howard made history on August 25, 2023, by tying the WNBA single-game record for three-pointers, sinking nine in a decisive 104-85 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks. This remarkable feat marks her second time achieving this milestone, making her the first player in the league’s history to accomplish it more than once.

Howard’s performance was spectacular, as she scored a total of 37 points and shot 13-of-26 from the field, including an impressive 9-of-17 from beyond the arc. This follows her previous record-equalling game on June 13, 2023, where she also hit nine 3-pointers against the Chicago Sky. Both remarkable performances took place in Atlanta, showcasing her home-court prowess.

This latest victory not only highlighted Howard’s shooting skills but also secured home-court advantage for the Dream in the first round of the playoffs. The team achieved a total of 19 three-pointers in the match, tying the regular-season record set by the New York Liberty. The all-time high for a playoff game remains at 23 three-pointers, achieved by the Las Vegas Aces in 2022.

Howard reflected on her achievement, stating, “I think it forces people to put me in that conversation with the best shooters. Because you can’t leave that off. Nobody’s ever done it until I got here.” This statement underscores her ambition and determination to be recognized among the elite in the sport.

Karl Smesko, in his first year as head coach of the Dream, has been pivotal in creating an offensive system that suits Howard’s strengths. Known for his successful tenure at Florida Gulf Coast, Smesko’s approach emphasizes the importance of three-point shooting and layups. Howard noted, “As far as the system, I knew it was going to be great for me. Everybody knows I like 3’s. I’m going to get them up, but the fact that I can still continue to hit them consistently, that’s the most important part.”

Despite missing 11 games this season due to injury, Howard has made a significant impact, with 97 three-pointers to her name. She returned to the lineup on August 10, 2023, after sitting out ten consecutive regular-season games and the All-Star Game due to a knee injury. Her resilience has been a key factor in Atlanta’s recent success, with the team winning six of its past seven games.

The Dream currently hold a record of 28-14 and are competing for the No. 2 seed in the playoffs, following Minnesota, which has already secured the top spot. Both the Las Vegas Aces and Phoenix are closely behind with a record of 27-14.

This season marks a significant turnaround for the Atlanta Dream, who have not made the playoffs since 2019. The team experienced a string of disappointing seasons, including a loss in the first round of the playoffs in 2023 and 2024. The upcoming postseason will be particularly significant, as this will be the Dream’s first home playoff game since September 4, 2018, when they faced the Washington Mystics.

The WNBA has introduced a new playoff format this season, which guarantees that each playoff team will have at least one home game. As the Dream prepare for their playoff run, fans are eager to see how Howard and her teammates will perform on the court, especially with the momentum they have built in recent weeks.