Dream Victory, Coach Ejection
Atlanta Dream Achieves Season-High Score in 109-77 Win as Mystics Coach Ejected
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The Atlanta Dream crushed the Washington Mystics 109-77 on June 6, their highest-scoring game of the season, in a blowout that ended with the opposing coach being escorted off the court by security. Angel Reese posted 18 points and a season-high 17 rebounds, while Rhyne Howard chipped in 19 points and six steals to power the Dream to a 32-point win, according to CBS Sports.
Washington head coach Sidney Johnson was ejected after picking up two quick technical fouls late in the third quarter. He refused to leave the floor, forcing arena security to escort him out. Assistant coach Emre Vatansever took over for the rest of the game, Daily Gazette reported.
Reese and Howard Dismantle Washington on Both Ends
Angel Reese was dominant all night. Her 17 rebounds were a season high, including nine on the offensive end. It was her fourth straight double-double and seventh of the season. She also added four steals. Rhyne Howard's six steals helped force 17 Washington turnovers, according to The Star.
Atlanta set season records in free throws, attempting 41 and making 32. The Dream also outrebounded the Mystics 42-26. From three-point range, Atlanta shot 52%, hitting 13 of 25. Washington shot just 31% from deep, going 5 of 16, per NH Register.
Sidney Johnson Ejected, Then Removed by Security
With 3:52 left in the third quarter, Johnson erupted at officials after a rebound battle where guard Sonia Citron was reportedly struck in the face. He received two technical fouls in rapid succession and was ejected. But he did not leave. Players and assistants tried to calm him down, and he still refused to go, Winnipeg Free Press reported.
Security officers stepped in and walked Johnson off the court. The use of a security escort for a head coach is rare in the WNBA. The league has adopted stricter rules around court disruptions in recent seasons. Johnson is likely to face a fine and possible suspension from the league.
Dream Entered the Night Chasing Consistency
Atlanta came in at 6-3, bouncing back after their lowest-scoring game of the season against Indiana. Head coach Karl Smesko had warned his team before tip-off, saying "you can't have letdowns, even for a couple minutes." The Dream answered with a 16-4 run to close the first quarter and led by double digits the rest of the way, 10TV reported.
The Mystics entered at 4-4, riding a win over Chicago. They were looking for their first back-to-back wins of the season. Instead, they fell further behind in the Eastern Conference. Kiki Iriafen led Washington with 24 points and 10 rebounds, but it was not nearly enough to keep pace, per HNG News.
Dream Surge to 7-3 With Playoff and Cup Implications
The win moves Atlanta to 7-3, putting them near the top of the Eastern Conference. The 109-point total was the team's highest output since July 2023. The win also boosted their point differential in the WNBA Commissioner's Cup standings. That matters — the Cup championship game comes with a $500,000 prize for players, according to SWOKNews.
Washington's all-time series lead over Atlanta now sits at 34-33 — the narrowest it has been in years. Atlanta has now won four straight against the Mystics. With pressure growing on Johnson's job security and fans questioning the team's direction, the Mystics face a critical stretch ahead, per Daily Item.
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