How a 25-Year-Old Guard is Shaping a Playoff Identity in Atlanta
Rhyne Howard, in the 2025 season, has done more than just rack up points for the team; she has also become the heart of how the Atlanta Dream defines itself heading into the postseason. She averaged 17.5 points, almost five rebounds, and assists per game during the regular season, which shows her importance and ability to score, distribute, and rebound. Her shooting splits 37.5 percent from the field and just over 32.2 percent from the three-point range, reflecting her improved efficiency that has allowed Atlanta to trust her with giving them a shot in moments of need. The all-around production level that she plays at helped the Dream finish with a 30-14 record, allowing them to secure the three seed in the East. In their Game One playoff match against the Indiana Fever, Howard delivered 20 points that complemented Allisha Gray’s 20, helping them secure the 80-68 win. These performances are what made it clear that Howard is more than a scorer, but she's a leader when it comes to execution and composure.
Atlanta's identity is not just built on Howard's rise, but also on the supporting teammates who step up. Allisha Gray has offered efficient scoring and wing threat pressure, while Naz Hillmon has provided unbeatable rebounding and inside presence. While Howard draws defensive attention, Gray and Hillmon also benefit from more room to operate or easier opportunities near the basket. Even though role players such as Brionna Jones and Maya Caldwell aren't always the headliners, they're just as valuable, making contributions in bench minutes and helping maintain momentum when starters rest. The Dream's overall ability to execute clean offenses under pressure, aided by the balanced contributions, has become the key to how they play, fueling their championship ascent.
What sets Howard apart is how her best games come in high-pressure scenarios. In Game One, she hit crucial shots down the stretch, and her decision-making in late minutes showed her poise uncommon in players her age. Even in Game Two, when the Dream lost 77-60, Howard still stood out, reinforcing that the team leans on her, whether it be in wins or losses, for stability. Her defensive effort has also picked up, and steals, and active hands have pressured opposing ball handlers, often shifting momentum in transition. Offensively and defensively, Howard's upswing in performance has given Atlanta a blueprint for what they need to become one of the greatest this season.
As the Dream prepares for Game Three, their resilience and selflessness are clear when it comes to centering it around the star guard who can score, create, and defend. If Howard keeps performing at the rate that she does, mixing scoring and leadership she has shown, Atlanta is well-positioned to make noise in this playoff run. The team must remain ready and consistent, especially with the shift to more intense playoff competition. Whether they advance or not will depend on consistency under pressure, but one thing is certain: Howard's leap this season has reshaped what the Dream are and what they can become.
