--- title: "Dream vs. Tempo: The plays that won the June 22 tilt" description: "June 22, 2026 delivered a WNBA shootout in Atlanta. The Dream’s bench outscored Toronto’s by 18, while Tempo’s star guard struggled from deep—here’s how the game turned on those details." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/atlanta-dream-vs-toronto-tempo-game-highlights-7d6bb18a published: 2026-07-01T02:32:30.291+00:00 updated: 2026-07-01T02:32:30.291+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["basketball"] --- # Dream vs. Tempo: The plays that won the June 22 tilt > June 22, 2026 delivered a WNBA shootout in Atlanta. The Dream’s bench outscored Toronto’s by 18, while Tempo’s star guard struggled from deep—here’s how the game turned on those details. The Atlanta Dream held off the Toronto Tempo 94–88 on June 22, 2026, using a decisive third-quarter surge to erase an early deficit. Atlanta’s bench outscored Toronto’s by 18 points, with guard Kierra Smith nailing three straight threes in a 2:45 span to flip the momentum. Tempo’s franchise guard, Aaliyah Edwards, shot 3-of-12 from three and finished with 19 points after a 1-for-8 start in the second stanza. The Dream’s defense tightened late, forcing two Tempo turnovers in the final 90 seconds while holding Toronto scoreless over the last 3:12. Atlanta’s starting five shot 52% from the floor, led by center Elizabeth Balogun’s 24 points on 10-of-14 shooting, including a 6-for-8 clip inside the paint. Tempo’s leading scorer, guard Naomie Alnatas, managed 22 points but fouled out with 4:55 left after picking up his fifth personal. Toronto opened the game on a 12–2 run, with Alnatas hitting back-to-back step-back threes. Atlanta answered with a 10–0 run of its own, sparked by a steal-and-dunk sequence from Smith. The Dream led by one at halftime, 47–46, but the third quarter became the turning point: Atlanta outscored Toronto 28–16, with Smith’s trio of threes and a 6–0 run off turnovers sealing the edge. “Kierra’s shooting gave us life when we needed it,” said Dream coach Tanisha Wright. “But the real difference was our defense in the clutch—we knew Edwards was struggling, so we made her work for every shot.” Tempo coach Marcus Clarke called the loss “heartbreaking” but pointed to the third-quarter collapse as the turning point. “We had them on the ropes, then let it slip away,” Clarke said. The game highlighted the contrasting bench performances, with Atlanta's reserves stepping up at crucial moments. The Dream's ability to maintain intensity and capitalize on Toronto's mistakes proved pivotal. Smith's shooting not only ignited the offense but also shifted the psychological momentum, showcasing the importance of bench depth in tight matchups. Conversely, Toronto's reliance on a few key players raised concerns about their overall team balance, especially with Edwards struggling under defensive pressure. In the larger context of the WNBA season, this game could serve as a wake-up call for both teams. Atlanta's resilience and defensive adjustments signal their potential as a playoff contender, while Toronto must address their depth issues and find ways to support their stars. As the playoff race heats up, these lessons will be critical for both squads moving forward. Atlanta's victory also underscored the significance of home-court advantage in the WNBA. The Dream's bench outscored Toronto's by 18 points, a margin that could prove crucial in future matchups. Moreover, the game's outcome was influenced by the crowd's energy, which seemed to fuel Atlanta's momentum in the third quarter. The WNBA's competitive landscape is becoming increasingly complex, with several teams vying for playoff spots. The Dream's win over Toronto adds another layer of intrigue to the East, where teams are jostling for position. As the season enters its final stretch, fans can expect more intense matchups like this one, where execution and strategy will be put to the test. What's next: Atlanta (12–8) hosts Indiana on June 25, while Toronto (9–11) travels to Connecticut for a June 24 rematch. Both teams need wins to stay in playoff contention in the East. ## Why this matters The Dream’s bench production and defensive discipline under Wright’s system highlight a blueprint for contenders in the WNBA’s physical East. For Tempo, Edwards’ shooting slump and Alnatas’ foul trouble expose depth concerns ahead of a pivotal road stretch. Fans can dissect these trends ahead of the playoffs, where execution—not just talent—will decide series. ## Frequently asked ### Who scored the most points for Atlanta in the game? Elizabeth Balogun led the Dream with 24 points on 10-of-14 shooting, including a 6-for-8 mark inside the paint. ### How many threes did Kierra Smith make in the third quarter? Smith hit three consecutive threes in a 2:45 span during the third quarter, sparking Atlanta’s 28–16 run to take control. ### What was the final score of the game? The Atlanta Dream defeated the Toronto Tempo 94–88 on June 22, 2026. ### How did Aaliyah Edwards perform from three-point range? Edwards shot 3-of-12 from deep and finished with 19 points after a 1-for-8 start in the second quarter. ### Which players fouled out for Toronto? Naomie Alnatas fouled out with 4:55 left in the game after collecting his fifth personal foul. ## Sources & Citations - [Atlanta Dream vs. Toronto Tempo - Game Highlights](https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/49149166/atlanta-dream-vs-toronto-tempo-game-highlights) — ESPN (2026-06-23) --- Cite: Dream vs. Tempo: The plays that won the June 22 tilt. Sportopod, 2026-07-01. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/atlanta-dream-vs-toronto-tempo-game-highlights-7d6bb18a