Photo Credits: ATL Dream

Written By: Gabriella Wilkinson

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Atlanta has always had a way of producing stars. Whether it’s in music, film, politics, or on the court, the city moves with a magnetic rhythm that sets trends and sparks movements. Right now, that rhythm is echoing off the hardwood, and the beat belongs to the Atlanta Dream. As the WNBA continues to evolve into a powerful cultural force, the Dream is emerging not just as a team, but as a statement. A symbol of what’s possible when talent, vision, and city pride collide. And nothing captures that more than the team’s latest achievement: sending three of its standout players—Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, and Brionna Jones—to the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game.

This isn’t just a win for Atlanta. It’s a win for women’s basketball. For Black women in sports. For Southern pride. For the future of the WNBA. These three women have turned Gateway Center Arena into more than a venue—it’s become a stage for dominance, determination, and undeniable greatness. And for fans in the city, there’s no question about it: the Dream is no longer a rebuild. It’s a revolution.

Allisha Gray walks into every game like she’s clocking in for greatness. The 2017 Rookie of the Year has always played with a maturity beyond her years, but what she’s doing in Atlanta hits different. Gray doesn’t just score—she slices through defenses with the ease of someone who sees the game two steps ahead. She’s been the stabilizing force for the Dream this season, and her All-Star selection feels less like a surprise and more like a reminder. She’s not just good. She’s elite. In a league filled with explosive talent, Gray’s smooth, unshakable game is the kind of brilliance that can go under the radar—until it’s too late.

Rhyne Howard, on the other hand, is the kind of player you can’t ignore even if you tried. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 WNBA Draft was billed as a franchise cornerstone from day one, and she’s delivered on every expectation and then some. Long, agile, and confident, Howard plays with the swagger of a seasoned vet and the hunger of someone who knows she’s only scratched the surface of her potential. Whether she’s draining threes from deep, locking down the opposing team’s best player, or leading the huddle in crunch time, Rhyne embodies what it means to be a star in the A. She doesn’t just light up the scoreboard—she brings life to the entire arena. And what makes her so magnetic isn’t just her game, it’s her energy. Her unapologetic confidence. Her connection to the city. She’s a hometown favorite with national reach.

Then there’s Brionna Jones, the quiet storm who came into the season ready to make noise—and has done exactly that. After years of grinding and developing her post presence, Jones has stepped into her role on the Dream with immediate impact. Her footwork in the paint is textbook, her rebounding is relentless, and her leadership is starting to shine through in moments that matter. If Gray is the calm, and Howard is the fire, Jones is the anchor. The muscle. The one who makes sure the Dream always has a presence in the paint, no matter who they’re up against. And she’s not just a big body—she’s a skilled technician who makes the game look easy. Her All-Star selection speaks to her consistency and her growth. It’s a nod to the work behind the scenes and the heart she brings to the court every single night.

Together, these three players represent more than individual excellence—they represent the emergence of a new Atlanta Dream era. One that isn’t interested in rebuilding year after year. One that’s ready to contend. One that’s rooted in sisterhood, swagger, and soul. When they share the floor, you can feel it. The chemistry. The trust. The understanding that greatness isn’t just about what you do—it’s about how you do it, and who you do it with.

The timing of their All-Star selections couldn’t be better. The Dream is gaining momentum at a critical point in the season, battling through injuries and still finding ways to rack up wins. Brittney Griner’s recent absence due to a neck injury has forced the team to adjust, to lean on depth, to trust their bench and find new rhythm. In the face of those challenges, the team hasn’t just survived—they’ve thrived. It’s a testament to the leadership of Gray, Howard, and Jones, who continue to elevate the team even when conditions aren’t ideal. That kind of resilience is what separates All-Stars from role players. It’s what separates playoff teams from lottery teams. It’s what makes the Dream one of the most exciting franchises to watch this year.

There’s also something incredibly poetic about this trio representing Atlanta at the WNBA’s biggest celebration of talent. A city known for birthing movements, shaping culture, and breaking ceilings now has three women leading that charge on the basketball court. They are, in every sense, the embodiment of Atlanta’s energy—bold, brilliant, and unapologetically Black.

What’s even more exciting is what this means for the next generation of hoopers. Young girls watching the Dream this season aren’t just seeing basketball—they’re seeing themselves. In every bucket, every block, every post-game interview, there’s a blueprint being laid out. A message being sent loud and clear: you can be powerful, feminine, creative, gritty, and fearless. You can be all of it. You don’t have to choose.

And that’s where ATL’s magic kicks in. Because this city has never just been about talent—it’s about influence. What happens in Atlanta ripples across the country. It sets the tone. It builds the future. So when the Dream’s All-Star trio steps onto that national stage, they’re carrying more than their stats. They’re carrying a legacy. A responsibility. A city that’s riding with them every step of the way.

This moment for the Dream isn’t about individual accolades. It’s about alignment. It’s about three players finding their stride at the same time, in the same place, with the same mission. It’s about a franchise finally getting the respect it’s earned. And it’s about a city standing behind a team that’s fighting to make history.

The WNBA All-Star Game is always a celebration, but this year, for Atlanta fans, it’s personal. It’s pride. It’s proof. It’s a turning point. Because when Gray, Howard, and Jones lace up for that game, they won’t just be repping the Dream. They’ll be repping every hoop dream that started on a blacktop in the South. Every little girl who bought a ticket just to see what greatness looks like up close. Every fan who never gave up on the belief that Atlanta could—and would—rise again.

So yes, the Dream is sending three to the All-Star Game. But if you ask anyone in the city, they’ll tell you—we all going.

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