NFL
By: Nick Andre
“Positivity” is the best word to describe Rhyne Howard at this moment. Yes, it’s been an up-and-down season for the Atlanta Dream. However, as we come down the stretch of the regular season, there’s still a chance they can make the playoffs. The Dream are currently in a battle with the Chicago Sky and the Washington Mystics for the eighth and final playoff spot.
The Dream feature several great players on their roster. There’s the legend Tina Charles who has excelled for this team at 35 years of age. Then there are great talents like Allisha Gray and Jordin Canada who play their roles exceptionally well. With all of the talent on the team, Rhyne Howard is the engine that makes the team run. If she’s not assertive on the floor, it’s hard for the team to succeed.
At a young age, Howard has embraced leadership. It dates back to her high school days at Bradley Central then later in college at Kentucky. When she was Drafted by the Dream in 2022, the leadership role was one that she was already familiar with. Sure, it’s different to be a player leading a team with professionals with more experience. However, Howard was destined to lead Atlanta to playoff contention once again.
Howard led the Dream to the playoffs last season. Despite being swept in the first round by the Dallas Wings, it was a great accomplishment in her early career. The Dream front office wanted to continue to build around their young star, which is why they acquired veteran pieces over the offseason.
As the season is winding down, that means it’s time for Howard to keep her foot on the gas. All of the struggles that the Dream have dealt with this season are in the past and the focus is on clinching a playoff spot. With that being said, Howard has been a scoring machine. She’s averaged 25 points over the last five games on 37 percent shooting. As Howard has always been known as a sniper from the perimeter, she’s done a great job applying pressure on the defense by attacking the basket and challenging rim protectors. The unfortunate part of Howard’s stretch is that the Dream are 1-4 in the last five games, including a loss Friday night to the Mystics.
Not only has Howard been effective on offense but continuing to be a tone-setter defensively. Defense is all about effort and who wants to get a stop. Howard has shown effort by applying great ball pressure and getting into passing lanes. Howard has averaged 2.2 steals over the last five games, which includes four against the Mystics as well.
Despite the losing, Howard’s dominance has shown that she’s playing with a sense of urgency. She’s playing her heart out to clinch the eighth and final playoff sport. Howard has also sent a message to her teammates about what is at stake for her team. That’s where her leadership comes into play. Howard does not always have to be vocal to lead by example. Instead, she’ll also show it with her energy on both ends of the court.
As of September 14, the Dream are currently the 10th seed and are currently one game behind the Mystics and Sky. Some fans may have lost hope, but the team hasn’t. Rhyne Howard understands what’s at stake. Her goal is to keep Atlanta’s playoff hopes alive and clinch the eighth seed in the final three games of the regular season.
