The number three defensive team in the WNBA showed why after a suffocating defensive performance that led to a 109-77 victory over the Washington Mystics.

The Dream celebrated Pride Night during game three of the Commissioner’s Cup Saturday evening. The Atlanta Dream has raised $7,000 for its Commissioner’s Cup charitable partner, The King Center.

Rhyne Howard set the tone, opening the game with a steal, becoming fourth in all-time steals for the Atlanta Dream. Howard ended the night with six steals to tie her career high and lead the Dream’s defense. “Her defense has been just outstanding this season. She’s making defensive plays. She wants the toughest assignments,” said Head Coach Karl Smesko.

“I think our defense is our identity,” added Center Angel Reese.

Atlanta forced a total of 17 turnovers, which led to 26 points. In the third, the Dream held Washington to just 13 points to push its lead to 26.

On the offensive side, the entire lineup got involved -- every eligible player on the team got on the board. Atlanta ended the night tying its second- highest point total in Atlanta Dream history, with 109 points.

The Dream showed depth against the Mystics with a total of 40 bench points on the night, including Madina Okot’s first career three-pointer in the fourth quarter.

Isobel Borlase, the “smooth criminal” as dubbed by Reese because of her finishes under the basket, had a career high nine points, two rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Coming off the bench, rookies Isobel Borlase, Indya Nivar, and Madina Okot accounted for 22 of the Dream’s total points

"Everybody came in and contributed … I would say our bench getting extended minutes and making the most of it was our most positive part of today,” said Smesko.

Offensively Atlanta showed strong ball movement and unselfish play against the Mystics, going on a 16–4 run in the last 4:11 of the first quarter and outscoring them 32-18 in the third.

Atlanta was aggressive on the boards finishing the contest with 42 total rebounds led by Reese who had a season-high 17 rebounds, which marked her seventh double-double of the season and the 56th of her career.

The Dream returns to action on Tuesday, June 9th, at 7 pm ET when it faces the Chicago Sky in the Windy City.