The Atlanta Dream set one franchise mark, moved toward another, and used a balanced attack to brush away the Phoenix Mercury 96-82 on Wednesday at Gateway Center Arena.

Jordin Canada became the franchise’s all-time assist leader (227) with her fourth. It came in the fourth quarter and broke the previous record set by Layshia Clarendon in 2017.

Additionally, Head Coach Karl Smesko moved into third in franchise history in wins.

“Great game, great win,” Smesko said.

Wednesday’s performance was a positive turnaround from Monday’s loss to Las Vegas at State Farm Arena.

All five Dream (19-11) starters scored at least 10 points against Phoenix.  Rhyne Howard led the team with 23 points.

“Seeing her play with joy again felt really good,” Smesko said.

Howard was followed by Allisha Gray, who had 20 points, Canada, who had 17, Angel Reese, who had 14 and 10 rebounds, and Naz Hillmon, who had 10. The Dream finished with 29 assists.

“Everything was working well, really,” Howard said.

The 3-point shooting that affected Atlanta in two of the past three games – it made 1-of-16 against Dallas and 4-of-24 against Las Vegas – was much improved against Phoenix. The team hit 14 of its 33 3-pointers. The 14 tied for the most hit this season. The 42.4% accuracy was its third best this season.

“It felt better that we were getting open shots from creating them, rather than taking them,” Howard said. “Now you have the extra confidence to knock it down.”

The Dream tied its season-high for points in the first quarter (33) and kept it going. It turned a five-point halftime lead into a 20-point advantage with a 22-7 run to start the third quarter. The Dream’s lead was never less than 12 the rest of the game.

“It’s probably the best ball movement we’ve had in a long time,” Smesko said. “Overall, a good defensive effort.”

Canada’s record-setting assist came on a pass to Bri Jones for a layup with 5:35 remaining.

“You don't get assists unless you hit shots, and so she's doing her best to create those advantages, find us when we're open, and we have to knock it down so that she looks as good as she does,” Howard said. “Having somebody who's looking, always scanning the floor, but also being able to do what she can for herself. I think it goes unnoticed sometimes because she does often have to work as hard to get those passes off sometimes.”

The Dream is back in action on Friday at Washington.  Tipoff is at 7:30 pm ET.