The Atlanta Dream looked like genuine title contenders with the kind of start they had this season, but now find themselves with a record of 12-9 after losing five games in a row.

Their latest 88-83 defeat came at the hands of the Golden State Valkyries, who have toppled the Dream three times inside the last two weeks. Dream star Angel Reese scored 17 points and 13 rebounds, but it was still not enough.

Meanwhile, Allisha Gray has gone viral for her comments calling out the referees live on the broadcast.

“You just gotta keep playing, refs are trash, but we moving on from that,” Gray said during her mid-game interview.

Gray's frustration shows after being on the wrong side of the result for five consecutive games. Gray understandably wants her team to get back on track with victories moving forward.

Gray held her side of the bargain against the Valkyries, being the Dream's top scorer with a stat line of 22 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and a steal.

A total of four players scored in double digits for the Dream. Rhyne Howard came next with 19 points and five rebounds, while Madina Okot provided 11 points and two rebounds.

The Dream comfortably sat atop the Eastern Conference for most of this season, but have now fallen to third, trailing the Indiana Fever and the New York Liberty.

However, with the kind of run they have had this season, fans are not too worried or skeptical about head coach Karl Smesko's team's bump in the road.

Fans React to the Atlanta Dream Losing Five Games in a Row

With only the Valkyries beating them three times, the majority of fans on social media believe Natalie Nakase's team just has the Dream's number, and that it is not the time to hit the panic button yet.

"It's just a bump. The Aces had the same thing happen last season, then they went on a run. Jones will be back after the break. That will open things up more offensively..."

A fan used last year's example of the Las Vegas Aces, who had a pretty mediocre start to the season and went on to win the championship.

"I think they will be fine, just have to improve on a few areas. 10 missed free throws, and shooting needs to be better. 8 for 26 from 3 and 26 for 66 overall."

Another comment defended the Dream's season, believing that more consistent shooting from outside the arc will make the difference for them in the upcoming games.

"Valkyries just have their number." One user believes that since the Dream lost three of their five games against one team only, the panic button should not be hit yet. "3 have been against GSV, so I say no" another fan shared a similar sentiment.

"Time to panic. After the All-Star break, Angel is usually cold before regaining momentum." However, one user argued that Angel Reese could lose form this month, which will deteriorate the Dream's chances for topping the Eastern Conference further.

The Dream faces the 5-17 Seattle Storm next, and it will be interesting to see how their attitude is towards them after losing five in a row themselves.

So, do you think the Atlanta Dream will go on a successful win streak starting with the Seattle Storm? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Joy Bassy