Rhyne Howard breaks records in her WNBA Playoffs debut

Rhyne Howard could not be stopped on Friday night. In her WNBA Playoffs debut at just 23 years old, the former Kentucky Wildcat exploded for 36 points and made eight three-pointers — both league records for a postseason debut. 19 of Howard’s points came in the first period, which tied a playoff record for most points in a quarter by any player. She finished 13-29 from the field (8-15 from distance; 2-2 from the free throw line) to go along with four rebounds, three steals, and two assists in 38 minutes played for the Atlanta Dream.

Unfortunately, it came in a losing effort. Against the fourth-seeded Dallas Wings, the fifth-seeded Dream collapsed down the stretch in spite of Howard’s record-breaking night. Dallas rallied back from down 20 points to steal the first win, 94-82, of the three-game series. It was the largest postseason comeback since 2014 and tied for the third-largest in league history.

Now, the Dream, which made the playoffs for the first time since 2018, must win Game 2 on Tuesday night to force a win-or-go-home Game 3 in Atlanta on Friday night. But if Howard plays like she did in Game 1 the rest of the way, her squad will have a chance to advance into the second round. The Dream will likely need another performance of Friday night’s quality just to have the chance of forcing a Game 3.

Rhyne Howard, that was so nice 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Y5qTfBhK0T

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 16, 2023

“I’m not here to look to break records. I’m here to win,” Howard said following the loss.

Howard also became the youngest player in WNBA history to score at least 30 points in a playoff game. At 23 years, 139 days, she beat out former Seattle Storm All-Star Lauren Jackson, who hit the 31-point mark at 23 years, 143 days nearly 20 years ago in 2004. Howard is also just the third-ever player to make at least eight three-pointers in a playoff game, joining Kristi Toliver (nine; 2017) and Diana Taurasi (eight 2021).

RHYNE HOWARD HAVEEEE MERCY pic.twitter.com/YyZZGjijlc

— Mark Schindler (@MG_Schindler) September 16, 2023

At this point, we shouldn’t be surprised by any record-breaking performance by Howard. She entered the WNBA in 2022 as the No. 1 overall draft pick and quickly made a name for herself in the league. Howard took home every Rookie of the Month award on her way to winning Rookie of the Year while also making the All-Star Game.

Now in year two, she’s been even more impressive. Howard once again made the All-Star Game and has her franchise in the playoffs for the first time in five seasons. During the regular season, the Tennessee native averaged 17.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game — all improved from her rookie season — while shooting 38.5 percent overall, 35.2 percent from distance, and 78.8 percent from the line.

Make sure to tune in for Game 2 between the Dream and Wings on Tuesday night. Tipoff is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. EST in Arlington, TX on ESPN.