Rhyne Howard underwhelms in second WNBA preseason showing

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On3 image — Photo by Grace Bradley | UK Athletics

Perhaps Rhyne Howard isn’t superhuman after all.

In the Atlanta Dream’s second preseason contest, Howard recorded just three points, three assists and three rebounds in 24 minutes. Consequently, the Dream fell in a 94-78 blowout loss to the Connecticut Sun.

Digging into the stat sheet

Howard’s numbers were even worse upon further inspection. The 2022 WNBA Draft first overall pick shot 1-6 from the field and 1-3 from beyond the arc. Her poor performance was a far cry from her preseason debut. In the former Wildcats’ first game with the Dream, she recorded 15 points and five boards in 18 minutes.

On the bright side, Sunday’s loss wasn’t a complete failure for Howard. The 6-foot-2 guard recorded two blocks and constantly pestered opponents. Additionally, Howard had a plus/minus of -4, the second-highest on the Dream.

Good D from the No. 1 pick Rhyne Howard. #DoItForTheDream pic.twitter.com/aiDjYA87RS
— Terrika (@SheKnowsSports) May 1, 2022

On to the next one

In fairness, Howard has not had ample opportunities to get comfortable in the WNBA. The Dream only played two preseason games, spread apart by a week. The situation isn’t ideal for a young star learning the ropes.

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Howard isn’t used to struggling. As Kentucky’s scoring leader during all four years of her collegiate career, the 6-foot-2 guard typically shoots herself out of slumps. This heroic effort won’t be necessary in the WNBA, a sudden reality that surprises many collegiate superstars.

Rhyne Howard is 1/5…need to see her passing more if she's not efficient
— Mo- (W)NBA Carnation (@ATLLAEV) May 1, 2022

Looking forward

Luckily for Dream fans, history has proven Howard doesn’t let bad games become dreadful slumps. She scored fewer than 10 points in three games during her senior campaign. In the contests following these subpar performances, Howard averaged 20.7 points per outing.

Howard will have time to recompose herself as the Dream’s next contest isn’t until May 7. The Dream will take on the Dallas Wings at 8:00 p.m. EST for their first game of the 2022 regular season. Tune in to CBS then to watch a Kentucky hero begin her professional career.