Rhyne Howard Suffers Injury Scare After Lexie Hull Collision in Dream-Fever

The Atlanta Dream star went to the locker room after a hard collision in Game 1.

May 22, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Dream guard Rhyne Howard (10) is defended by Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull (10) in the first half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images / Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Atlanta Dream guard Rhyne Howard has cemented herself as one of the WNBA's top players over the last couple of weeks heading into the playoffs, and she continues to shine on the big stage. The Dream are hosting the Indiana Fever in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series, and Atlanta is doing as expected by relying on their star power.

The Dream cruised to a dominant second quarter, outscoring Indiana 22-12 to take a commanding 40-33 lead at halftime. At halftime, the Dream are led by MVP candidate Allisha Gray with 13 points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals on 4-10 shooting from the field, but Howard has done her job as well.

Swipe it ✅ Score it ✅

Rhyne Howard lockin' in on both ends!

IND-ATL | ABC | WNBA PLAYOFFS | @Google pic.twitter.com/Yt1MWtHB9U

— WNBA (@WNBA) September 14, 2025

In 13 minutes of first-half action, Howard has scored nine points on 3-8 shooting from the field, but fans were worried her 2025 playoff debut would be cut short.

Howard heads to locker room

In a big scare for Atlanta, Howard went to the locker room during Sunday's game with about eight minutes left in the second quarter after a hard collision with Fever guard Lexie Hull. After missing a three-pointer, Howard was standing right behind Hull, which caught the Fever guard off guard when she turned right into the three-time All-Star, headbutting Howard's face.

This is a TERRIBLE call. Lexie Hull turns into Rhyne Howard not giving her space and not only do they call it a foul they reviewed for an UPGRADE?!!?!?!? How as a fan can I take the WNBA seriously when this is their officiating? pic.twitter.com/wHvvInYVzL

— Paddo (@PaddoCast) September 14, 2025

Hull was ultimately called for a foul on this play, which stirred some conversations among Fever fans, but it more importantly sent Howard to the locker room.

Howard spent about six minutes of game time in the locker room before she returned to action, but it was not the ideal situation for Atlanta to start their playoff run.

Rhyne Howard is now headed to the locker room after taking a possible hit to the face. pic.twitter.com/FIOT9EefET

— Meghan L. Hall (@ItsMeghanLHall) September 14, 2025

Howard's impact in Atlanta

Howard won back-to-back Eastern Conference Player of the Week awards heading into the postseason, headlined by a historic 37-point, nine three-pointer performance in their third-to-last game of the regular season.

This season, Howard has averaged 17.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, continuing to cement herself as one of the top guards in the league while helping take the Dream to a historic season.

Sep 8, 2025; College Park, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Dream forward Naz Hillmon (0) and guard Rhyne Howard (10) laugh together after the victory against the Connecticut Sun at Gateway Center Arena at College Park. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images / Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images

The Dream desperately needs both Howard and Gray to be at their best throughout their 2025 playoff run in order to get over the hump and make a hopeful Finals run. First, of course, they need to get past the Fever, and Indiana has them in a tight one to start things off on Sunday afternoon. Luckily, however, Howard's injury was nothing serious.

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