Madina Okot marks WNBA debut with solid showing as Atlanta Dream narrowly defeat Minnesota Lynx
By Joel Masibo, May 10, 2026Kenyan basketball sensation Madina Okot has officially stepped onto the WNBA stage, making her first appearance for the Atlanta Dream in their tight 91–90 victory over the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
The rookie, who is part of Atlanta’s 12-player roster this season, was introduced from the bench and featured for around 10 minutes. Despite limited playing time, she made an immediate impact, contributing eight points, four rebounds, and one steal in her debut outing.
Match report
The game itself was a dramatic contest, with Atlanta forced to recover from a 19-point deficit by halftime. The Dream gradually clawed their way back into contention, eventually taking control in the closing moments.
A decisive jump shot from Te-Hina Paopao with just over 11 seconds left gave Atlanta their first lead of the night. The final seconds were tense, but strong defensive efforts, including key stops and a crucial block from fellow debutant Angel Reese, helped seal the win.
Atlanta’s second-half turnaround was fuelled by improved shooting efficiency and dominance on the boards. After a slow start, the team shot nearly 49 per cent in the final two quarters while also overpowering Minnesota in rebounding during the stretch.
Several players delivered standout performances in the comeback. Allisha Gray led the scoring effort with 24 points, with the bulk coming after halftime, while Naz Hillmon and Rhyne Howard each added 15 points. Jordan Canada contributed both scoring and playmaking, helping orchestrate the offense in crucial moments.
Angel Reese also made a strong first impression, recording a double-double with 11 points and 14 rebounds, along with defensive contributions that proved vital in the closing stages.
Atlanta wins
Although Atlanta struggled with turnovers early on, they tightened their ball control in the second half while forcing multiple mistakes from Minnesota, which helped swing momentum in their favor.
For Madina Okot, the debut represents a significant milestone as she becomes one of the few Kenyan players to feature in the WNBA. Her journey to the league has already drawn attention, and this first performance adds to growing expectations around her potential.
The Atlanta Dream will now shift focus to their next fixture against the Dallas Wings, scheduled for Wednesday, May 13, at 3:00 am East African Time.