The atmosphere at the Gateway Center Arena was charged with anticipation as the Atlanta Dream took on the undefeated Connecticut Sun. Both teams had something to prove: the Sun were looking to extend their perfect record to 8-0, while the Dream, fresh off an upset victory over the Las Vegas Aces, aimed to topple another league giant.
Early Momentum and Defensive Prowess
The game started with intense energy, with the Dream’s defense showing up strong. Cheyenne Parker, known for her defensive capabilities, was a force on the boards early on. Her presence, alongside a stunning euro step by Nia Coffey that had the crowd roaring, set a competitive tone. Rhyne Howard added to the excitement with a block that prompted the announcer to shout, “Noooooo Ma’am!” to the delight of fans. By the end of the first quarter, the score was tied at 17, indicating a tightly contested game.
Sun’s Offensive Surge
As the second quarter progressed, the Sun began to find their groove. DeWanna Bonner, who ended the night with 18 points and 10 rebounds, hit a crucial three-pointer that sparked a scoring run. Brionna Jones followed with a jumper, and the Sun slowly built a lead. The Dream struggled to respond offensively, particularly due to Dijonai Carrington’s stifling defense on Allisha Gray. At halftime, the Sun led 39-27.
Coach Tanisha Wright’s Perspective
After the game, Dream coach Tanisha Wright shared her thoughts on the team’s performance: “I feel like we’re a much better team than what we showed today. I think we let our offense dictate our defense at times. And I thought it killed our confidence at times. We missed some easy shots. I mean, we were getting great looks, looks that we want, especially in that first half. So I thought that dictated a lot of what we did tonight energy wise and being able to sustain when you’re playing against a really good team.”
When asked about the second and third quarters, which seemed particularly challenging for the Dream, Coach Wright explained, “Yeah, in all honesty, I thought the first quarter we got good looks and we were able to stay within, but what we kept telling them was, ‘Hey, we’re moving the ball, we’re getting good looks, but they’re not falling right now. Let’s play inside outside.’ And we came out the second quarter and it was jump shot, jump shot, jump shot, jump shot. It was literally everything that we said not to be doing. It was jump shot, it was quick shot… I just don’t think we listened very well tonight.”
Dream’s Shooting Woes
The Dream’s shooting difficulties were evident throughout the game. They managed only 28.4% from the field and a dismal 18.8% from beyond the arc. Despite Tina Charles recording her fourth double-double of the season with 12 points and 12 rebounds, the Dream couldn’t find consistent scoring. Allisha Gray, who had been a key player in previous games, was limited to just 9 points, largely due to Carrington’s defensive efforts.
Second Half Dominance by the Sun
In the second half, the Sun continued to dominate. Their defense was impenetrable, and they capitalized on the Dream’s turnovers. The Sun’s interior play was particularly effective, outscoring the Dream 36-26 in the paint. The Dream’s attempts to free up Gray with screens and off-ball movement were largely unsuccessful, resulting in missed opportunities and fouls.
Final Moments and Key Performances
As the game wound down, the Sun maintained their commanding lead. The Dream, despite setting a new team record with 10 steals (with Tina Charles contributing four), couldn’t close the gap. Carrington continued her impressive performance, finishing with 15 points and solidifying her impact on both ends of the floor.
The final score of 69-50 underscored the Sun’s balanced attack and defensive strength. They shot 42.4% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range, showcasing their efficiency. The Dream, on the other hand, will need to address their shooting struggles and find ways to support their key players better.
Conclusion
The Connecticut Sun’s victory was a testament to their resilience and tactical prowess. For the Atlanta Dream, this game highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in offensive execution and shot selection. As the season progresses, the Dream will look to build on their defensive strengths and develop a more consistent scoring approach. They face a big test against the New York Liberty next week, as this string of tough opponents continues.
