<img alt="Minnesota Lynx v Atlanta Dream" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Vs9UxoKOq7IdbTXwTNF3biPdB1s=/0x40:1885x1297/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73372948/2154323297.0.jpg">
Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images
The Minnesota Lynx got the better of the Dream in the third quarter. Atlanta, GA — The Atlanta Dream faced a tough challenge last night, succumbing to the Minnesota Lynx in a high-energy game that ended with a 13-point deficit. Despite a valiant effort, the final score stood at 79-92 in favor of the Lynx.
From the opening tip-off, the Dream displayed their trademark tenacity, keeping pace with Lynx through the first quarter. The initial period ended with Lynx holding a narrow 28-25 lead. Allisha Gray had a great first quarter as she led the charge after an early Minnesota run.
Gray and forward Naz Hillmon combined for 10 points across a four-minute stretch. Hillmon also recorded the first 3-pointer of her WNBA career in the fourth quarter. Gray led all scores with seven points and two assists in the first quarter. She accounted for 52.2 % of the Dream points in the first quarter and she also created five Atlanta points from assists.
“I thought in the first quarter, we came out a little bit better than what we have been coming out, in terms of to start the first quarter, so I was really proud of that,” said head coach Tanisha Wright.
However, it was in the second quarter that the Lynx began to widen the gap, leveraging their defensive prowess and capitalizing on turnovers to establish a four-point lead by halftime. The Dream outscored the Lynx in the paint 22-18 in the first half and outscored the Minnesota bench by 10.
Lynx star guard, Kayla McBride, put up a remarkable performance, scoring 31 points and contributing significantly to her team’s offensive efforts. Napheesa Collier also made her presence felt with 20 points and eight rebounds, dominating the paint against a formidable Dream frontcourt. Despite their efforts, Lynx balanced scoring and strong bench performance proved too much to overcome for the Dream.
“I thought our ball screen defense was very poor tonight. We didn’t execute on ball screens, and as a result, they were able to just pick us apart all night. So, we got to hit the drawing board, we got to get better. We got to use every opportunity that we have to get better,” said Coach Wright.
The Dream offensive strategy was spearheaded by Rhyne Howard, who led all scorers with 23 points, six steals and four rebounds, showcasing her MVP-caliber skills. Tina Charles’ playmaking abilities were also on full display, as she grabbed four rebounds to complement her 14 points, orchestrating the offense with precision.
Cheyenne Parker-Tyus finished just shy of a double-double, finishing with 10 points and eight rebounds. Atlanta bench outscored Minnesota’s 25-9. Naz Hillmon and Aerial Powers led the Dream’s bench, tying with nine points apiece. The Dream surpassed its previous season high in a game with 22 assists in the game.
This loss drops the Dream record to 2-2 on the young the season, The team will need to regroup quickly as they prepare to face the Washington Mystics in their next matchup. With their veteran leadership and talented roster, the team remains a formidable force in the WNBA.
<img alt="Minnesota Lynx v Atlanta Dream" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Vs9UxoKOq7IdbTXwTNF3biPdB1s=/0x40:1885x1297/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73372948/2154323297.0.jpg">
Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images
The Minnesota Lynx got the better of the Dream in the third quarter. Atlanta, GA — The Atlanta Dream faced a tough challenge last night, succumbing to the Minnesota Lynx in a high-energy game that ended with a 13-point deficit. Despite a valiant effort, the final score stood at 79-92 in favor of the Lynx.
From the opening tip-off, the Dream displayed their trademark tenacity, keeping pace with Lynx through the first quarter. The initial period ended with Lynx holding a narrow 28-25 lead. Allisha Gray had a great first quarter as she led the charge after an early Minnesota run.
Gray and forward Naz Hillmon combined for 10 points across a four-minute stretch. Hillmon also recorded the first 3-pointer of her WNBA career in the fourth quarter. Gray led all scores with seven points and two assists in the first quarter. She accounted for 52.2 % of the Dream points in the first quarter and she also created five Atlanta points from assists.
“I thought in the first quarter, we came out a little bit better than what we have been coming out, in terms of to start the first quarter, so I was really proud of that,” said head coach Tanisha Wright.
However, it was in the second quarter that the Lynx began to widen the gap, leveraging their defensive prowess and capitalizing on turnovers to establish a four-point lead by halftime. The Dream outscored the Lynx in the paint 22-18 in the first half and outscored the Minnesota bench by 10.
Lynx star guard, Kayla McBride, put up a remarkable performance, scoring 31 points and contributing significantly to her team’s offensive efforts. Napheesa Collier also made her presence felt with 20 points and eight rebounds, dominating the paint against a formidable Dream frontcourt. Despite their efforts, Lynx balanced scoring and strong bench performance proved too much to overcome for the Dream.
“I thought our ball screen defense was very poor tonight. We didn’t execute on ball screens, and as a result, they were able to just pick us apart all night. So, we got to hit the drawing board, we got to get better. We got to use every opportunity that we have to get better,” said Coach Wright.
The Dream offensive strategy was spearheaded by Rhyne Howard, who led all scorers with 23 points, six steals and four rebounds, showcasing her MVP-caliber skills. Tina Charles’ playmaking abilities were also on full display, as she grabbed four rebounds to complement her 14 points, orchestrating the offense with precision.
Cheyenne Parker-Tyus finished just shy of a double-double, finishing with 10 points and eight rebounds. Atlanta bench outscored Minnesota’s 25-9. Naz Hillmon and Aerial Powers led the Dream’s bench, tying with nine points apiece. The Dream surpassed its previous season high in a game with 22 assists in the game.
This loss drops the Dream record to 2-2 on the young the season, The team will need to regroup quickly as they prepare to face the Washington Mystics in their next matchup. With their veteran leadership and talented roster, the team remains a formidable force in the WNBA.
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