Back to .500.
The Atlanta Dream snapped their two-game losing streak with a decisive 87-74 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks. The win came as a much-needed boost for the Dream, who have been struggling to find their footing in recent games. It was the Dream’s biggest win of the season as they dominated the Sparks in all areas of the game.
From tip-off, it was clear that the Dream were determined to turn their fortunes around. They came out of the gates with intense energy, much different than previous games where they had slow starts.
The first quarter saw Allisha Gray leading the charge with a series of impressive plays, including going 2-for 4 from the field in the quarter. Gray set the tone for the game as she finished with 25 points, three rebounds and three steals. Gray has really been working on her defense as she aims to get it on the same level as her offense.
“Coach T [Wright] be on my ass, so I just got to really lock in as she know what I can do and accomplish on the defensive side. That’s just one of my roles — to be a defensive stopper and really lock in on the defensive end,” said Gray.
Tina Charles also had a huge game as she finished the game with 20 points and 11 rebounds. By the end of the first quarter, the Dream had built a solid 20-14 lead.
The second quarter continued to showcase the Dream dominance. Their defense was particularly effective, forcing the Sparks into several turnovers that were converted into points on the other end. Rhyne Howard was instrumental in this defensive effort, recording multiple steals and blocks.
Offensively, the Dream spread the ball well, with several players contributing to the scoreline. Aerial Powers was huge again off the bench as she opened the quarter with a 3-pointer. She finished the first half with seven points and three rebounds. Powers ended the game with 13 points off the bench.
By halftime, the Dream lead 45-40.
Despite a valiant effort from the Sparks in the third quarter, where they managed to narrow the gap slightly, the Dream remained in control. The Sparks made a brief run, powered by Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson, who each scored 16 points in the loss.
However, the Dream would score 27 points in the final quarter to kill any hopes the Sparks had of winning the game. A 20-8 run by the Dream was the momentum they needed to secure a comfortable 87-74 victory.
“Good win for us, great bounce back win. We need to work on consistency. Our message to them is not being satisfied. Taking this feeling, and taking it on the road, and trying to get a win on the road. I think we did a good job of getting downhill when shots were not falling, and we had good paint touching for our post players as well,” said head coach Tanisha Wright.