by Troy Jenkins
The Atlanta Dream saw their five-game home winning streak snapped after their rally fell short in a 91-82 loss to the Seattle Storm Sunday evening at Phillips Arena.
Here Are A Few Notes From Sunday’s Game:
Dream’s Home Winning Streak Stopped at Five
- Entering the second half down eight, the Dream surrendered a 23-10 run, and fell behind by as many as 26 points after allowing a season-high 32 points in the third quarter. Though the Dream rallied with 22-9 run and a 33 point fourth quarter, the deficit proved to great.
- The Dream had two players in double-figures on Sunday. Angel McCoughtry led all scorers with 32 points and Tiffany Hayes notched 20 points.
- With Sunday’s defeat, the Dream fall to 9-10 all-time against the Seattle Storm, and lose the 2016 season series 1-2. This loss also snaps a six game home winning streak against the Storm.
- Coach Cooper’s Take: “This game was a tough one to lose. You’ve got to come play every single game.”
- Player’s Take: “We just have to stay together and keep talking to each other. We know what it feels like to play well”, said Elizabeth Williams following the loss.
Three Key Stats From Sunday’s Loss
- The Dream were outrebounded by a final tally of 32-27. They’re now 4-10 when being outrebounded by the opponent.
- The Storm scored 91 points in Sunday’s game. The Dream fall to 3-7 when they allow 90 or more points.
- The Dream trailed Seattle at the half, and now fall to 4-10 when entering halftime down on the scoreboard.
McCoughtry Puts Up Season High in Points
- Dream Forward and Olympic Gold Medalist Angel McCoughtry scored a season-high 32 points in Sunday’s loss to Seattle.
- McCoughtry has notched double-digit points in 25 of 28 games, and 20 or more points in 15 of her last 23 games this season.
Hayes Scores 20 Points
- In Sunday’s loss to Seattle, Dream Guard Tiffany Hayes contributed with 20 points for the game.
- Hayes has now notched double-figure points in 19 of 27 games this season.
Lyttle Makes Her Return
- Sunday’s game marked the first start for Sancho Lyttle since July 15th at Indiana. She had missed the last five games due to a right foot injury.
- Lyttle posted eight points, three rebounds, and a steal in Sunday’s game.
Player(s) of the Game: Breanna Stewart and Sue Bird
Seattle’s Olympic Gold Medal duo scored 23 points each as they lead their team to victory. Stewart set the tone early with 17 points on 70% shooting and six rebounds in the first half. Bird came alive in the second half with seven points in both the third and fourth quarter to total 14 points. “We didn’t really get too down with the Chicago loss. We knew we had an opportunity. But, for the most part this season, with every game we’ve either won or lost, we’ve tried to move on and learn from it. That’s what happened tonight”, said Bird following the game. Their combined play was key in securing the Storm’s first win in Atlanta since 2008.
Playoff Picture
- Sunday’s defeat gives the Dream a 14-14 record. This record is currently the fifth best record in the WNBA Standings.
- The Dream sit one game back of the Chicago Sky and five and a half games behind the first place New York Liberty in the Eastern Conference Standings.
Up Next
The Dream’s homestand will conclude September 6 as they face two more Olympic Gold Medalist when Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner lead the Phoenix Mercury into Philips Arena. The game will tip off at 7 p.m. The Dream will then head west for two games starting on September 8 when they visit Candace Parker and the Los Angeles Sparks. After a visit to Los Angeles, the Dream will take a visit to Phoenix for another game against the Mercury on September 11.