By Sydney Gibbs

The Atlanta Dream (2-9) had a hit of momentum in the first four minutes of today’s game against the Chicago Sky (7-4), but couldn’t sustain it as they fell 92-67. Atlanta extends their losing streak to eight games as they are still chasing after their first win since July 31.

The Dream immediately took a 10-2 advantage over the Sky within minutes of the game’s start, and their energy level was right where it needed to be. After the six minute mark, Chicago loosened up and started controlling the game as they took a 19-4 scoring run at the end of the first quarter.

“The first thing they did was they subbed and put Cheyenne Parker in and she beat us around on the low block,” said head coach Nicki Collen. “We were kind of flying around and really in tune to the defensive game plan and caused a couple of turnovers and then they [Chicago] settled down like good teams do.”

Atlanta settled for a few good minutes in the second quarter but ultimately Chicago took command –– knocking down three-pointers and driving to the rim for layups to lead 46-37 at the break. 

The second half of play went progressively downhill for the Dream as they were unable to reclaim the lead they had in the first quarter. The Sky demonstrated dominance on both ends of the floor which gave the Dream a lot of difficulty in keeping up with the pace. Chicago built a double-digit lead throughout the third and fourth quarters and Atlanta was left to play catch up the rest of the way. 

“We weren’t making shots, we missed a lot of free throws and open shots in the first half. If we would’ve just made our free throws we would’ve been within two possessions at halftime,” said Collen. “ I thought the difference was that our goal was to be better coming out in the third quarter and we just weren’t. We gave up baskets on the first two possessions and that set the tone for the game.”

The Sky had four players in double digits with Parker coming off the bench and scoring 17 points and six rebounds. Allie Quigley and Courtney Vandersloot had 14 points apiece and Kahleah Copper had 11. 

Courtney Williams led the Dream in scoring with another double digit performance, finishing with 15 points, six rebounds and four assists. Monique Billings had a solid outing and scored 12 points and added eight rebounds. Betnijah Laney recorded 10 points, three rebounds and four assists to end the day.

Billings was inserted back into the starting lineup after being taken out two games ago against the Seattle Storm. Billings scored 30 points in the first game of the season and hasn’t been as explosive since. After a rough few games, she gave the team productivity against the Sky. 

“I mean she plays so hard and so fast sometimes she doesn’t slow down and gather at the end, but I thought her energy was really good,” said Collen of Billings’ performance. “There’s gonna come a point where Mo brings in more offensive rebounds. Right now she’s getting a hand on a lot of them and doesn’t get as many as I think she’s gonna end up with, but she’s consistently putting pressure on the defense by going to the offensive boards.”

The Dream have a two day break before they face the Washington Mystics on Wednesday night at 7 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network.