by Troy Jenkins

 

The Atlanta Dream took the lead early and never looked back in their victory over the Connecticut Sun Sunday afternoon at Philips Arena.

 

Here Are A Few Notes From Sunday’s Game:

Dream Complete Season Sweep of Connecticut

• The Dream used a 12-4 first quarter run to seize an early lead that carried over into the first half. In the second half, the Dream took control of the rebounding, and scored seven points on eight Connecticut turnovers en route to the victory.
• The Dream saw four players reach double-figures in scoring: Angel McCoughtry and Layshia Clarendon both finished with 19 points, Tiffany Hayes scored 17 points, and Elizabeth Williams had 16 points
• Sunday’s win marks the Dream’s sixth straight victory over the Wings, and completes the sweep of the season series with a 4-0 record. The Dream also hold a 20-16 all-time record against Connecticut.
• Coach Cooper’s Take: “Overall, a great win for us after coming off of a tough game in Chicago. A lot of the things that we did to get ourselves beat in Chicago we didn’t do tonight’s game. I was very and proud and honored that the ladies played this well.”
• Player’s Take: “This is a time to focus back on the team and the WNBA. We’ve definitely have to work on some things to be ready for the playoffs with only seven or so games left”, said McCoughtry after the win.

 

Three Key Stats From Sunday’s Win

• The Dream improved to 13-3 when making more free throws than their opponent by making 28 free throws to Connecticut’s 18.
• The Dream finished with a plus-eight rebounding advantage (34-26) over the Sun. They are now 9-4 when outrebounding the opposition.
• The Dream limited the Sun to just 38% shooting from the field. Their record improves to 7-2 when their opponent shoots under 40%.

 

McCoughtry Picks Up Where She Left Off

• Dream Forward and Olympic Gold Medalist Angel McCoughtry helped lead the Dream to victory with her 19 points in Sunday’s victory.
• McCoughtry has notched double-digit points in 24 of 27 games this season.
• At the 2016 Olympic Games, McCoughtry averaged 9.4 points and 3.6 rebounds over eight games to help Team USA capture their sixth straight Gold Medal.

 

Clarendon Matches Career-High in Points

• In Sunday’s victory over the Sun, Dream guard Layshia Clarendon matched her career-high 19 points.
• This game marks the fifth time she’s scored 19 points in a game this season, and the 17th time in 27 games she’s posted double-digit points.

 

Williams Continues Impressive Season

• Dream center Elizabeth Williams fell one rebound shy of her third double-double of the season in a 16-point, nine-rebound outing.
• Williams also blocked two more shots in Sunday’s game, and brings her season total to 69.
• Williams is having a career season by averaging 12.0 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.6 blocked shots (second in the WNBA in blocks)

 

Player of the Game: Angel McCoughtry

Atlanta’s resident Olympic gold medalist and WNBA superstar set the tone early with 11 of her 19 points coming in the first quarter. Her quick start set the tone for the Dream as they took an early lead that they wouldn’t relinquish.

 

Playoff Picture

• Sunday’s triumph gives the Dream a 14-13 record. This record is currently the fourth-best record in the WNBA Standings.
• The Dream sit five games back of the first-place New York Liberty in the Eastern Conference Standings

 

Up Next

The Dream’s homestand will continue next Sunday on September 4 with a visit from Sue Bird, Breanna Stewart and the Seattle Storm. This game will feature three Olympic gold medalists and will tip off at 6 p.m. from Philips Arena.

After a visit from the Storm, the Dream will face two more Olympic gold medal winners when Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner lead the Phoenix Mercury into Philips Arena on September 6.