Atlanta’s key focus of this Sunday afternoon game is to be the aggressor from the jump. As the Dream bring the fever to Indiana, they go on a 7-0 run in the 1st quarter. The Fever were at zero points for over 3 minutes in the quarter. ( 1-8 from the field and 7 turnovers). The drought continued in this cycle for Indiana for another 4 minutes straight as Atlanta capitalized on their vulnerability. Cheyenne Parker who a big game against the Sky on Friday, hit a buzzer beater this game at the end of the first quarter to bring the Dreams to a 17-9 score.
Have you had your “Coffey”?
Dreams Nia Coffey, started showing for Atlanta working both ends of the court on offense and defense. She had 7 points in the 2nd quarter (3-5 from the field). Coach Wright was concerned with her team’s lack of efficiency in the past against the Fever’s defense. However, Indiana goes scoreless for 4 minutes straight. That didn’t distract them from making it to the free throw line, they were 7-10 in this area. This strategy kept Indiana somewhat close in the game. Going into halftime the Dreams held on to the lead at the 29-26. Their high scorers at the time, Parker 8 pts, Kia Vaughn 4pts, and Nia Coffey 7pts. (12-8 in the paint for the Dream in the first half).
Nia Coffey let the music play on going into the 3rd quarter with 11 points total. She was truly unstoppable the entire quarter. Coffey ended the afternoon with 16 points, 10 rebounds, making this her 3rd career high double-double. Of course she had the help of her teammates, Rhyne Howard who brought her “A” game again. Back to back scores for the rookie, with one from the perimeter.
Dreams seal the win
Indiana’s Kelsey Mitchell brings the Fever back within 5 points. Atlanta never slowed up on their court action. Kia Vaughn lays up a mean skyhook and a lay up to follow on the next possession. The “floor general” Erica Wheeler initiates the Dreams to take a 12 point lead and 9-0 run in the 3rd. Star rookie Howard adds on 14 points as Atlanta has climbed to a 17 point lead with a shooting percentage at 85. All of the Atlanta Dreams starters are in double figures at this point of the game. Fevers guard Kelsey Mitchell has 11 points in the 4th quarter and brings Indiana with a 2 possession game. They continue to fight and claw their way to a win, but Atlanta hold on to win 75-66. Atlanta Dreams record is 7-4 in the East. The Dreams take their next game on the road to Seattle to battle Sue Bird and the Storm on Tuesday, June 7 @ 9pm.
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