photo credit / covers.com
In Atlanta, the Dreams are looking for 2-game win at home against the New York Liberty. The Dream have been displaying promise on their home court, but in the end Liberty dominates Atlanta 89-77. At the start of the 1st, Dreams Cheyenne Parker come out with the first score for Atlanta. For the past few games she has been the “go-to” player for the Dream. She would be their call, their veteran, and display of poise. However, the Dream are suffering with key players are the injury list; Erica Wheeler, Kristy Wallace, and Kia Vaughn. Through out the 1st quarter, Atlanta was only shooting 20% from the field versus New York who shot 83%. Dreams Rhyne Howard struggled in this quarter by taking any shots that would fall for Atlanta. Most of the Dreams’ defense was figuring out how to keep the Liberty from scoring off the glass. Asia Durr for Atlanta, would get instant shots to keep her team on the boards. The awesome ball movement from the Liberty was spectacular to see as Marine Johannes and Sabrina Ionescu bring New York’s lead to 30-16 going to the 2nd. The next quarter, Atlanta’s Asia Durr becomes the Dream’s breath of fresh air bringing New York’s double digit lead to 6 with 2:58 left in the half. Rhyne Howard with a fighting mentality in her eye, claws her way to try and bring Atlanta to a decent deficit at halftime. Liberty’s Johannes always responded with an answer on the other end of the court.
The Atlanta Dream try to come back in the 3rd with an answer for New York Liberty’s explosive offense. New York seemed to never take their foot off the gas through out the game. Dream Aari McDonald tried to pull her team out of the Liberty’s reign by scoring 12 points for the night. The Dream’s main motive for this quarter was to get some stops from New York’s scoring. Asia Durr and McDonald triumphantly went on a strong scoring drive to bring Atlanta within a 3-point deficit 65-62 with 1:17 left in the quarter. New York’s Sabrina Ionescu remains unstoppable for the Liberty throughout the game from the perimeter with 21 points for the evening. The Liberty has an outstanding supporting cast in Natasha Howard – 19 points, Johannes – 17 points, and Dangerfield – 8 points. Atlanta never gained a lead in the game. New York took care of business in the Gateway Arena. They continued to make their mark in the league. Liberty dominates Atlanta 89-77. Atlanta Dream faces the Connecticut Sun at home, Sunday – June 26 at 2 pm.
