Split the opening road trip.
Phoenix, AZ — The Atlanta Dream were narrowly defeated late Saturday, losing 88-85 against the Phoenix Mercury. The Dream started the same lineup from the season opener win against the Sparks that featured Haley Jones, Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, Cheyenne Parker-Tyus and Tina Charles. The Dream historically haven’t had much success against the Mercury going into the game as they are 13-27 overall and 3-17 when playing in Phoenix. Gray led all Dream scorers for the night, totaling 22 points, two assists, two blocks, and six rebounds. Howard finished just shy of a double-double, totaling 21 points and nine rebounds.
The Mercury outscored the Dream 24-15 in the first quarter, however the Dream didn’t make it easy. Howard and Gray hit back-to-back 3-pointers to cut the Phoenix lead down to three points. Howard led all scorers in the first quarter with seven points and three rebounds, followed by Gray with four points and three rebounds. The Dream shot 66.7 % from the field in the first quarter. Their offense was aggressive, and their defense was tight, showing their preparation and determination to win. The players were in sync, making impressive plays and shooting with high accuracy, and by the end of the first half they only trailed by 37-43.
As the game resumed in the second half, Dream came out the locker room with renewed vigor. Adjustments made during the halftime break allowed them to counteract the strategies that had given the home team their lead. The Dream shot 63.6% from the field and 50% from the 3-point line in the third quarter. Crystal Dangerfield recorded her first 3-pointer in a Dream uniform, with the assist from Aerial Powers. Taking advantage of a late foul, Dangerfield converted all three of her free throw attempts to bring the Dream within five, 60-65.
Head coach Tanisha Wright was pleased with the energy the team displayed in the second half overall.
“I thought the energy that we had in the second half was a lot better, the fight that we had in that second half was a lot better. I’m hoping that we take this loss, and we learn from it right? We understand that we can’t have the start that we need to have, and it doesn’t matter who we’re playing, where we’re playing them, its all the same,” said Wright.
The Dream went on a 10-2 run to cut the deficit down to one point, 71-72. Gray led Atlanta run, finishing the fourth quarter with 10 points and two rebounds.
“ I just know I need to lock in defensively. I mean, one of my roles is being a complete defender, so that’s just something I need to lock in,” said Gray.
“Just push pace and get the ball where it needs to be. We had moments in the first half that we could have taken advantage of, and I think there were times in the second half we were able to do that, and that’s where we went on our run,” said Dangerfield.
This defeat, as heartbreaking as it was, is a steppingstone for the team. It provides valuable insight and experience that will undoubtedly contribute to their growth. The players and coaches are already looking forward to their next game, aiming to leverage their learnings and return stronger, ready to convert their potential into victory.