Big win towards playoff positioning.
The Atlanta Dream defeated the Los Angeles Sparks 80-62 on Sunday to move their overall record to 11-21 on the season.
The Dream never trailed in the game as they scored 25 points in the first quarter while limiting the Sparks to 12 points. Overall, for the game the Dream shot 41% on their 3-pointers while finishing with a 45% field goal percentage.
It was a complete game for the Dream as they dominated both offensively and defensively. The Dream led by as many as 18 points, and it was a much needed win for the team as they contuine to keep their playoff hopes alive. Tina Charles, Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray and Naz Hillmon all finished the game in double figures.
Charles had a game high 23 points and 10 rebounds, as it was her 13th double-double of the season. Charles was clicking on all cylinders as she had five 3-pointers while also dominating the paint. Charles achieved another milestone as it was her 100th regular season game with 20-plus points and 10-plus rebounds.
She continues to make her mark in the league as one of the all-time greats. She is now seven double-doubles away from becoming the all time WNBA leader in double-doubles.
“She had a lot to do with the way we came out intentionally. I thought she was very intentional in getting to her spots. She made some tough shots too, she made some tough shots that really got us going. Rhyne [Howard] did as well. Tina [Charles] is just a stud in terms of what she can do on the court, and that’s why she is a future hall of famer,” said head coach Tanisha Wright.
Howard followed with 19 points and seven rebounds while Gray added another 12 points and Hillmon contributed 10 points and nine rebounds. Coach Wright was pleased with the overall performance.
“Getting road wins are really, really tough, so I appreciate our effort tonight — especially how we started. I thought we came out with an intentional focus to take care of business the way we needed to do. I definitely appreciate that effort. I thought we did a great effort on the glass, and we did a great job of keeping our turnovers down,” said Wright.