Atlanta Dream Set Standard After Defeating League-Leading Lynx

Since the conclusion of All-Star weekend, the Atlanta Dream have won five of their last seven games.

Atlanta has handled business since the All-Star break, sitting at 18-11. Within that record is a big win against the number one team in the league, the Minnesota Lynx. What made that possible? Was it the size and strength difference or their collapsing defense that gave the Dream an advantage? Ending the Lynx’s 14-0 home-court streak is no small feat, but the Dream found a way in 40 minutes of solid gameplay.

Play with Pace

The absence of Rhyne Howard opened a variety of rotations of guard substitutions. Maya Caldwell entered the starting lineup and, as always, provided good minutes for the Dream.

Take a look at the guard options— Caldwell, Te-Hina Paopao, Allisha Gray, and Jordin Canada. The common denominator across those listed players is speed. Caldwell holds her place in the starting lineup for Howard. She runs the floor, gets out in transition, and is steadily looking for second-chance opportunities. Teammates alike, such as Brionna Jones, see her putting in the work and know, “…if I pass it out there, she’s going to knock it down”.

Now, if jerseys had nicknames instead of last names, Canada’s jersey should read “facilitator.”

Control and poise best describe her game. When needed, she finds her shot, knocking from beyond the arc or putting her head down and running through the paint. She can either get the 30-piece or scan the floor, passing the ball to Jones or Griner with a back-door cut or an easy layup.

Canada displays the qualities that her detailed head coach, Karl Smesko, is implementing for this team.

“Percentages, shooting threes, getting to the paint, and feeding off of each other,” is what showcased in Canada’s stat line. She scored 18 points, four rebounds, and three assists, behind Brittney Griner’s season-high 22 points.

Players Find Their Spark

This game was a prime display of balanced offense and defense.

From both teams, in the first half, back-door cuts, three-pointers, and transition layups were falling. Despite Napheesa Collier’s continued MVP performance, it was not enough to hold off the Dream. This was a night where the shots were falling, players were getting to the free-throw line, and players like Brittney Griner let the game come to her.

With 22 points, shooting 8-13 from the field, Griner found her spots and kept her arms open to catch and shoot. Despite not having a demonstrative defensive night, her offensive game has the potential to edge the Dream into the winning column on a nightly basis.

Playoff Contention

A win like Sunday’s can act as a confidence booster— a catalyst while the Dream await Howard’s return. However, this team is not short of star power and talent. This team is composed of critical pieces that can help them perform well, add wins to their record, and make a strong push for a playoff berth, potentially advancing past the first round.

How Griner and Canada performed is indicative of the balance amongst this team— and something that needs to remain consistent. Defense shined during this matchup— Jones and Griner’s collapsing defense in the paint, as well as Gray’s two-way gameplay created broken plays and extra passes for the Lynx.

Two-way players at the guard position open the floor for movement because the guards have a strong offensive and defensive presence. Putting together four quarters of solid gameplay requires solid minutes from all those who step on the court. Fatigue, missed cues, and poor shot attempts were traits that did not show in the big win. Instead, poise, good shot selection, and unselfish basketball were on full display.

The two teams will meet again on August 21 in Atlanta, where fans should expect another close matchup.

Atlanta’s Remaining Schedule

The Dream currently sit third in the WNBA at 18-11 with 13 games to go. Here is their remaining slate:

• Aug. 7 @ Chicago
• Aug. 10 @ Phoenix
• Aug. 13 @ Seattle
• Aug. 15 vs. Seattle
• Aug. 17 @ Golden State
• Aug. 19 @ Las Vegas
• Aug. 21 vs. Minnesota
• Aug. 23 vs. New York
• Aug. 27 vs. Las Vegas
• Aug. 29 vs. Dallas
• Sep. 1 @ Connecticut
• Sep. 3 vs. Los Angeles
• Sep. 5 vs. Los Angeles
• Sep. 8 vs. Connecticut
• Sep. 10 @ Connecticut