Atlanta Dream: Climbing Back to Success in the 2nd Half

Superstar Angel Mccoughtry

Weeks ago, when the defending Eastern Conference champions, Atlanta Dream was 3-9, many fans thought this young and talented team would miss the playoffs after the high expectations were set before the WNBA season. Now, the Atlanta Dream, lead by superstar Angel Mccoughtry, have won 7 of their last 9 games and currently own a 10-11 record and have also moved into the 4th seed of the Eastern Conference for the first time this season. Angel Mccoughtry is a major factor in the Dream's recent success averaging (25.2) points per game, (4.9) rebounds per game, and (2.3) assists per game. In her fourth season, she is carrying Atlanta from behind in the Eastern Conference in dramatic fashion and her efforts saw her win the WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Month in July. Led by Angel, the Dream is turning a season that looked like it would end way too soon for the Atlanta fans and this team into a season of redemption and the Dream is becoming a scary threat for their opponents as we continue through the month of August.

Armintie Price

Other than Mccoughtry, the Dream have received some key contributors during this comeback season for Atlanta from other starters such as Erika Desouza, Arminitie Price, and Allison Bales. Erika Desouza, the 5th year center from Brazil, has contributed in a huge way during this successful stretch for the Dream on offense and defense. Desouza averaged (12.1) points per game, (7.0) rebounds per game, and (1.4) blocks per game, which is the 2nd highest total in her 5-year career and her key contributions have helped Atlanta in a major way. Armintie Price, the former 6th woman for the Dream, have replaced Izi Castro Marquez in the starting lineup and continues to provide extra energy for the team during their successful run. Over the past 9 games, Price is averaging (8.2) points per game, (1.6) steals per game, and (3.1) rebounds per game. Price's season average of (8.0) points per game is her career best total and the former Rookie of the Year is huge for the Dream and she continues to cause defensive mismatches for the opponents. Allison Bales is another contributor who originally was a bench player, but when Sancho Lyttle left for a small portion of the WNBA season, the Dream turned to her as their option for the season. Bales is contributing in a great way averaging (4.8) points per game, (5.8) rebounds per game, and (2.7) blocks per game. Allison is a key contributor in the paint and provides inside defensive presence against some of their opponents and continues to make big plays when Atlanta needs her the most. Bales is having her 2nd best season as a WNBA center and will continue to provide a huge presence for Atlanta. With the addition of Sancho Lyttle to the Dream lineup, their defensive pressure and intensity have increased and is notably recognized against some of their tough opponents.

Allison Bales 

Atlanta will continue their comeback season by playing seven of their next nine games on the road and this stretch will determine their fate towards marching back to the WNBA Finals in 2011. Some of the games they will play are against Diana Taurasi and the Phoenix Mercury, a road battle against the defending WNBA champions Seattle Storm, and back to back games against the Connecticut Sun who currently holds the 2nd seed in the Eastern Conference of the WNBA. Atlanta will look to remain consistent as they maintain a one game lead over the Chicago Sky for the final seed in the competitive WNBA playoffs. Recently, the Dream is the hottest team playing in the 2nd half of the season after battling the injury bug early in their campaign and also after dropping some close games in overtime. Atlanta continues to impress their critics as the 4-year franchise will attempt to make their 3rd postseason appearance in a row. Led by Coach Marynell Meadors, the Dream looks focused on one goal: Returning to the playoffs to bring home the first basketball championship from any team in Atlanta professional sports history. Basketball fans around Atlanta needs to support these young women and come support this team of competitive players as they continue to re-establish their dominance as a WNBA championship contender. Let's Go Dream!!!