Atlanta fall to Minnesota 79-88

Photo Screenshot @AtlantaDream Twitter

After the WNBA decided to follow in the steps of the NBA protest in response to the shooting of 29-year-old, unarmed black man Jacob Blake who was shot seven times by police, the Atlanta Dream returned to the court two days later to face Minnesota on Friday with the Lynx in search of a revenge win at IMG Academy in Bradenton Fl.

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Today's @GeorgiasOwn tipoff. #ATLvsMIN pic.twitter.com/GJtSXUojCC

— Atlanta Dream (@AtlantaDream) August 28, 2020

Even with Chennedy Carter returning to the floor after her injury the Dream struggled and collapsed to the Lynx 79-88.

Atlanta seemed to play with a sense of heaviness and it was apparent at the post game presser, when Coach Nicki mentioned the emotional heaviness of the week and how it was tough for the team to deal with the boycott after returning to play the game.

When asked about how it makes her feel to have other home team leagues support the team’s stance on social injustices and systemic racism, and if she has spoken to any other Atlanta team’s head coaches regarding the topic, Coach Nicki said, “I have not. I think this is an issue that is so much bigger than Atlanta. It’s so much bigger than professional sports. I think the solidarity is the solidarity from coast-to-coast in this country. As we say, “sea from shining sea.” This is a big deal. I think what we’re trying to say is Black lives matter. When you say all lives matter then Black lives have to matter. I think it’s continuing to talk about that message. Equality means equality. Is that too much to ask for? I think our message is the same. I coach incredible Black athletes, but they’re more than athletes, and when they go home they’re human and they’re Black. They have brothers. They’re affected by this and the emotions in this. The emotions were heavy. I honestly think part of why Elizabeth Williams missed some layups today was this has been heavy. She’s on the Executive Committee. She’s had to speak for teammates. She’s had to speak for all 144 players in this league. I just think it’s wearing on her. It’s emotional. It’s a lot. As teams were reflecting over the last two days and almost having a day off, she was on TV and she was on this and she was on that. I thought it showed tonight, because this is a bigger issue than basketball.”

“I think we have a platform. It might not be as big as the NBA, but we certainly have one and I think we need to use it. I think my job is to elevate the voices of Black and brown women in league, for the most part, and listen and learn, and support my teammates any way that I can.” said Blake Dietrick on the importance of her taking her stance on social injustice.

Next up: The Atlanta Dream (3-12) will take on the Los Angeles Sparks (11-3) this Sunday, August 30 at 8:00 p.m. ET on Fox Sports Southeast and Facebook.