COLLEGE PARK, GA - JUNE 2: Nia Coffey #12 of the Atlanta Dream handles the ball during the game against the Connecticut Sun during a 2024 Commissioner's Cup game on June 2, 2024 at Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images)

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Dream Fall to Sun at Home Despite Strong Defense

By Yakiri Thomas / June 3, 2024

You know the feeling when your team plays their hearts out but just can’t seem to catch a break? That sinking feeling in your stomach when the final buzzer sounds and the scoreboard doesn’t show the outcome you were hoping for? Unfortunately, that’s the exact feeling Atlanta Dream fans are dealing with after tonight’s tough home loss to the Connecticut Sun. But don’t go counting the Dream out just yet – they showed real heart and hustle out there. If they can maintain that energy and build on some defensive strengths, brighter days may still be ahead.

In the first half Atlanta Dream came out ready to play defensively against the Connecticut Sun, holding them to just 15 points in the first quarter. Cheyenne Parker-Tyus and Tina Charles led the defensive effort, combining for 5 rebounds and 3 blocks in the opening period. However, the Dream struggled to find their rhythm on offense, shooting just 35% from the field.

In the second quarter, Charles continued to dominate the boards, grabbing 7 rebounds to go along with 4 points and 2 steals in the first half. Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard added 2 points apiece, but the Dream still couldn’t get their offense going, trailing the Sun 25-31 at halftime while shooting under 30% from the field.

After the break, with one second left to play in the third, Gray launched a 3-pointer from 31 feet deep to cut the Connecticut lead down to 14. The basket was the longest 3-pointer of the night and capped a 14-6 Dream run to end the quarter.

The momentum continued into the fourth with smothering defense holding the Sun to just 25% shooting. Charles dominated with 4 points, 4 rebounds and a block while Powers and Hillmon provided key baskets. Though they fell short in the end, the Dream showed they have the talent and determination to compete with the league’s best.

“I feel like we’re a much better team than what we what we showed today. I think we let our offense dictate our defense at times. And I thought it killed our confidence at times. We missed some easy shots.” said coach Tanisha Wright.

With the loss behind them, the Dream now look ahead to their next matchup against the New York Liberty on Thursday at Gateway Center Arena. Tip-off is at 7:30 PM.

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