Dream Momentum Builds After Defeating Aces
The Atlanta Dream (22-13) are preparing for a Thursday visit to the Los Angeles Sparks after securing a commanding 97-82 victory over the defending champion Las Vegas Aces on Tuesday. This significant win marked the opening game of Atlanta's crucial four-game road trip, a stretch that will test their mettle as the regular season winds down.
Angel Reese was a dominant force against the Aces, contributing 21 points and 10 rebounds in 39 minutes of play. This performance represented her 24th double-double of the season, a testament to her consistent impact on both ends of the court. Notably, Reese achieved this statistical milestone against Aces superstar A'ja Wilson, a highly anticipated individual matchup.
Rhyne Howard, the Dream's leading scorer, paced the team with 23 points in the victory. The synergy between Howard and Reese was evident, as the Dream executed their game plan effectively. Reese attributed the team's success to their defensive pressure, stating, "I just tried to let my defense lead to my offense." Her defensive strategy against Wilson was particularly effective. "I know how good A'ja is so I was just trying to deflect as many passes I can, deny her, make her catches farther out," Reese explained, highlighting her focus on disrupting the Aces' primary offensive threat. She also emphasized that the team's collective effort, which resulted in 15 steals against Las Vegas, was key to their triumph.
Atlanta's Strong Form Contrasts With Opponent's Struggles
The Atlanta Dream have demonstrated remarkable consistency and strong form in recent weeks. The team boasts an impressive 9-3 record since July 13, a period that has seen them solidify their position in the league standings. This winning stretch began with a decisive 101-92 home victory over the Los Angeles Sparks, a game that foreshadowed the challenges the Sparks would continue to face.
Heading into Wednesday's play, Atlanta held a firm grip on fifth place in the overall WNBA standings, underscoring their status as a legitimate contender. Their upcoming schedule includes two more matchups against the Sparks during this current road trip. Following these games, the Dream will return to Atlanta to play four of their final six regular-season games at home, a favorable position that could help them secure a high playoff seed.
Sparks Struggle Through Extended Losing Streak
In stark contrast to the Dream's upward trajectory, the Los Angeles Sparks (12-23) are mired in a difficult period. The team currently occupies 12th place in the league and has experienced a significant decline in performance throughout the latter half of the season. They are currently on a five-game losing streak, a downturn that has tested the resilience of the roster.
This extended losing streak followed a brief period of improved play, where the Sparks managed two victories in three games immediately after the trade of star guard Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury. However, that momentum proved fleeting. Los Angeles has compiled a challenging 2-11 record since their July 13 loss at Atlanta, indicating persistent issues on the court. The current slump includes an 85-77 road loss to the Connecticut Sun on Tuesday, a game that concluded their recent road segment. The Sparks are now set to begin a four-game homestand, hoping to find a turnaround on their home court.