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The Atlanta Dream stood victorious over the Minnesota Lynx 84-76 while improving their record to 6-3.
Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month Rhyne Howard led all scorers with 22 points, shooting 9-of-19 from the field. Head coach Tanisha Wright mentioned how important her role is as well as how important their team chemistry is.
“They’ve not really worried about themselves,” said Wright. “They’re a very selfless team so Rhyne’s [Howard] able to do those things because the girls around her are very selfless. They’re not worried she’s getting all these shots. They understand her number one role is to be a scorer.”
The Dream had a total of 17 steals (season high) as Aari McDonald led the team with a career high of seven steals, making her the fourth player in WNBA history to have at least 10 points and seven steals off the bench.
“I was just seeing the ball honestly. Just making sure I stay with my person,” said the two-time Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year. “I know the last couple games I wasn’t perfecting my role, which is being a pesky defender coming in. So I really took pride in that tonight and I tried to pressure the ball and just get deflections.”
Erica Wheeler had 13 points with nine assists and five steals, while Kristy Wallace had a career night with 18 points, having the hot hand all night, shooting 5-6 from behind the arc.
Monique Billings played well off the bench with 10 points and nine rebounds. Billings was asked if she sees herself as the “heartbeat” for the team.
“Absolutely. I think it’s just all of us kinda do that for each other, not just me. We all genuinely want each other to succeed and do well. So when we go through the storms, we’re going through it together. When we’re on the up, we’re going through that together as well. So it’s just a good vibe all around. I would say my teammates fuel me, I try to give that fuel back to everyone else.”
The Dream’s center Cheyenne Parker also gave her thoughts and praise to her Dream teammates.
“We are family. We enjoy each other, we enjoy our energy. We have a good time when we’re out there. We try to have fun and it’s been really great.”
The Atlanta Dream hope to keep the energy flowing as they prepare for their next home game Friday night against the Chicago Sky. The Dream may cause nightmares for opponents if they keep this up.
