DREAM BEAT: Two players make all-star game

Guard Iziane Castro Marques and Angel McCoughtry both participated in the “Stars at the Sun” this past Saturday. The only problem is that both players played against each other on opposing teams. This year’s WNBA All-Star game showcased a meeting of the USA women’s basketball team against a team comprised of top WNBA talent.

UNFAMILIAR FOES …

McCoughtry was selected as a member of Team USA, while Castro Marques represented the Dream for Team WNBA. Forward Sancho Lyttle was also selected to be a member of Team WNBA but could not play due to a concussion she suffered last week against Chicago. Castro Marques had only two points and McCoughtry finished with 10 in Team USA’s 99-72 victory.

“Hopefully that will carry over for the rest of the season,” said McCoughtry following the game.

While Castro Marques was only held to two points in the game, she was named the WNBA Eastern Conference player of the week for July 5 through July 11.

SAFE TRAVELS …

Atlanta finished up a six-game homestand with a thrilling 108-103 overtime win over the Connecticut Sun. The Dream went 5-1 during that homestand but will be on the road for the next six out of seven games. Despite having a long road trip ahead, head coach Marynell Meadors feels confident in her team’s abilities being away from Philips Arena.

“Looking at what we’ve done in the first 13 games, we had nine of them on the road, so we’re pretty used to being on the road,” said Meadors. “I don’t think it really bothers us that much. We just have to bring our own energy. We try to make our own noise and give everyone encouragement on the court. Our bench is on in every play supporting our teammates.”

Atlanta is 6-3 on the road this season, with wins over playoff contenders Phoenix, Chicago and Washington.

The Dream are just four wins shy are matching their win total from the 2009 season. Atlanta should easily pass that mark and enter the playoffs in contention for the Eastern Conference title.

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