DREAM LOSE SECOND STRAIGHT: Chicago improves to 7-1 against Atlanta

Despite a franchise best 6-0 start, the Atlanta Dream (6-2) have dropped their last two games, both of them being double-digit losses. Following an 18-point loss to Seattle on Tuesday, the Dream returned home to Philips Arena to take on the Chicago Sky (3-4). The Dream couldn’t seem to shake off the dust from the Seattle loss and the Sky overpowered Atlanta with a convincing 80-70 win. The Dream only led at one point in the game, thanks to a Kelly Miller three-pointer with three minutes remaining in the first quarter.  The Sky answered the lead change with a 10-3 run to end the quarter and they never looked back. Each time the Dream seemed to pull within striking distance of the Sky, Chicago slammed the door shut with key outside three-point shooting.
Dream All-Star and reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year, Angel McCoughtry, was held only 11 points after averaging 22.9 points all season. Chicago center Sylvia Fowles had 19 points and nine rebounds, and was a dominating presence inside all game, holding Atlanta center Erika de Souza scoreless.
Head coach Marynell Meadors explained that the team needs production out of Souza. "We simply can not win games when Erika is not producing, we must exploit in the inside game." The Dream offense was plagued by several mental errors resulting in 20 turnovers and only five offensive rebounds. The Dream have only beaten Chicago once in the past eight meetings; the only win coming back in 2008 as the franchise’s first recorded victory.
Despite the loss, Coach Meadors remained positive about the play from the bench players, "The bench players were solid, they got us back into the game," Meadors continued. "Our depth is really going to start showing in the next few games."
Atlanta plays on the road for the sixth time this season tomorrow night at Washington. Guard Iziane Marque, who had a team-high 18 points, reiterated that the team must get back to what made them the leaders in the Eastern Conference. "We have to get back to the good things that made us 6-1, everyone needs to think about what they have and bring it tomorrow night."
The Dream still remain the top of the Eastern Conference and look to extend their lead tomorrow night in Washington.