By @AtlantaDream
COLLEGE PARK, GA- Elena Delle Donne led the Washington Mystics (14-10) with 26 points and eight rebounds to overcome the Atlanta Dream (10-12) in a 85-66 win.
The Dream took a 12-4 lead with 5:41 left within the first quarter. However, Washington responded with a 13-4 run to take a 17-16 lead. Both the Mystics and Atlanta entered the second quarter tied 20-20.
Washington closed the second quarter with a 12-2 run and entered halftime with a 41-36 lead over the Dream. Elena Delle Donne was the Mystics’ leading scorer at halftime with 13 points.
Atlanta outscored Washington 18-17 in the third quarter but were down 58-54 heading into the fourth quarter. Delle Donne was the only double-digit scorer from either team with 17 points after the third.
Washington stepped up defensively in the fourth quarter and outscored the Dream 27-12 for the win.
Halftime with Tiffany Hayes
Tiffany Hayes, during halftime, talked about her experience becoming the longest tenured Atlanta Dream player. She played with the franchise for 10 years.
“Honestly, I think it’s the positive vibes here and that goes a long way,” the 32-year-old guard said. “The organization definitely picked a great group of girls and players who go out there and work hard. To bring me here in the past couple of years and just keeping me here (is a blessing). I’ve shown a lot of growth in all of my seasons and this past year, the whole organization making this a better place for the players is one of the things (that makes Atlanta great). I’m just happy to be here.”
Hayes suffered a right knee injury in the beginning of the season which sidelined her for 19 games. To make a great comeback for the Dream and to put her heart and soul on the court for Atlanta is truly admirable.
For staying with a team for a decade on a professional level is a dream to many. In Hayes’ eyes, she was able to make it a reality.
Atlanta Shooting Drought
The Dream had trouble shooting the ball at home. Despite shooting 22-62 (41.9%) from the field, Atlanta couldn’t make a 3-pointer all game, literally.
The Dream shot 0-of-12 from deep and Rhyne Howard missed six 3-pointers. Atlanta shot themselves out of the game, especially going 5-of-14 (35.7%) in the fourth quarter.
Monique Billings, Cheyenne Parker, Hayes, and Howard all had 10 points for Atlanta. The Dream’s biggest strength this game was their passing with 15 assists but it wasn’t enough to recover from their horrific shooting night.
Up Next
The Los Angeles Sparks will host the Washington Mystics on July 12, 10:30 pm est.
The Atlanta Dream will travel to Chicago to faceoff against the Chicago Sky on July 7, 7 pm est.
