Coco Gauff has inspired LA Sparks’ forward Cameron Brink for her pre-game outfit ahead of Sparks’ encounter against Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever. Gauff has been wearing a New Balance kit since 2018.
Washington D.C. — In an exhilarating game that had fans on the edge of their seats, Atlanta Dream secured a hard-fought victory over the winless Washington Mystics, winning 73-67. The Dream were led by Allisha Gray with 19 points, three assists and two rebounds. Tina Charles was close behind with 17 points and a season-high of 17 rebounds. Charles recorded her 31st WNBA game with 15+ points and 15+ rebounds, extending her lead for the most times achieving this in WNBA history.
“Rebounding starts everything. It’s just effort. So, I’m very thankful at this age and at this stage of my career that I can still impact,” said Charles.
The first half of the game was a showcase of tight defenses and strategic plays. In the first quarter the game was tied three times, and the lead changed once in the quarter.
The Dream came out strong, with Gray leading the charge. Gray demonstrated exceptional skill and poise, scoring the Dream’s first eight points herself, shooting 3-for-3 from the field. She accounted for 66.7% of the Atlanta offense midway through the quarter. As a team, the Dream shot 38.9% from the field, going 7-for 18. Atlanta also shot 40% from 3-point range, going 2-for 5.
By halftime, the score was neck and neck at 38-34, with the Dream holding a slight edge. The atmosphere was electric, with fans from both sides passionately cheering for their teams.
The third quarter was all about Aerial Powers as she had a very effective and efficient quarter. Offensively, Powers found her rhythm, hitting back-to-back three-pointers that swung the momentum in the Dream favor. With 2:22 remaining in the third, Powers gave Atlanta the lead 51-48, with her first 3-pointer on the night. Powers immediately followed up her 3-pointer with another, extending Atlanta’s lead and fueling a 12-4 Dream run. She led all Dream scores in the third with eight points, totaling 12 and surpassing her previous season-high of 10.
“Really wasn’t thinking too much about offense, I think that’s a part of my game that comes easy. So just getting myself out my head, by just playing hard defense and hustling was my mindset. Coach Wright shown me a lot more grace, you know what I mean? And my team mates too, getting back into my rhythm. They’ve been completely supportive,” said Powers.
The fourth quarter was a true test of endurance and mental toughness. Atlanta put together a 14-4 run that lasted almost seven minutes to help seal the win. Defensively, the Dream held the Mystics to only shooting 9.1% from the 3-point range and 22.2% from the field in the fourth. Atlanta tied its current season high in a game with nine steals.
“Sometimes you just got to do whatever needs to be done. You know what I mean? It’s not always prettiest thing. But I thought tonight we did a good job of getting things done when we needed,” said Head Coach Tanisha Wright.
Atlanta is now 3-2 on season with this win as they will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next game against Las Vegas Aces on Friday.
