ATLANTA – Coming into the season, everyone knew the Atlanta Dream had the talent on the team to outscore (and defend) anybody on any given night. Over the past four games, they’ve shown what it looks like when everybody is clicking, and they continued that offensive surge in their 94-87 win against the Toronto Tempo.
Five players finished the game scoring in double digits, and they found different ways to score throughout the game. Whether it was Rhyne Howard’s five threes, Madina Okot’s 16 first-half points or Allisha Gray’s team-high seven free throws, the Tempo just didn’t have what it took to keep up for most of the game.
After the game, Howard spoke about the team’s balanced scoring, and she keyed in on the chemistry that they’ve built, which goes back to last season.
“We brought back a hefty amount of players [in free agency]. I think being able to settle in and move the ball and make it hard for teams to just guard 2 or 3 players, what do you do?” Howard said. “If all five of our starters scored in double digits, or you have multiple players going to double digits, it’s hard to lose. I think being able to play to everybody’s strengths and making sure that we’re making it easy.
“I think being able to have threats everywhere, it’s harder, because if you leave one, somebody else is gonna be open, you’re gonna pay the price every time.”
Opposing teams have definitely paid over the past few games, and it’s left them with nothing at the end of the games.
“We have really good offensive players, and when they share the ball and move it, and we get out and transition, I think we’re as good as anybody in the league,” Karl Smesko said.
The Dream have the perfect collection of offensive players so nobody gets in each other’s way. Howard does most of her work on the perimeter, while Gray will either do the same or drive to the lane. Angel Reese does all the dirty work in the paint, and Jordin Canada makes sure the ship is running smoothly with her playmaking.
For Canada, it was her second straight game with double-digit assists.
“She’s been playing great, and she’s been getting into the paint, distributing a ball, and if you don’t stop her, she’s looking for an opportunity to get to the rim and finish. She’s had a great season, but the last 3 games in particular have been exceptional.”
In the first half, it was Okot who set the tone for the Dream and helped them build their lead.
“We throw her in, and we say, ‘Go get a bucket,'” Howard said. ”I think being able to have another big like her on the floor, it helps us, because you still can’t leave anybody to go double, and she’s been doing a really good job of finishing before they even get there.”
At this point, it feels like a pick-your-poison type of offense from the Dream, and opposing teams are having a hard time choosing their fate.
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