Saying that an 0-3 start for the Atlanta Dream is a bit surprising is an understatement. After all expectations were through the roof after last seasons trip to the WNBA Finals and the off season acquisition of All-Star guard Lindsey Harding. On paper, Atlanta looks like one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. On the floor however, they have not played anywhere close to those early season expectations.
Despite struggling offensively for stretches throughout the first three games, it is their defense that is most glaring. Entering tonight's game against New York, Atlanta is surrendering a league-high 92.7 points per game. Simply put, the defense must improve to give their offense a jump start with the running game. It is hard to run effectively if you are constantly taking the ball out of bounds.
New York comes into tonight's game at 2-1 having lost its first game of the season Saturday 86-80 to Indiana. The Dream lost to the Liberty 94-88 in overtime in their season opener at Philips Arena. McCoughtry sat out that game with a knee injury.
The Liberty are led by Plenette Pierson (18.7 pts) and Cappie Pondexter (15.3 pts, 6.0 ast). Iziane Castro Marques and Sancho Lyttle lead the Dream in scoring at 13.3 points per game.