The Atlanta Dream looked more like the team we were all expecting to see this season when they captured their first victory of the seasom 79-58 over the New York Liberty earlier this week. Atlanta's offensive attack has steadily improved thanks to the return from injury of Angel McCoughtry who had 18 points against New York.
Another improvement that Atlanta fans should be excited about is the improvement on defense. After surrendering more than 85 points in the first three games, Atlanta held New York to 58 and just 36 percent shooting.
Minnesota comes in at 3-1 this season with a dominating victory over the Seattle Storm to their credit. The Lynx are led by the reigning Western Conference Player of the week Rebekkah Brunson who is averaging 14.8 points and 14.0 rebounds per game. Atlanta native and former UConn star Maya Moore is averaging 14.5 points per game.
Rebounding the basketball could be key in this game as both of these clubs rank among the league leaders. Atlanta can match Brunson somewhat with 6-foot-5 Erika de Souza but will also need rebounding help from Sancho Lyttle as well.
Another theme to watch in this game will be the play of Lindsey Harding who has struggled to mesh with the team thus far. Harding is averaging 6.3 points and 5.3 assists per game but is only shooting 37 percent from the field. In the victory over New York, it was Shalee Lehning who was in the game when Atlanta went on its big run to take control of the game. Harding returned late in that game and looked better but it is clear that she isn't hitting on all cylinders just yet.
Game time is set for 8 p.m. eastern.