Not many people would have predicted that the Atlanta Dream and Phoenix Mercury would have a combined record of 4-8 at this juncture of the season. The two teams were considered to be contenders in their respective conferences before the season started but both have gotten off to slow starts.
The Mercury lost their first three games of the season before rallying to win their last two. They started a four game road trip by handing undefeated San Antonio its first loss of the season 105-98. The Mercury are more than just Diana Taurasi as Penny Taylor and Candice Dupree combined to score 50 points in the victory over the Silver Stars.
Phoenix has long been one of the best offensive teams in the WNBA and Atlanta has struggled on defense this season. They will need a great effort on the defensive end tonight if they hope to contain the Mercury. Atlanta won its second game of the season Tuesday against the Chicago Sky. In the game, Atlanta built an early lead only to lose it before rallying at the end to hold on 71-68.
So much of the Dream's attack relies on their defense as they are at their best when they are forcing turnovers and can get out in transition. Coach Marynell Meadors is still incorporating Lindsey Harding into the team's offense and she has looked better of late. Atlanta is also dealing with the loss of forward Sancho Lyttle who temporarily left the team to be a part of the Spanish National team.
Tip off for tonight's game at Philips is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.