Atlanta grabbed its first win on its current three game western road trip knocking off the Seattle Storm 92-63 in Seattle. The victory completes a season sweep of the reigning WNBA champs in a rematch of last year's Finals. Granted that the Storm are missing a key component in reigning MVP Lauren Jackson but I doubt that makes the two victories any less sweet for the Dream who have endured an up and down season themselves.
Atlanta took a 50-42 lead at halftime and completely dominated the second half outscoring the Storm 42-21 including holding the defending champs to just eight points in the final quarter. Atlanta forced Seattle into 20 turnovers and made a ridiculous 40 of 68 shots in the game.
Five players scored in double figures for the Dream led by 17 points from Angel McCoughtry and Iziane Castro Marques. Lindsey Harding chipped in 12 points while Sancho Lyttle and Armintie Price had 10 each. Katie Smith led the Storm with 15 points while Swin Cash had 14 and Sue Bird 10.
The loss was just Seattle's second at home this season and a much needed victory for the Dream as they try and position themselves for the playoffs. Atlanta is now 11-12 on the season and currently in fourth place in the Eastern Conference 1.5 games ahead of the Chicago Sky. Atlanta is also 1.5 games behind the New York Liberty for third place. Atlanta will wrap up its current road trip on Tuesday in Los Angeles. The Dream have 11 games remaining in the season with six coming on the road.
The loss temporarily drops Seattle into fourth place in the Western Conference just a half game behind the Phoenix Mercury. The Storm expects to have Lauren Jackson back in a couple of weeks.
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