Atlanta built an early 14 point lead in the first quarter with strong defense and a precision attack on the offensive end only to see it all come crashing down in the second. The Dream led at one point 26-12 and finished the first quarter leading 26-16. Connecticut bounced back in the second outscoring Atlanta 32-15 on their way to a 48-41 halftime lead.
Atlanta goes as their defense goes and at least in the second quarter it was sorely lacking particularly from the perimeter. The Sun connected on 4 of 7 three point attempts with many coming without a defender in the area. When Atlanta isn't forcing turnovers or missed shots their offense tends to stall in the halfcourt. Angel McCoughtry leads all Atlanta scorers with nine points but is just 3-10 from the field with four turnovers. She was out of control most of the second quarter and for the Dream to turn things around in the second half they will need McCoughtry to once again find her rhythm.
Erika de Souza also finished the first half with nine points while Sancho Lyttle has eight. Allison Bales came off the bench and provided a spark in the first quarter hitting all three of her attempts from the field for six points. Lindsey Harding has just two points but eight assists at halftime.
Renee Montgomery leads all scorers with 13 points going 4 for 6 from the field and hitting both of her three point attempts. Asjha Jones has 12 points and five rebounds for the Sun. Kara Lawson came off the bench to score nine points hitting two three pointers and three free throws when she was fouled on another attempt.
To win this game the Dream have to get back to the formula they had in the first half which involved defensive pressure and pushing the pace on offense combined with some nice ball movement. Their defense lapsed in the second and as a result so did their offense.