With a win, the Atlanta Dream will go from a 3-9 start to the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference. Entering today's game, the Dream needed a New York Liberty loss and a win today over the Fever to move out of the fourth seed. Connecticut defeated New York 69-63 earlier but Atlanta is going to have to find out a way to slow down Katie Douglas if they want to leave Indiana with a victory.
With Tamika Catchings and Erin Phillips setting this one out for the Fever, Atlanta got off to a quick start taking a 29-24 lead after one quarter of play. Indiana came roaring back in the second behind Katie Douglas who finished the half with 23 points on 8 of 9 shooting including 5 of 6 from three-point range. The Fever outscored the Dream 31-18 in the quarter and lead 55-47 at the half.
As is often with the Dream, they are going to have to pick up their intensity on the defensive side of the floor. Angel McCoughtry led the way for Atlanta with 12 points. Alison Bales chipped in nine points and eight rebounds off the bench for Atlanta in the first half.
Atlanta's regulars saw fewer minutes than normal in the first half so it remains to be seen whether or not they will make a push for a win and a No. 3 seed in the second half.
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