The Atlanta Dream jumped out to an early 20-17 lead behind a loud and enthusiastic Philips Arena crowd. The Dream have made a concerted effort to get the ball inside and Erika de Souza has eight early points.
Things turned a little more physical late in the period and Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve was hit with an early technical foul. De Souza leads all scorers with her eight points and has seven early rebounds. Angel McCoughtry finished the quarter with six.
Candice Wiggins nailed two three pointers to lead the Lynx with six points. Rebekkah Brunson has five points and three rebounds in the early going.
Both teams are shooting under 50 percent from the floor and if there is a cause for concern for the Dream it is that they once again struggled from the free throw line hitting only four of seven attempts in the quarter.
For more on the WNBA Finals, the Atlanta Dream and the Minnesota Lynx, be sure and check out SB Nation's Women's Hoops blog Swish Appeal.