Lindsey Harding scored a season high 25 points while helping lead the Atlanta Dream to an 87-81 victory over the New York Liberty. The Dream trailed by double figures throughout much of this game, however they rallied from a 13 point deficit to earn just their second victory at home this season.
Atlanta was able to stay close in this game by relentlessly pounding the ball inside to center Erika de Souza who finished with 27 points and 15 rebounds. Atlanta had over 40 points in the paint and their constant assault into the paint led to 32 free throw attempts for the game.
Despite the excellent effort by de Souza, it was Harding who hit every big shot for Atlanta down the stretch. Her three pointer with 3:19 left gave Atlanta a 79-74 lead. Harding would score nine of Atlanta's last eleven points down the stretch. Armintie Price and Coco Miller each scored eight points off the bench for the Dream.
Cappie Pondexter led New York with 24 points and six assists. Essence Carson tossed in 12 while Kia Vaughn finished with 11. Atlanta's defense was solid limiting the Liberty to 38 percent shooting while forcing 13 turnovers.
Atlanta captured the victory with little contribution from its two main weapons offensively in Angel McCoughtry and Izianne Castro Marques. McCoughtry finished with seven points and four assists going just 2-5 from the floor. Castro Marques finished with just two points on 1-4 shooting. Neither player was on the court down the stretch for Atlanta.
For more on the Dream and the Liberty, be sure and check out Swish Appeal.