Atlanta Dream Drop Game 4, Face Game Five as Mystics’ Star Returns

The great news is, the Atlanta Dream will play a game in which a win puts them in the WNBA Finals. The bad news is. they must bounce back from their worse defensive effort of the playoffs, or their season will end.

The Atlanta Dream put on a disappointing performance in game four of the WNBA Semifinals. They were boat raced 97-76 by the Mystics in Washington. The game was without a doubt, the worst defensive effort of the series for Atlanta.

The Dream’s calling card all season has been defense and rebounding. That card was left at home in game four, as the Mystics shot a 50% from the field, and 46.2% from three point range, in a 21 point route.

Atlanta was smashed by the Mystics, 40-31 on the boards. The Dream, known for blocking shots, were held to only two rejections. They also only swiped six steals, compared to the Mystics’ eight.

The Atlanta Dream were agressive driving to the basket, gaining a 25 to 19 edge in free-throw attempts. The Dream failed to take advantage of their opportunities however, shooting a frigid 56% from the charity stripe.

Scoring wise the Dream were a balanced attack. Tiffany Hayes, Jessica Breland, Brittney Sykes, and Renee Montgomery all knocked down 12 points for the Atlanta Dream. Alex Bentley and Monique Billings both chipped in 11 points each off the bench.

The 12 point effort for All WNBA guard Tiffany Hayes was one to forget. She shot just 4-12 with 3 rebounds, following a 23 point, 11 rebound gem, in game three.

Center Elizabeth Williams also underperformed, scoring just five points, and snatching only four rebounds. Reserve Guard Alex Bentley, struggled shooting for the second game in a row. She was 5-13 from the field, and 1-6 from downtown. She had an uncharacteristically low one assist.

The bright spot for the Atlanta Dream, was Renee Montgomery awakening from a series long slumber. She sank 3 of 5 threes, and 3 of 4 free-throws. Prior to that Montgomery, who is known for her long range acumen, was shooting just 20% (3-15) from deep for the series.

Renee Montgomery also was a playmaker in the loss, dishing out a game high ten assists. Rookie Monique Billings also had positive performance. She had her best playoff game, scoring 11 points and grabbing five boards. She was agressive, earning 11 free throw attempts, making seven.

All WNBA forward Elena Delle Donne returned from a bone bruise in her knee. Unfortunately my prediction was correct. I wrote in this article, that if she returned, and played well, Washington would win game five.

Delle Donne didn’t quite hit her scoring average, but she played a tough 34 minutes, scoring 15 points. She also boxed-out for ten rebounds. More importantly, she drew the defensive attention away from her teammates, and opened up scoring opportunities for them.

The Washington supporting cast took full advantage of the double teams, drawn by their star Elena Delle Donne. They were lead by All Star guard Kristi Toliver and her 22 points, on 8-16 shooting. This was a huge bounce back from her seven points, on 3-15 shooting in game three.

Mystics guard Ariel Atkins was also terrific, scoring 19 points. Guard Natasha Cloud added 13 points, and forward LaToya Sanders chipped in ten points, with seven rebounds. Guard Tierra Ruffin-Pratt also contributed 11 points off the bench, in the win.

The series now shifts back to Atlanta for a winner take all game five. I believe crowd participation will be a huge factor at McCamish Pavilion, for the deciding game. Atlanta Dream Head Coach Nikki Collen and General Manager Chris Sienko believe so as well.

Nikki Collen recently implored the fans to come out in droves to support the Atlanta Dream via Twitter:

General Manager Chris Sienko urged the crowd to come out via Twitter as well:

Former Atlanta Brave and Atlanta Falcon Brian Jordan, who is also an Atlanta Braves analyst for Fox Sports South, also go in on the Twitter support for the Atlanta Dream:

Game Five Keys

Tiffany Hayes will play an intrical part, in the outcome of this upcoming double elimination game. The Dream need Hayes to have a similar output to game three , when she scored 23 points. At the very least, Hayes needs to hit her 17 points per game average, with efficient shooting.

Good shooting on the perimeter by Renee Montgomery, Brittney Sykes, and Alex Bentley will also be key. Another good shooting night by Montgomery, coupled with Bentley returning to form, would go along way towards sending the Atlanta Dream to the WNBA Finals.

The duo of Jessica Breland and Elizabeth Williams will also play and important role in game five. They must get back to dominating the glass, and protecting the rim with excellence. They also must play physical with Delle Donne.

Most importantly the Atlanta Dream must get back to deploying the nightmare defense. I believe Coach Nikki Collen should play Elena Delle Donne one on one ,and resist the urge to double team.

Elena Delle Donne is a phenomenal player, but she is less than 100%, and is wearing a large knee brace. The Dream should force her to beat a rotation of Williams, Breland, and Billings one on one. Atlanta should then focus on staying with shooters, and preventing open looks from outside.

Prediction

I predict the Atlanta Dream’s nightmare defense will resurface, and hold the Mystics just under 40% shooting. I also believe Tiffany Hayes will play well, and Renee Montgomery will stay hot for a second consecutive game. I also think the Atlanta crowd will show up better than expected. The Atlanta Dream move on to the WNBA Finals for the fourth time in franchise history.

Dream 83 Mystics 80

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