Dream's obvious experience should help them defeat the Mystics

The Atlanta Dream were able to take a 1-0 lead over the Washington Mystics in the first round of the playoffs, and theyhave a chance to advance to the next roundin Game 2. It was a gritty first half for the Dream, but they were able to take over in the third quarter and never looked back. There are many reasons why that second-half run occurred, but it was one that stood out the most, and it should help them in this series.

DeWanna Bonner came in during the third quarter andwas an instant boost for the team, and it was everything she did on the court, as well as off the court, that helped them get the win. Bonner scored 11 points in the third quarter, whether it was getting to the basket for a layup or launching a huge 3-pointer to get the crowd into the game. Once the team saw the energy that she was bringing on the court, they followed suit.

DeWanna Bonner has the playoff experience the Dream need

After the game, Bonner explained that it felt like they were playing uptight, and with her experience in the league, she's learned that it's still about having fun in these moments.

"“I've been here before. I've been here a lot of befores. But just using my experience, my playoff experiences, is what they brought me here for, and I have to remind myself to take a deep breath too.""

DeWanna Bonner after Game 1

This is exactly what the Dream signed Bonner for, and it's something that should be used as a huge advantage for them against the Mystics. For most of the players on the Mystics, this is their first time in this type of setting, and you can tell after the first game. Once the Dream caught a flow in the third quarter, it was hard for the Mystics to recover and get back into the game.

It's not just Bonner who has been in these situations before, but most of the players on the Dream already have playoff experience. Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray and Naz Hillmon have been to a few playoff appearances over the last few years, and Jordin Canada won two championships with the Seattle Storm earlier in her career.

These players know what to do in certain situations and what it takes to win a playoff game, and their experience should help them go past the Mystics. It's uncertain what they'll be able to do in Game 2, but if they have to come back home for Game 3, there's no doubt that they should be favored.

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