Before the All-Star break, the Atlanta Dream won four of their last five games, which helped them stay in the mix with some of the other top teams in the league. Things were rocky before then, as they went through a mini-slump, but the good news is that those issues are behind them.
The best thing to happen for them during that stretch before the break was getting Brionna Jones back, who was rehabbing from a meniscus injury that she suffered during the offseason. It's obvious what the Dream were missing when he returned to the court, and her impact will be shown even more as the season continues.
With Jones back, the Dream have a clear path to making a run during the second half of the season, but there are other ways they'll be able to dominate as well. Defense hasn't been much of a problem for the team this season, and they've stayed among the best in the league. It's offensively where they've struggled at times, but over their past few games, things have trended upward on that side of the ball.
The key that will take them over the top in the second half is the play from Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard. They take the most 3-pointers on the team, and if they're hitting on all cylinders, it's going to be hard to stop the Dream.
The Dream have a clear path to making a second-half run
The bench was one of the concerning points for the Dream in the first half, but things have looked better over the past few games. One reason has been because of Jones returning, and she gives them an extra punch in the second unit. Isobel Borlase has put together some good games, as well as Madina Okot.
In the event that Jones returns to the starting lineup, Naz Hillmon will most likely head to the bench, and she will give the second unit some good production, just like she has as a starter.
The Dream have everything they need to be successful for the rest of the season, and it wouldn't be a surprise if they found themselves near the top of the standings. All it takes is one run, and the Dream would probably tell you they haven't played their best yet.
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