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Much like the Dream, excitable guard Ivory Latta is improving with each game after a slow start to the season. After scoring in double figures just once in the team's first five games, Latta has found her stroke. The second-year pro has averaged 16.3 points over her last 10 games to put herself second on the team in scoring behind only Betty Lennox, and also leads Atlanta in assists with 4.6 per game.
Can Latta lead the Dream to an upset of the defending champs for win No. 1? Find out what Latta had to say when she chatted with fans prior to the game on Tuesday.
Ivory Latta: (11:38 AM ET ) I think to get our first win we have to be more patient on offense and do the little things to get over that edge. We're getting better every game. We just need to stay positive and keep our energy up and if we do that, we'll get that first win soon.
Ivory Latta: (11:39 AM ET ) First of all Phoenix is a great team with great players like Diana Taurasi and Cappie Pondexter. We just have to try to control the tempo and not get into a running match with them. If we can control the tempo, then we'll be alright.
Ivory Latta: (11:40 AM ET ) I'm definitely a confident person. So despite us not winning, we have to stay positive and try to get over that hump. You just have to stay confident and me as a point guard I have to keep my team up as well.
Ivory Latta: (11:41 AM ET ) As the games go on, I've become more confident and Coach Meadors has a lot of confidence in me. I definitely love the uptempo game like we had at North Carolina. I like that we're playing this way in Atlanta. The uptempo game allows us to get some easy baskets.
Ivory Latta: (11:42 AM ET ) My brother brought to my attention that every year I start off slow but I always have a great ending. Coach is telling me to take my time on my shots and look for your shot. I've been putting extra time in the gym as well getting up more shots.
Ivory Latta: (11:43 AM ET ) Being in Detroit my first year was a great experience. I saw great guards in Deanna Nolan and Katie Smith. The fans are fantastic and they showed me a lot of love when I went back last week. I made myself better. I watched what they did and tried to incorporate into my game. My entire first year in the WNBA was a learning experience and I loved it in Detroit.
Ivory Latta: (11:45 AM ET ) It felt great being traded to Atlanta. I was on the beach in Israel when I got the call, it just made my day. I knew I would be able to come down here and play and that's what I wanted. Its been a transition going from a resevere to a starter and its taken patience. Coach has told me to be patient with it and it's working out pretty good.
Ivory Latta: (11:46 AM ET ) I think the rookies are doing a fantastic job. Coach is giving them an opportunity to play. Tamera Young has done a great job and knocked down some shots for us. Our rookies have done a great job. I'm definitely proud of them.
Ivory Latta: (11:47 AM ET ) Oh man. Having my jersey retired was a great feeling. I didn't know what to feel, I was so overwhelmed. It is definitley a great honor. I had a great time at that school. I loved the coaches, my teammates everything. If I had a chance to do it all over again I probably would.
Ivory Latta: (11:48 AM ET ) Haha. Wow. Well, Mr. Bill I'm sorry. The next time I hit a three pointer, hopefully you'll be in my area and I'll give you a high five.
Ivory Latta: (11:49 AM ET ) My favorite food has to be meatloaf, mashed potatoes and green beans, which my mother will be making for me at least twice this week. Plus some strawberry banana pudding. It's great!
Ivory Latta: (11:50 AM ET ) Erica is a great player and a great person on and off the court. Her ability to rebound and score, we're definitely missing her presence. She has a nose for the ball, she gets a ton a rebounds. Off the court she is great as well. She's funny and great to be around.
Ivory Latta: (11:51 AM ET ) Israel is a beautiful country. I enjoyed myself. It was great experience for my first time playing overseason.. LaTangela Atkinson and Katrina White were with me so I felt comfortable. My Isaeli teammates were great. They tried to teach me their language and I was trying to teach them English. I definitely loved the beach. If I wasn't in the gym, I was at the beach.
Ivory Latta: (11:52 AM ET ) Yes. A lot of people call me Baby Iverson which is a great nickname. A lot of guys I grew up playing with called me that. In college they called my Baby AI, and I'll take that as my nickname.
Ivory Latta: (11:54 AM ET ) The highlight of the season had to be the grand opening. The first time we played here in Atlanta we had a sold out crowd. The fans were great coming out to support us. The fans have supported us despite our record. They have been great.
Ivory Latta: (11:55 AM ET ) From Latta down in Atlanta ... I would like to thank everyone for tuning in and sending in their questions. We're going to keep playing hard, smiling and having a good time. Come check us out because you never know what will happen!