Dream-Sky Preview

By NOEY KUPCHAN
Posted Aug 22 2011 7:52PM

The Chicago Sky haven't played many meaningful games over the course of their previous five seasons in the WNBA.

They'll look for their recent momentum to carry over into arguably one of their most important matchups of the year.

Seeking a season best-tying third straight win, the Sky try to even their season series with the visiting Atlanta Dream as the Eastern Conference rivals meet for the final time Tuesday night.

Fifth-place Chicago (12-14), still searching for both its first winning season and playoff appearance since joining the league in 2006, sits one game behind Atlanta (13-13) for the East's fourth and final playoff spot.

While the Sky have dropped two of three to the Dream this year - with both losses coming in Atlanta - they enter this matchup on a bit of a roll and an edge in the all-time series, having won 10 of 15.

After defeating San Antonio 85-73 on Aug. 14, coach Pokey Chatman's club prevailed 71-70 at last-place Washington on Saturday as Epiphanny Prince made two free throws with 0.7 seconds remaining after she was fouled on a desperation 3-point attempt.

"For the most part we try to stay focused. We didn't do a lot of things well in this game. A (win) is a (win) to me," said All-Star center Sylvia Fowles, who committed a season-worst seven turnovers - three more than she had recorded in her previous six games combined.

"We need to look at things we did well and things we didn't do well and just get ready for the next game."

Despite her carelessness with the basketball, Fowles continued her dominance down low, recording 25 points and 11 rebounds for her 17th double-double of the year. Fowles, who ranks third in the league with 20.3 points per game, is averaging 27.0 along with 13.6 boards and shooting 73.9 percent over her last three contests.

Atlanta had won five of six before falling 96-87 at Connecticut on Sunday. The Dream took a 10-point lead into the second quarter but were outscored 80-61 the rest of the way.

"We helped them out by doing some things we shouldn't have," coach Marynell Meadors said.

Angel McCoughtry, the league's second-leading scorer with an average of 20.4 points, had 22 and nine rebounds while center Erika De Souza recorded 17 and 10, respectively.

Scoring hasn't been an issue for Atlanta, which is averaging 90.4 points over its last five - 9.0 more than its season mark.

The Dream, however, have dropped 13 of 20 when allowing at least 70 points and surely have some work to do on the defensive end if they hope to inch closer to securing a third consecutive playoff berth.

Atlanta has won five of eight on the road but is 2-4 all-time at Chicago. The Sky have dropped three of four at home, where their two most recent losses have come by a combined seven points.

Dream top Sky for breathing room in playoff chase

Posted Aug 23 2011 10:34PM

ROSEMONT, Ill. (AP) Angel McCoughtry scored 22 points, including a pair of free throws with 2.5 seconds left, to lead the Atlanta Dream to an 83-80 win over the Chicago Sky on Tuesday night.

Lindsey Harding added 15 points for the Dream (14-13), who opened a two-game led on the Sky (12-15) for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with seven to play.

Sylvia Fowles hit a turnaround jumper to give Chicago an 80-79 lead with 6.3 seconds left, but McCoughtry was fouled on the ensuing possession by Michelle Snow and hit the game-winners.

Fowles had 20 points and 12 rebounds, and reserve Shay Murphy added 16 points for the Sky.

Erika DeSouza scored 13 points and Sancho Lyttle added 12 for Atlanta.

Fowles had 11 points and Murphy had 10 in the opening half, but Chicago still trailed 40-38 at the break. McCoughtry, the WNBA's No. 2 scorer, had nine first-half points - all in the first quarter - and five rebounds to lead Atlanta.

The Dream led 61-55 following Harding's jumper with 52 seconds left in the third. The Sky answered with a 3-pointer from Cathrine Kraayeveld and Dominique Canty's putback to cut the deficit to 61-60 heading into the fourth.

Kraayeveld hit another 3-pointer 24 seconds into the fourth to give Chicago its first lead since the opening. The Sky moved ahead 69-63 with 7:55 left before Atlanta chipped away and went back ahead for good at 76-74 with 2:42 left.

• Dream: --
• Sky: --

• Dream: --
• Sky: --

• Lead Changes: 10
• Times Tied: 10

• Arena: Allstate Arena, Rosemont, IL
• Officials: #55 Eric Brewton, #17 Scott Twardoski, #34 Maj Forsberg
• Attendance: 2876
• Duration: 1:56