By Philip Rossman-ReichLynx Writer
Scouting Report - Lynx (6-3) vs. Dream (4-5) 6 PM
WHERE TO WATCH: ESPN2
WHERE TO LISTEN: BOB 106 FM
Last year, the expansion Atlanta Dream struggled to a 4-30 record, including a 17-game losing streak to open the inaugural season. Of course, the Dream’s second win came in a 73-67 win at the Target Center. Things have changed as the Dream have already matched their win total less than 10 games into the season. Like Minnesota, Atlanta overhauled its roster and have only four players returning from last year’s team.
The big difference for the Dream has been its offense. Last year, Atlanta shot 39.6 percent from the floor. That has improved to 46.3 percent shooting this year. The additions of Chamique Holdsclaw, Sancho Lyttle and rookie Angel McCoughtry have helped boost the Dream’s offense. Atlanta is third in the league in scoring this season.
The team still struggles defensively, giving up 83.0 points per game. In the Dream’s last game, Saturday against the Sun, the team struggled to an 82-68 loss. Atlanta scored just eight points in the second quarter and had 20 turnovers, losing by 14 despite shooting 47 percent. The Dream commit 17.4 turnovers per game, which should give the Lynx plenty of opportunity to get out on the break.
Atlanta is far from a finished product. But the Dream are also far from a walkover. They can score points in a hurry. But as Minnesota proved against Phoenix in its last game Saturday, the team is not afraid to run at or with anyone. The Lynx have shown they can play the defense to match their high-speed offense. They will need to do that again in another potentially high-scoring battle in Atlanta.
Keys To A Win For Minnesota:
--Force turnovers and charge the fast break
--Keep running
--Clog the paint and force jumpers
--Don’t fall in love with the 3-pointer
Matchup To Watch:
Charde Houston vs. Sandra Lyttle
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