Before the big game between the Los Angeles Sparks and the Atlanta Dream, a major announcement rocked Atlanta and the WNBA. Atlanta Dream forward Angel McCoughtry will miss the remainder of the 2018 WNBA season due to torn ligaments in her left knee, an injury suffered in the fourth quarter of the Dream’s game against the Las Vegas Aces Tuesday night.
“I want to thank all the fans, my coaching staff, and teammates for giving me the chance to come back and play for the Dream this season,” McCoughtry said. “I am disappointed with the injury but I believe our team is in good hands.” McCoughtry has played in all 29 games for the Dream this season, averaging 16.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in 27.5 minutes.
The last meeting between the two teams resulted in a big win for Atlanta. We were hoping for the same dominance but the LA Sparks that played tonight were at full strength. Fortunately, things turned out well for Atlanta as they pulled off a 79-73 win that felt more like a playoff game than a regular season game.
LA’s Candace Parker notched another double-double (18 points, 10 rebounds) for the season and was a formidable force for the Sparks tonight. Riquna Williams kept the Sparks in the game with an onslaught of 3-pointers in the third quarter and one to bring the game within three points with 10.4 seconds left in the game.
With Angel out for the rest of the season, the team really had to pull together tonight and show that they deserve that second place playoff spot. Jessica Breland led the charge with 19 points, 9 rebounds, and three blocks to help the Dream keep the Sparks at bay.
“This team is so great, one of the best teams I’ve been on,” said Jessica Breland post game. “Honestly, I didn’t even know I had 19 points.”
Guards Alex Bentley and Tiffany Hayes both finished with 13 points while Center Elizabeth Williams finished with 10.
The Dream will face the Dallas Wings on Saturday, August 11 at 2 p.m. This will be their last regular season game at home and it’s also fan appreciation night.
-Jon J.
Photo: Hakim Wright