Atlanta had its first test without Sancho Lyttle in the lineup on Sunday. Thanks to Bria Holmes, the team passed with flying colors.
The team’s first round pick in this year’s draft filled in for Lyttle in the team’s 91-74 victory over the Sparks. Holmes handled the rare start well, tying her career high with 15 points along with three rebounds and two assists.
“I just let the game come to me,” Holmes said. “I let my defense create my offense. I went out there and tried to relax.”
Dream coach Michael Cooper credited assistant coach Karleen Thompson with Holmes’ progress through this season. Cooper explained Thompson has worked closely with the rookie, showing her things she needed to adjust in her game.
Holmes looked up to the task against the Sparks, especially considering she was matched up with Candace Parker.
“I know she was shaking in her drawers for the fact she was guarding Candace, but she came out there and didn’t let that bother her,” Cooper said. “She came in and hit shots.”
Dream veteran Angel McCoughtry said she’s taken one of the team’s newest players under her wing this season. McCoughtry relates well to the situation Holmes is going through, as she experienced the very same thing back in 2009.
McCoughtry was the team’s first pick in the 2009 draft but didn’t see much playing time to start the year, just like Holmes. Then-forward Chamique Holdsclaw’s injury changed everything for McCoughtry, as she stepped in during her absence and never relinquished the spot.
“She’s been waiting for her opportunity,” McCoughtry said. “She brings a lot of energy, and she’s very mature for her age. She has the athletic ability. Everything’s there.”
In McCoughtry’s mind, the appearance on Sunday was no flash in the pan. She expects the Dream to see more big things from Holmes going forward.
“The sky is the limit for her,” McCoughtry said. “This is her future team.”
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