What a difference a year makes for the Dream.
Atlanta has turned its luck around in close games in 2016, which was something it struggled with in its disappointing 2015 campaign. After going 9-7 in games decided by two possessions or less last year, the Dream are off to a 4-0 start in such games.
Friday’s 101-97 overtime win against Chicago was just much of the same for the 2016 Dream.
For Dream coach Michael Cooper, the reason for the turnaround lies in the talent his roster has.
“The core group is what pulls us together,” Cooper said. “This was a tiring game for Angel and (Tiffany Hayes), but it’s not a thing where they have to carry us down the stretch. Everybody takes their turn stepping forward.”
Whether it’s a coincidence or not, Atlanta’s altered luck in clutch time comes with five new players on its team. Three of these five new players — Elizabeth Williams, Layshia Clarendon and Matee Ajavon — combined for 47 points in the victory over the Sky.
Williams is chief among this new group and has been key in the Dream’s hot start to 2016. She has scored in double digits in six of her last seven outings.Cooper has preached how important defense has been for the team this season and has repeatedly praised Williams as part of why the team has improved in that area.
Williams, however, said the team’s ability to close games stems from the way these players have adjusted to each other.
“I think our chemistry has been really good,” Williams said. “When teams go on runs, we do a good job of staying together and focusing on our game plan.”
The rejuvenated Dream is surely a welcomed sight for Angel McCoughtry, who has been Atlanta’s most consistent player since she joined the team in 2009. After going through the disappointment of the franchise’s first losing season in 2015, the veteran has been part of a team that has quickly gone from an Eastern Conference afterthought to a team to be emulated.
There is a long way to go, but McCoughtry said she can tell something is different with this squad. And that’s certainly shown up when games have reached the turning point in 2016.
“We have a lot of young leaders on this team,” McCoughtry said. “The energy level is different.”
