Sancho Lyttle made sure to downplay her start with the Dream on Wednesday, but her play demonstrated why the veteran forward’s return means so much to the team’s success.
Lyttle was a wrecking ball for Atlanta in its 90-79 double-overtime loss to New York, her first game with the team since June 5. Now back after helping Spain qualify for the Summer Olympics, she nearly recorded a triple-double in the game, scoring 11 points and recording 11 rebounds and eight steals.
“It’s great to have Sancho back,” Dream coach Michael Cooper said. “She’s such a savior and a quarterback back there. She guides our defense.”
Lyttle’s importance to the defense was evident in the second quarter. Atlanta trailed by five after the first period but saw a surge thanks to Lyttle, who racked up five steals in the second quarter alone.
Her defensive prowess helped Atlanta find a spark in the second quarter and enter halftime with a two-point lead.
“That’s how I play,” Lyttle said. “If it comes my way, it comes my way. I don’t really overthink it. It was helping us in the game.”
The defense led by Lyttle was crucial considering the Dream’s offensive struggles. Atlanta was abysmal from the field, shooting 33 percent in the game. Shots from outside the arc were off as well, as the team went 1-of-18 from 3-point range.
Still, Atlanta was able to hang tight due to the play of players like Lyttle.
“There was a big difference (with Sancho back), “Angel McCoughtry said. “A big difference.”
Lyttle came through for the offense in the first overtime session as well. She pulled down two key rebounds and sank a jump shot that helped Atlanta force another overtime at Philips Arena, which was the team’s second straight game that did not end in regulation.
Despite the standout performance, Lyttle downplayed the return as nothing more but another chance to suit up with her squad.
“It was just another game,” Lyttle said. “I’ve been playing here for a long time, so it doesn’t feel any different. I just had to go out there and play.”
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