There is no lack of basketball experience on the Atlanta Dream.
But after last year’s veteran-laden team fell one series win shy of its first WNBA title, it was apparent that the Dream needed something more: championship experience.
The Dream added that to its roster June 6 in the form of veteran guard Kelly Mazzante. Mazzante helped Phoenix capture two WNBA championships — in 2007 and 2009 — during her three-year career with the Mercury.
“[Atlanta] had a small taste of it last year,” Mazzante said of the Dream’s WNBA finals appearance. “Winning two [championships], I definitely know how to go through it.”
The Dream (2-5) host the Mercury at 7:30 p.m. Friday, marking the first time that Mazzante has faced her former team since being traded to New York before the start of the 2010 season.
“She developed friendships while she was there, and you never lose sight of that,” coach Marynell Meadors said. “Playing against them is going to be tough, but she’s a professional, and she’ll be ready to go.”
This season, the Dream will look for Mazzante to come off the bench and provide a spark on offense. In her WNBA career, Mazzante has converted 33.7 percent of her 3-point shots, while averaging 4.7 points and 14.5 minutes per game.
“I can bring outside shooting, and I just have to take advantage of the chances I get,” Mazzante said. “That’s what I do. I shoot the basketball.”
Mazzante is no stranger to the fast-paced play that the Mercury prefer. Phoenix (2-3) operates a run-and-gun offense that averaged a league-high 93.9 points per game in 2010. The Dream finished runner-up in point production last season, averaging 85.4.
“Our team is more about penetrating and trying to get in the paint,” Mazzante said. “Phoenix is more focused on outside shooting. There was never a shot that was a bad one.”
The Mercury are led by guard Diana Taurasi and forwards Penny Taylor and Candice Dupree. The Dream will counter the Phoenix trio — who average a combined 53.4 points per game this season — with a balanced offense of their own.
Four Dream players scored in double-digits in Tuesday’s 71-68 win over Chicago, while six total players scored nine or more points in the effort. The Dream got a needed 20-point boost from its bench to preserve the team’s first home victory of the season.
“Our starting five is really starting to gel a little bit, and our players that were injured are finally getting back to full speed,” Meadors said.
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