The Atlanta Dream’s losing streak stretched to five games as they fell 88-83 to the Golden State Valkyries on Saturday. The game was the latest in a long list of frustrating performances by the Dream, who once held the top spot in the standings. However, with the loss, they drop to 12-9 and are seventh in the standings.
Angel Reese was arguably Atlanta’s best player. She finished the game with 17 points and 13 rebounds, showcasing elite movement on both ends of the floor and giving the Dream every chance to win.
When Reese was asked about the losing skid, she expressed belief that the team could turn things around.
“We have five games going into the [WNBA] All-Star [break], and any team in front of us should be scared because we’re ready,” Reese told reporters after the game. “We’re going to continue to put our foot forward every day, watch film, get together, and figure ourselves out. Adversity builds character in the locker room. Having tough conversations, taking accountability for things, and figuring it out, but we have a lot of time until our next game, so spending some time together, being at home, and enjoying each other is something that we’re going to do.”
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To get through these tough times, she noted that she is “leaning” on Dream coach Karl Smesko and her teammates.
“But we’re not down, and this team is used to winning. I’ve been through these streaks in my career. Luckily, I kind of don’t know what it feels like to come out on top, and they’re guiding me through this moment. So, I’m leaning on them, and they’re leaning on me.”
With the Dream desperately trying to snap a five-game losing skid, that positive energy may be what Reese needs at the moment. Four of the Dream’s next five games are at home.
Angel Reese On Team’s Bad Free Throw Habits
When a team struggles, one of the most effective ways to right the ship is relying on free throws. In Saturday’s game, Atlanta made 23 of 33 free throws, missing some crucial chances to turn the game in its favor. Unfortunately for the Dream, it continued a troubling pattern.
Angel Reese made it clear that there is “no excuse” for that inefficiency.
“We just have to be better,” Reese said. “If it’s shooting 100 free throws after practice, 50 free throws after practice, that’s what it is. But, we haven’t shot great, not just from the free throw line, but our field goals too. So we just have to get back to the drawing board and figure out what works because we know how good we are when we are able to make those easy free throws, when we’re able to make our easy shots. But, we’re going to continue to put our head down to work. I think adversity builds character, and we’re just going to continue to figure out who we are in this point of our season.”
The Dream are ranked 13th in free-throw percentage at 74.8%, despite averaging 24.0 attempts per game. Their field goal percentage also took a hit as they ranked 12th in the league.
While a team shouldn’t need extra motivation to win after losing their last five games, if they don’t find quick answers before the All-Star break, the Dream’s skid risks becoming even more damaging.
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