Atlanta Dream eliminate Indiana Fever 83-67; Reach WNBA Finals again
There is no substitute to experience. Angel McCoughtry and the defending Eastern Conference champions proved that on Tuesday, September 27, 2011, when aided by a hobbling Tamika Catchings, they ran over the Indiana Fever in the
game-3 of the Eastern Conference Finals 83-67. In doing so, Dream not only defended their Eastern Crown, but also gave themselves another shot at the WNBA glory in the second straight season.
They will however face a daunting task in the shape of Minnesota Lynx, who have been by far the best team this season. The first game of the best-of-five series will take place on Sunday.
Angel McCoughtry returned to her signature best on the night and overcoming a virulent Indianapolis crowd, she topped all scorers with 26 points on 7 for 10 shooting from the field and 11 for 19 from the free throw line. The 25-year-old
forward also grabbed eight rebounds, stole the ball four times and blocked two shots.
After the game, McCoughtry said, “I love the stage of the WNBA playoffs. The intensity is unmatched. We went through a lot of struggles this season, but I think that made us stronger. We had to fight to get to where we are. Now
that we are here, we have to dig even deeper.”
Iziane Castro Marques was not far behind and finished the night with 23 points, hitting 5 for 7 from three-point range. Lindsey Harding also stepped up to help on offense and contributed 16 points, six assists, five rebounds and
four steals. Sancho Lyttle recorded a double-double with 10 points and a game-high 11 rebounds.
Katie Douglas led Indiana with 16 points and also hauled down nine boards while Tammy Sutton-Brown had 11 points, nine rebounds and two blocks.
Atlanta shot 40.9 percent from the field, including 66.7 percent from three-point range while Indiana shot only 38.9 percent. The home team also committed 18 turnovers as compared to 12 by the Dream.
Atlanta had the better of the first 10 minutes and took a 28-23 lead going into the second quarter. After an even spell early in the second period, Atlanta managed to carve out a 36-28 lead with 04:47 to go in the quarter. Fever
tried to cut the deficit down, but failed to overtake Dream, who led throughout the quarter. Indiana and Atlanta went into halftime at 39-35.
Atlanta pulled early after the break and scored the first nine points of the third quarter to stretch their lead to 13 points, 48-35. Indiana did not get any closer than 12 points for rest of the period and Dream carried a 61-47
lead into the last quarter. They maintained their double-digit lead throughout the fourth, ensuring a smooth passage to the WNBA Finals.
Tags: