Could 9, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Atlanta Dream guard Aerial Powers (23) yells to teammates as Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull (10) reaches of the ball Thursday, Could 9, 2024, through the preseason sport towards the Atlanta Dream at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Atlanta Dream, 83-80. Obligatory Credit score: Grace Hollars-USA TODAY Sports activities The WNBA’s Olympic break is coming on the proper time for the Atlanta Dream and Minnesota Lynx. The groups meet for a matinee in Minneapolis on Wednesday, with one staff assured to finish a dropping streak.
Atlanta (7-16) is on a seven-game skid, the longest within the league heading into the hiatus for the All-Star Recreation and Paris Olympics. The final two losses have been by double digits.
The catalysts for the Dream’s downfall are accidents to All-Star Rhyne Howard and two-time WNBA champion Jordin Canada. Howard’s ankle damage on June 19 put the third-year star out indefinitely. Canada suffered a damaged finger on June 30, placing her out till after the break.
Of their absence, the Dream signed a pair of younger free agent guards, with Maya Caldwell standing out regardless of the staff’s droop. In her fifth straight begin on Sunday, Caldwell led the Dream with a profession excessive 19 factors in a loss to the Seattle Storm.
“They referred to as me, and I bought the chance and each time I step between these traces, whether or not it is in follow or within the sport, I simply really feel the utmost gratitude,” Caldwell stated. “I simply attempt to benefit from all 40 minutes as greatest I can.”
Minnesota (16-8) is on a smaller skid of two video games and likewise is coping with a key damage. Lynx star Napheesa Collier’s absence is clear. Each losses noticed their opponents outscore the Lynx within the paint, a spot the place Collier shines offensively and defensively.
Minnesota’s offense is struggling. Within the final two video games, the Lynx shot a season-low 30.6 p.c towards Seattle and 38.6 p.c towards the Indiana Fever on July 12.
“Actually for the reason that Commissioner’s Cup, our offense has not been actually all that elite,” head coach Cheryl Reeve stated. “A lot of 3s in there, a lot of 30 p.c stage video games. It is onerous to win on this league, irrespective of the place you are taking part in.”
Collier’s presence on the court docket Wednesday is a gametime choice, with the ahead’s return to play from plantar fasciitis unclear. She may return towards Atlanta or stay on the sidelines to organize for the All-Star Recreation and Olympics.
Minnesota gained each earlier conferences towards Atlanta this season, every time by 13 factors.
–Area Degree Media