ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — With just two games remaining before the WNBA All-Star break, the Atlanta Dream are focused on flipping the script heading into the second half of the season.
Atlanta has won two of its last eight games, and head coach Karl Smesko said the team’s biggest points of emphasis are defense and shot efficiency. The Dream are near the bottom of the league in shooting, averaging 43% from the field and 32% from 3-point range.
“I think we’re working on it. I think we’re making strides,” Smesko said. “We had a little bit of a tough stretch, but there are no easy games in this league. You have to be focused and you have to execute at a high level to get any win, and we’re hoping to get a couple before the All-Star break.”
As Atlanta looks for more consistency, bench play is expected to be a major factor.
One player gaining momentum is rookie Izzy Borlase, the reigning WNBL MVP, who continues to earn valuable minutes in the Dream rotation. Borlase scored 10 points off the bench in Monday’s win over the Los Angeles Sparks and said maintaining steady play when the starters sit is a major priority.
“I think it just takes time,” Borlase said. “One thing he’s asking all of us girls coming off the bench is consistency. When the starters come out, we can’t let there be a lull in our offense and defense. So I think consistency is what he’s asking for and what we’re trying to provide.”
After four straight home games, the Dream hit the road Friday night for a 7:30 p.m. matchup against the Toronto Tempo.
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