After losses to the then-winless Washington Mystics and the work-in-progress Indiana Fever, malaise around the Atlanta Dream and their season-long prospects was mounting. Atlanta staved off the ennui on Sunday afternoon, securing a comfortable win over the Los Angeles Sparks, 87-74.
Swish Appeal’s contributing photographer Christina Merrion was at Gateway Center Arena to capture the action.
The Dream’s Naz Hillmon speaks with local media before the game. Hillmon contributed six points, five rebounds and three assists from off the bench. Christina Merrion.
Sparks rookie Cameron Brink goes through her on-court routine before the game. Brink tallied 16 points and seven boards on the afternoon. Christina Merrion.
The Sparks’ Dearica Hamby warms up before the game. The Georgia native, however, had a rare, rough game, with 10 points on 3-for-14 shooting and eight rebounds. Christina Merrion.
The Dream’s Haley Jones runs the Atlanta offense. In the absence of Jordin Canada, Jones has continued to serve as the team’s starting point guard. Christina Merrion.
Sparks rookie Rickea Jackson showed off her fluid scoring package on Sunday, finishing with 16 points. Christina Merrion.
Dream veteran Tina Charles taught Sparks rookie Cameron Brink several lessons on Sunday, as the former MVP posted a 20-point and 11-rebound double-double. Christina Merrion.
Sparks head coach Curt Miller instructs Aari McDonald during the game. After spending her first two seasons with the Dream, McDonald had 14 points and five assists in her first game back in Atlanta. Christina Merrion.
The Dream’s Rhyne Howard again struggled with her shooting from the field. However, she earned nine free throws as she finished with 16 points and five assists. Christina Merrion.
Aerial Powers again served as an off-the-bench energy booster for the Dream. Powers had 13 points, six boards and three assists. Christina Merrion.