The Atlanta Dream took on the Washington Mystics Sunday and lost 87-84. The Mystics appeared to be in control the entire game due to their sharpshooting. The Mystics were shooting 56% at halftime. This is alarming due to the Atlanta Dream being one of the top defensive teams in the WNBA.

At halftime, Atlanta Dream shooting guard Tiffany Hayes sat with only 6 points. This is something that just can’t happen especially in the playoffs. Hayes did finish game with 17 points but her overall performance was lackluster given the severity of the game.

The six-year pro will need to step her game up if she wants to lead the Atlanta Dream to the WNBA finals. Without all-star Angel McCoughtry, Hayes will need to lead this team as the spotlight shines on her.

To defeat the streaking Mystics the Dream need to step their foot on the gas and keep it there. Elena Delle Donne had her way with the Dream’s defense as she has been a tough cover all season. She finished with 32 points and 13 rebounds. The Dream will need to double team her and get the ball out of her hands as much as possible. Make the Mystics beat you without their superstar.

Offensively, the Dream needs to find their rhythm and that starts with Tiffany Hayes’s aggressiveness. Set the tone early and allow the game to be played at your pace. Canceling out EDD and highlighting Tiffany Hayes’s play will be keys to beating the Washington Mystics in game 2 of the WNBA semifinals.

Before I conclude this article I would be remiss if didn’t congratulate general manager Chris Sienko and head coach Nicki Collen for winning executive of the year and coach of the year respectively. Thank you for all that you do for the city of Atlanta.

The Atlanta Dream take on the Washington Mystics in game 2 of the WNBA semifinals tonight at 8PM at McCamish Pavilion. If you like to watch this game it will be streamed on ESPN2. Please support our fabulous ladies and cheer them on tonight. Lets go Atlanta Dream!

Da’Vonte Hughes| @CookieByNature Join us October 20th for a day full of basketball and fun! Just $10 per team with two cash prizes to the winning teams. Click here to enter. If you or anyone you know is interested in becoming a writer for ATLSportsHQ please DM Phil Veasley (@_ATLPhil) on Twitter or send a sample article to atlsportshq@gmail.com.

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