The Atlanta Dream fell to the Golden State Valkyries 77-75 in Atlanta’s Gateway Center Arena. Jordin Canada led the Dream with 21 points and eight assists, while Naz Hillmon nabbed eight rebounds. Golden State’s Cecilia Zandalasini led the visitors with 18 points and eight rebounds, followed by former Dream player Tiffany Hayes’s five rebounds.
“Disappointing loss,” Dream head coach Karl Smesko began after the match. “We made a great fight in the fourth quarter to have a chance to win it. Give them credit for making the last play and leaving here with the W.”
With three minutes left in the game, Jordin Canada drove to the rim and drew a foul. Her and one plus the made free throw put the Dream ahead 75-73. With just seconds of possession, Zandalasini leveled the scoring with an easy layup off the glass.
The Valkyries had possession with just five seconds left in the match. Tiffany Hayes kicked the ball out to the on-fire Zandalasini. Once she had possession, it was clear the Dream were using one-on-one defending, as Zandalasini had Chelsea Gray isolated. Never backing down from a challenge, Gray did her best against the in-form Italian, but Zandalasini got the better of her. Driving to her right, Zandalasini put up a shot from about five ft. away, and with a bit of luck, the sunk the attempt to put the visitors back up 77-75.
“The start of the third quarter, we allowed them to get a couple of offensive rebounds which allowed them to get some kickout threes,” said Jordin Canada after the game, explaining what happened in the third quarter. “I think we were very lackadaisical on the defensive end. I don’t think it was anything that they’ve done, I think it was us not being aggressive to start.” The Valkyries outscored the Dream 30-17 in the third quarter.
Along with Tiffany Hayes, Atlanta welcomed back former Dream player Monique Billings.
The Dream have a quick turnaround as they prepare to take on the Dallas Wings on Wednesday, July 30. The Valkyries continue on the road to face the Washington Mystics on Thursday, July 31.
-Jon Jones
Photos: NBAE via Adam Hagy
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