McCoughtry, Dream have hard row to hoe

DULUTH, Ga. – Nothing has come easily for Angel McCoughtry and the Atlanta Dream against the Minnesota Lynx.

Game 3 of the WNBA finals could be just as tough.

Minnesota, which won each of the first two games by 25 points, might have somewhat of a homecourt advantage when Lynx forward Maya Moore returns Thursday to the Gwinnett Arena.

The Dream were forced to move this elimination game to the northeast suburbs because of an ice skating show at their home court, Philips Arena.

Coach Fred Williams says the Dream’s fans need to counter a homecoming for Moore, who led nearby Collins Hill High School to three consecutive state titles at the Gwinnett Arena from 2005-07.

Williams knows Moore’s local following is substantial, particularly after she helped Connecticut win two straight NCAA championships and was named WNBA rookie of the year as the Lynx took the 2011 league title.

The Dream planned a light workout Wednesday night to help McCoughtry and others get familiar with the new surroundings. Atlanta is 15-5 at Philips Arena this year, 6-15 in other venues.

“Hopefully we’ll get used to the shooting conditions this evening and then again tomorrow morning at the shoot-around,” Williams said.