Atlanta making progress
The Atlanta Dream have put their 0-17 start behind them, and are focusing on improving steadily through the rest of their inaugural season.
After becoming the first team in WNBA history to open a season with 17 losses, the Dream won three of their next five games. And despite heading into the weekend on a three-game losing streak, Atlanta is keeping a positive outlook.
“We had to get our minds right first,” guard Kristin Haynie said. “Not a lot of people expected much from an expansion team but we’re finally getting it. We’ve had some good wins and sometimes we just come up short. … We just have to finish the season off strong.”
Atlanta (3-22) opened the season with a 33-point loss at Connecticut, but has only six other losses by 14 points or more – and 10 by single digits.
The Dream need three wins over their final nine games to avoid matching Chicago’s record of 29 losses, set in its expansion season two years ago.
Coach supports Mahorn
Connecticut coach Mike Thibault wore a “Free Rick Mahorn” sticker during his pregame interview with a local TV station before the Sun beat Los Angeles 87-61 on Thursday night. Thibault wasn’t disagreeing with the league’s choice to suspend Mahorn, but more that it might deter a coach from going on the floor as a peacemaker.
The skirmish involving the Detroit Shock and Los Angeles Sparks broke out on Tuesday night when Candace Parker and Plenette Pierson got tangled up and fell to the court. Deanna Nolan tackled Parker and Mahorn appeared to push LA star Lisa Leslie to the court. DeLisha Milton-Jones responded by punching Mahorn in the back.
“He’s a big guy and he did knock her down, but he got hit and somehow has more games on his suspension,” Thibault said. “I’m saddened the whole thing happened and my opinion is that the penalties should be equal.”
He said he texted the league with his opinions, but hadn’t heard back.
Thibault was unsure whether the attention the league has been getting since the skirmish would be beneficial.
“I’m not condoning anything that has to do with fighting, I just know our league has showcased that we have big-time players. Along with that comes a high competitive nature.”
Fowles honored
Chicago Sky rookie Sylvia Fowles received the WNBA’s Community Assist Award for June in recognition of her participation in many of the team’s outreach initiatives and involvement with organizations that promote health, wellness and sports for youth.
Fowles, the second overall pick in April’s WNBA draft recently returned after missing 17 games due a sprained left knee.
“It feels great to have my work in the community recognized,” she said.
The former LSU star helped kick off a water safety program in Chicago’s public pools, speaking about her experience as a swimming instructor and her passion for the sport.