The Atlanta Dream, at 7-17 during the time of this story publishing, sit just outside the playoffs. As wild as that statement is, the team isn’t technically out of playoff contention. But if Atlanta wants that coveted eighth playoff spot, it needs to play pristine down the stretch of the season or pray to the basketball gods that another team magically (and unlikely) unravels.
Truthfully, the Dream are in dire need of top-notch basketball – nothing else can be really be accepted. The 1-9 record in the last ten games is far from ideal. However, the return of key players like Rhyne Howard and Jordin Canada, coupled with a timely month-long Olympic break, could be the turning point for the team.
This could be the moment when fans finally see the true potential of this squad. All-Star Allisha Gray seems to agree with that sentiment
“You know, I’ve been waiting for this moment basically the whole season…”, she excitedly told reporters at Gateway Center Arena. “It’s nice to finally have every body back healthy. I’m very happy because we can really see what type of team when everybody’s healthy.”
An hour later, some resemblance of hope slowly creeps into the air. “It feels so good to be back,” the arena announcer croons ahead of the Dream returning to WNBA play.
The team confirmed that they have been practicing for the past month, hoping to get the synergy they’ve been missing for so much of the season. Canada told the media, “There’s no pressure” and “It’s just basketball.” Still, she believes that improving through the remainder of the season starts with her leadership.
“Obviously, leadership is most important for me now that I’m back on the floor. [I’m] just trying to make sure I lead my teammates as much as possible. [I’m] just trying to embrace the moment and enjoy the moment as well. I’ve been out for half the season. So, [I’m] just trying to take it game by game and just appreciate that I’m back out on the floor…”
Canada’s right. The team goes as she goes. Ask any WNBA team missing its floor general how it feels to be without that leadership, and they’ll likely tell you it’s gut-wrenching. Unfortunately, the Dream’s woes cannot be laid solely on the shoulders of Canada or even any other players. Coaching matters so much during this journey.
Head coach Tanisha Wright, with her responsibilities, plays a crucial role. As she stated ahead of a Seattle Storm matchup Friday, “[It’s] the work that you have to put continually put in, day in and day out, trying to put people in the best positions to be successful…”
Wright’s leadership is critical to the team’s success. If the Dream don’t start churning out wins quickly, the questions will only get louder, including the loudest: how long is the leash of mediocrity? The roster is far too talented to sit at the bottom of the league. The clock is practically flashing bright red with sirens for Atlanta. There’s roughly a month left to show something, anything.
“It’s a beautiful day to Dream” is often the sentiment fans hear when they come to a game, but they have yet to wake up from what probably feels more like a nightmare. Can Atlanta finally put it all together?
“We’ll see” doesn’t exactly feel like the best answer, but it’s the most honest one I’ve got. I’m not in the business of lying. Things don’t look spectacular. BUT, into the final 16-game stretch, we go…
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