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The Atlanta Dream bounced back in a big way Sunday evening with a big performance from Angel McCoughtry in a 93-82 win over the Chicago Sky to even the best of three series at one game apiece. The decisive Game 3 will be on Tuesday back in Atlanta at Philips Arena.
The Dream came out of the gate slowly in Game 2 and quickly fell behind 10-2 thanks to a quick start by Chicago's Elena Delle Donne. Atlanta weathered the early storm and the lead see-sawed back and forth for the remainder of the first half.
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The Dream started to take control in the third quarter with a 14-2 run that saw them lead by as many as 12 points. McCoughtry scored 14 of her game-high 39 points in the quarter and Atlanta took a 68-61 advantage into the final frame.
Atlanta pushed the lead to as many as 14 points in the fourth and refused to allow the Sky back within striking distance. Tiffany Hayes buried a pair of three-pointers and scored eight of her 15 points in the final 10 minutes.
After an inefficient Game 1, McCoughtry came out focused and put up one of her best performances of the season. She went 13-20 from the field and was 13-14 from the free throw line. The Dream were the worst free throw shooting team in the WNBA this season but they converted 18-20 attempts in Game 2.
Hayes finished with 15 while Shoni Schimmel came off the bench to add nine points and five assists. Atlanta played without point guard Celine Dumerc who sat out due to a sprained knee. Jasmine Thomas got the start and was a big factor finishing with nine points, seven rebounds and six assists. More importantly she helped Atlanta control the pace of the game and kept them on the attack. The Dream finished with a 28-6 advantage in fast break points.
Delle Donne led Chicago with 22 points including an 11-11 showing at the free throw line. She went 4-5 from the field in the first quarter but was just 1-8 throughout the remainder of the game. Allie Quigley added 20 points off the bench while Epiphanny Prince added 19. After making the game-winner in Game 1, Courtney Vandersloot was held scoreless in Game 2 although she did finish with a game-high eight assists.
The series shifts back to Atlanta on Tuesday for a decisive Game 3.