You are reading the title correctly. No, the page It’s not blurry. I honestly can say the Atlanta Dream can still win without Erica Wheeler. Wheeler suffered a left foot sprain against the Seattle Storm a week and a half ago. Since her injury, the Dream have lost four games. The 7-8 Atlanta have come close to winning games but have come short at the end. Last night wasn’t any different. The Dream traveled to Chicago and lost in OT 106-100. More on why the Dream can still win without Wheeler.
Aari has been a superstar, a bright light and exactly what the Dream needed in the absence of Wheeler. She is meant to succeed in this sport called basketball. Aari has carried the Dream for the last few games, especially in last night’s game against the Chicago Sky. Not only did Aari play 42 minutes that has to be a record for her; please correct me if I am wrong. She finished with 20 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds and 1 steal. Aari shot 35.3% from the field and 40% from the arc.
She was the only one consistent on the free-throw line shooting 75%. No, she is not perfect and not a creator like Wheeler; however, she will hustle for rebounds, steal, and be a defensive pest. She did attack the paint a lot more against Chicago. Aari is only getting better as the starting point guard. Her point percentage has gone up, field goals and three-point attempts since the Seattle Storm game where Wheeler got hurt. That only means she has exuded confidence and evidently, so has coach Wright if her minutes have gone up.
We can’t forget about the sensational rookie Rhyne Howard and how she has elevated the Dream to another level. In last night’s game, she only played 29 minutes due to foul trouble (5). If it weren’t for the foul trouble, she would have performed as her usual self, to be the team’s star. What is incredible about Howard is that she is also a team player finishing with 7 assists against Chicago. If she is not scoring 20 points or more per game, she is helping on defense with blocks and steals. Howard finished with 2 blocks and a steal. She is a two-way guard and is precisely what the Dream need.
I like to call her Ms. Parker; if I am not mistaken, Renee Montgomery called her that during her podcast. And ever since, it has been stuck with me. Back to Ms. Parker and her incredible season so far. I have this theory she is the heartbeat of the team. She is playing great basketball after giving birth to her baby girl.
Cheyenne finished with 16 points against her former team (Chicago Sky). She played 34 minutes and had 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 steals. Even though she is not known for her three-pointers, Parker will shoot from the arc from time to time. She only attempted one last night and is shooting 25% from the arc this season. She is playing like her old self but even better. Without Cheyenne, I don’t know where this team would be regarding standings. She is the engine that keeps this team going, in my opinion.
Of course, we cannot forget the surprise of the season Kristy Wallace. She is averaging 25 minutes a game, 41% from the field and 37% from three this season. She is another scoring machine that has helped the Dream win games this season. Kristy is a player the Dream can count on when it comes to scoring. The team doesn’t have to rely on Wheeler or Howard for points solely.
Even though she only played 11 minutes and finished the game with 3 points, it was announced she wasn’t feeling well in the second half of last night’s game. As a result, the Dream needed her in the overtime period.
Another key player that Atlanta just acquired is AD, formerly known as Asia Durr. They played with the New York Liberty before coming to Atlanta. They have played well with the Dream. AD finished with 21 points and 3 rebounds in last night’s game. AD finished with 21 points against the Sun and played 25 minutes. They have been a refreshing addition to the Dream.
After the challenges they faced (COVID diagnoses) and injuries throughout their college career and rookie season with New York. I can certainly say we are all happy to see AD shine and play like their old self.
As you can see, the Dream can win without Wheeler. The Dream have played their best team ball for quite a long time. They have a different energy this season and you can tell they are having fun and playing well together. Of course, it will take a team effort to win without Wheeler, but it is possible with all those mentioned above.
The Dream’s next game is on Tuesday, June 21st at 7 PM ET against the Dallas Wings.
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