Williams’ All-Around Performance Lifts Dream Over Sun

A hot start and improved shooting propelled the Dream to a 78-75 defeat of the Connecticut Sun Wednesday afternoon at State Farm Arena.

Four players scored in double digits as Tiffany Hayes put up a team-leading 18 points, followed by Elizabeth Williams’ 17, Renee Montgomery’s 12 and Alex Bentley’s 11. The team shot 41.9 percent from the field and outscored the Sun from the foul line to escape with a close three-point win.

Atlanta saw the best start it has seen this season, leading Connecticut by as much as 29-15 in the first quarter. A three-pointer by Tiffany Hayes in the final seconds of the opening quarter gave the Dream a season-high 29 points to lead the Sun by 11. The Dream finished the first half shooting 45 percent from the field as Hayes led all scorers with 13 points.

A close third quarter resulted in a 56-all tie heading into the fourth quarter. Williams saw three of her four blocks in the third quarter while the team pulled down seven defensive boards to hold Connecticut’s offense to just 21.4 percent shooting. Williams went 7-8 from the foul line in the fourth quarter to keep the Dream in the lead, while Alex Bentley’s final two free throws finished off the game.

Atlanta returns to State Farm Arena Friday as the Dream host the Minnesota Lynx at 7:30 p.m. Group, mini-packs and single game tickets are available now. For more information, visit atlantadream.net or call 877.977.7729.

The Atlanta Dream, who are celebrating their 12th season in the WNBA in 2019, will play their home games in State Farm Arena in downtown Atlanta. The Dream have qualified for the playoffs nine times, winning conference titles in 2013, 2011 and 2010.