2016 WNBA season scores: Dream return to 4th place, hand Sparks 2nd straight loss


The Atlanta Dream went up by double-digits early and had enough gas towards the end to beat the Los Angeles Sparks on the road, 86-81 on Thursday.

Angel McCoughtry topscored with 32 points including 9-for-10 from the foul line and grabbed 11 rebounds while Elizabeth Williams tallied a double-double of 15 points and 12 rebounds. Layshia Clarendon added 13 points, seven boards, and six assists as the Dream (16-14) again took the fourth spot in the league standings. The team is now half a game above the Chicago Sky (15-14).

The Sparks dropped to 24-7, losing two games in a row. The team lost the top spot a few days ago after the Minnesota Lynx won in the two teams' third meeting this season, 77-74.

A triple by Clarendon gave the Dream an 18-5 lead early in the first quarter, although the Sparks were able to cut the deficit down to just five entering the halftime break, 41-36.

But an 18-2 run by the Dream late in the third quarter which included eight unanswered points broke the game wide open. The Dream took a 67-49 lead, and kept hold of the advantage until the early part of the fourth period.

The Dream constantly attacked the defense of Candace Parker and Nneka Ogwumike, putting the duo in pick and roll situations or post ups. Such strategy also opened up the lanes for Atlanta, which earned 26 free throw attempts, twice Los Angeles' total.

The Sparks, though, kept fighting in the last few minutes of the game. The Dream were still ahead 78-70 with over two minutes remaining when Parker hit five straight points, including a three. A triple by Kristi Toliver in transition cut the gap down to 80-78 under the final minute, but McCoughtry iced the game after scoring four more points.

Parker, Essence Carson, and Chelsea Gray all scored 16 points for the Sparks. Gray came off the bench and shot 7-for-9 from the field.

The Sparks have lost six out of their last 10 games, although they are still almost certain to finish with one of the two top spots in the league standings. Brian Agler also used every player on the roster in the match to get them more exposure as the regular season continues to wind down.

Thursday's scores:

Atlanta Dream 86, Los Angeles Sparks 81

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