Dream Update: What did we learn about Atlanta on their season-opening road trip?

The Atlanta Dream have had a rough start to the 2024 WNBA season, forced to open with two games out west against the Los Angeles Sparks and Phoenix Mercury. A split – a 92-81 win over Los Angeles and an 88-85 loss to Phoenix – is a fair result. But, more important than the raw results, what have we learned about the Dream and what can we expect from it for the future?

On Tuesday night, the Dream will host an injured Dallas Wings squad for their home opener (7:30 p.m. ET, League Pass). On Sunday, the rugged Minnesota Lynx arrive in Atlanta (6 p.m. ET, League Pass).

Rhyne shines

During Dream’s season preview, we expressed hope for a polished Rhyne Howard. So far, the third-year star is accessing his full offensive skill set, balancing his prolific 3-point shooting with attacks to the basket. Since she won’t continue to make half of her attempts from behind the arc, more drives will need to be introduced to maintain her production. This approach would also help him gain more points easily at the foul line. But it is off to a positive and promising start.

In the Dream’s opening win over the Sparks, she led the team with a stylish 25 points, going 9 for 16 overall and 3 for 7 from 3. At the Mercury, she hit five triples en route to 21 points.

Howard also demonstrated an increased level of activity in other areas of the game. Against Los Angeles, this showed via a pair of steals and blocks, while she crashed the glass for eight defensive rebounds, and nine in total, against Phoenix.

TC still has it

The start of the season was a bit hectic for Tina Charles. She had a comeback performance against Los Angeles, with her 17 points in the first half reminding everyone why she is the fourth all-time scorer in WNBA history. She also dominated the glass to finish with a double-double of 21 points and 14 rebounds. The Dream led the Sparks with a team-high 16 points when she was on the floor.

The second match against Phoenix, however, highlighted its limitations. She struggled to defend in space, with the Mercury attacking her smartly to give her three fouls early in the second quarter. His defensive issues were compounded by an off night on the offensive end.

Even though it was only one game, Charles’ offensive effort against the Sparks suggests it will benefit the Dream. However, Atlanta needs to do a better job of accounting for his defensive unreliability, especially as a primary rim protector.

Come on, Canada!

Someone who could help remedy these defensive ills? Jordin Canada, one of the best point of attack defenders in the WNBA

As Kahleah Copper smoked the Dream for a career-high 38 points Saturday night, head coach Tanisha Wright surely wished she could give Canada’s number. Through two games, Canada has been considered out, rather than doubtful or questionable, due to a right hand injury, which gives no indication of how close she is to making her debut for the Dream.

However, we cannot count on Canada as the sole panacea for the defense of the Dream. Atlanta has a staff that, at its best, should finish in the top half of the league in defensive rating. Although Charles is a weak spot on that side, Howard, Allisha Gray and Nia Coffey are solid defenders, while Cheyenne Parker-Tyus gives more effort as an undersized big and Haley Jones has the tools to become an above average defender. Although Wright has been hesitant to rely on her, Laeticia Amihere also exudes disruptive defensive potential.

For the Dream to deliver on its defensive promise, consistency, connectivity and communication must become non-negotiable, although Canada’s return would, at least, be a good start.