
You want see these two smiling tonight.
The Dream beat the Fever last season to advance to the Finals with Tamika Catchings going down with a foot injury. Many believe if Catchings had caught a break the Fever would have advanced.
The Atlanta Dream have advanced to the Finals the last two seasons and both times came up empty. There goal from the beginning of the season was to make it back for a third time and win. They say 3x’s is a charm, but with the firing of Marynell Meadors who put this Eastern Conference Championship team together and Angel McCoughtry being in and out of the line-up there may be some cause for concern.
This preview will be about the biggest star for each team. First Angel McCoughtry is unstoppable on offense. I love her quote “that you can play good defense on someone but you can never take away their aggressiveness.” Angel Wnba Scoring Champ is always aggressive and can get any shot she wants. She has her first Gold Medal but desperately want’s a WNBA title.
Standing in her way in the first round of the playoffs is Tamika Catchings. Tamika has no problem winning Defensive Player of the Year winning it again this year for the fifth time. Although she is happy that her defensive efforts are recognized she would much rather have a WNBA championship. She as well as Angel have felt the disappointing loss in the Finals. They both have been so close yet so far away.
Okay back to the first round I’m getting ahead of myself but this series is all about Catchings and McCoughtry. Will the DPY contain Angel and move on to the next round or will Angel not be denied. Home court advantage may be the added advantage for the Fever and they play well at home. I expect nothing more than an intense rivalry game and two stars fighting for more than a playoff win.
X Factor Atlanta Dream
Erica Desouza didn’t play very well in the Olympics and I haven’t seen her be as dominant as last season. She should take advantage of the inconsistent line-up for the center spot of the Fever. If she dominates the boards and scores on offense she could really help them get a win on the road.
X Factor Indiana Fever
Erlana Larkins played well in Turkey this past season and has continued to play huge in the paint for the Fever. Rebounding wise she is a force to be reckoned with but will have to find a way to give something more on offense in this series.
Shavonte Zellous has improved on hitting her outside shot and has learned when to shoot and when to drive. She is strong and athletic and can get to the paint and has to continue making smart decisions.
With that being said Tamika Defensive Player of the Year will lead her team to a win and defend home-court tonight.