Atlanta Dream Lose Home Opener To Chicago Sky, 75-71

ATLANTA, GA -- The Atlanta Dream ushered in a new season and new arena for their home opener Sunday afternoon, playing at Carnish Pavilion on the campus of Georgia Tech. With a big crowd in tow to support them, the Dream played strong a first half but fell behind late to lose 75-71 to the Chicago Sky.

A crowd of 4,859 saw the Dream (1-2) lead for most of the game, slip behind then make a furious comeback before coming up just short after having a chance to tie the game with 10 seconds left.

Coach Michael Cooper said that he liked what he saw from his team early on, especially when they built a 13-point lead just moments into the game, led by eight early points from Tiffany Hayes. But the Sky, coached by new head coach Amber Stocks, came roaring back in the third quarter.

The Dream had their hands full with Sky center Stefanie Dolson, who scored a game-high 23 points. "There were times when she just took over the game, and those are times when we have to stop her and force someone else to beat us," Clarendon said after the game.

The Dream had four players in double figures -- Layshia Clarendon (17), Damiris Dantas, Bria Holmes and Hayes. Clarendon had a team-high nine assists. Elizabeth Williams led the Dream with a game-high 13 rebounds, seven of them offensive.

The dream scored 24 points in the first quarter but just 8 points in the second as the Sky doggedly clawed their way back into the game. The Dream led 32-28 at the half.

The Dream play the next game at home, against the Los Angeles Sparks on Saturday, May 27 at 6 p.m.

Image via Atlanta Dream / WNBA