Allison: Angel Reese just dropped a career-high 31 and 14, the Dream are officially playoff-bound, and now they get a rematch with the team they embarrassed by 36 points. You do not want to miss what we have coming up.
Derek: And we're going to tell you exactly how they can make it two in a row against the Sparks.
Allison: Welcome back to Beatline, the only podcast that bleeds Atlanta Dream basketball. I'm your host Allison, and as always, the sharpest mind in the game, Derek, is right here with me.
Derek: Let's get into it. First, we break down the playoff-clinching win in Phoenix. Then, we look ahead to Monday night in Los Angeles. And finally, we give you our keys to the game and a bold prediction.
Allison: Stick with us, because this one's going to be good.
Allison: Okay, Derek, let's start with that huge win in Phoenix. The Dream go on the road and take down the Mercury 99-89, clinching a playoff spot. How big was that for this team?
Derek: It's massive. Not just because they clinched, but because of how they did it. They went into a hostile environment, faced a 38-point explosion from Kahleah Copper, and still found a way to close it out. That's the mark of a team that's ready for the playoffs.
Allison: And they had to do it without some key pieces. Let's talk about that injury report, because it's pretty long.
Derek: Yeah, the list is extensive. Kara Dunn, Shay Ciezki, Marta Suarez, Kelsey Plum, Jovana Nogic, Jaylyn Sherrod, Indya Nivar, Brionna Jones – all out. That's a lot of firepower missing, but the team has shown they can adapt.
Allison: And yet they still put up 99 points. That says something about the depth and the system.
Derek: Absolutely. It's a testament to the coaching staff and the players stepping up. Isobel Borlase had six assists, and guys are buying into their roles.
Allison: Now, Monday they face the Los Angeles Sparks, a team they just demolished 124-88 on Thursday. That was a franchise record for points in a game. Can they replicate that kind of performance?
Derek: That's the million-dollar question. On paper, the Sparks are struggling – they're 13-24. But they're on their home floor, and they're going to be looking for revenge. The Dream can't just expect to show up and win.
Allison: But before we get too deep into that, let's take a quick break. When we come back, we'll break down the key players and rotations to watch in this one.
Allison: Alright, we're back. Let's talk about the key players in this matchup. Obviously, Angel Reese is the headline. She's been on an absolute tear.
Derek: She had 31 and 14 in Phoenix, and that was her 25th double-double of the season. That's ridiculous. And remember, she had a perfect shooting night against the Sparks last time – 124-88, she was unstoppable.
Allison: And we called that double-double before the game, didn't we?
Derek: We did. She's been that consistent. But the Sparks are going to throw everything at her. They're going to double-team, they're going to try to make someone else beat them.
Allison: So who else needs to step up? We know Rhyne Howard is capable of going off – we predicted 30-plus points for her in the last game, but she didn't quite get there. What do you expect from her?
Derek: I think she's due. She's been putting up solid numbers, but the scoring explosion is coming. If she can get going early, it takes the pressure off Reese and opens up the floor.
Allison: And what about the injury report for this one? We know a bunch of players are out. How does that affect the rotation?
Derek: It means more minutes for the bench. Players like Isobel Borlase are going to have to handle the ball more. The coaching staff has done a great job of mixing and matching lineups. It's going to be interesting to see who gets the start.
Allison: Let's talk about the Sparks' side. They have some talent, but they're not getting the results. What do the Dream need to watch out for?
Derek: The Sparks are dangerous because they have nothing to lose. They're playing loose, and they have players who can score in bunches. The Dream need to come out with intensity and not let them gain confidence.
Allison: And we should mention that the Dream are 24-13, sitting at the top of the Eastern Conference. They're looking to secure the best record possible. This game is a chance to keep that momentum going.
Derek: Exactly. Every game counts now. They want to lock up that top seed and get home-court advantage throughout the playoffs.
Allison: Alright, when we come back, we'll give you the keys to the game and a bold prediction. Stick with us.
Allison: We're back, and it's time for the keys to the game. Derek, what's the number one thing the Dream need to do to beat the Sparks again?
Derek: They need to control the glass. Angel Reese is a monster on the boards, and if they can dominate the rebounding battle, they'll control the tempo. The Sparks are a decent offensive rebounding team, so the Dream have to box out and limit second-chance points.
Allison: And what about the pace? We saw them put up 124 points last time. Is that sustainable?
Derek: I don't think they'll hit 124 again, but they need to push the pace. Get out in transition, get easy buckets. If they make the Sparks play fast, that plays into their hands.
Allison: Alright, now for the bold prediction. Last time we said Angel Reese would get her 25th double-double, and she did. What are you calling for Monday?
Derek: I'm going to say Rhyne Howard finally gets that 30-point game. She's been close, and with the Sparks' defense focused on Reese, she's going to have open looks. I think she goes for 32.
Allison: I like that. And I'll add that the Dream win by double digits again. They're just too deep and too focused right now.
Derek: That's the kind of confidence you want heading into the playoffs.
Allison: That's all we have for today. To recap: the Dream clinched a playoff spot with a big win in Phoenix, and now they're looking to sweep the season series against the Sparks on Monday.
Derek: Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review the show. Share it with your fellow Dream fans.
Allison: And as always, go Dream!