NFL
By: Nick Andre
Atlanta Dream fans are just as confused as I am at the moment. How can a team with so much talent show inconsistency? It’s been a tough stretch for the Dream as they’ve lost three of their last four games. Luckily, it’s not time to hit the panic button yet as there’s still time for them to turn things around.
Throughout the season, we have acknowledged the continued development of both Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray. The two-star players have taken their game to another level and are the reason behind the Dream’s early-season success. However, the Dream’s success has consisted of more than Howard and Gray. Other players like Brionna Jones have produced at a high level in their first season in Atlanta.
This is the same Brionna Jones who has been a force since her college career at Maryland. Everywhere she plays, she makes a huge impact. The Dream knew Jones could be a force on both ends for them. She’s relentless when playing under the basket by scoring, rebounding, and playing physically. It’s hard to contain a player like Jones as she has great size and a great motor as well.
Heading into her first season with Atlanta meant it was a new beginning for Jones. But it also meant it was time to challenge herself as a player. Playing under rookie head coach Karl Smesko, the goal was to find ways to beat teams with a versatile offense. For most of her career, Jones has found ways to score around the rim and off 15-foot jump shots. However, the challenge this season was to expand her game by becoming a three-point shooter as well.
Floor spacing is a way that basketball has evolved over the years. When teams can play lineups where every player can shoot, it opens up opportunities for driving lanes and backdoor cuts. Jones has embraced the challenge of shooting more threes this season. Although she’s only averaging 1.5 attempts this season, opposing teams’ defense has learned to respect her range and contest her shot from outside.
Don’t get it confused. Although Brionna Jones is showing her range, she’s still showing dominance underneath the rim. Jones has learned to thrive in different lineups whether she’s playing power forward or center. When she catches the ball on the low block, she can do a multitude of things, such as scoring around the rim and facing up, while also finding open teammates. With her high IQ for the game, Jones is always looking to make the right play. Her versatility has been beneficial for her and her teammates throughout the season.
Jones is averaging 14 points per game along with 8.1 rebounds in 18 games played. The numbers prove that she’s made a significant impact on the Atlanta Dream. Jones has recorded eight double-doubles on the season while also scoring a season-high 21 points twice. Jones’ season has been so impressive that many fans and insiders considered her an All-Star. When the reserves were announced and her name wasn’t on the list, it left many confused while also sparking outrage amongst Dream fans.
Despite not being named a WNBA All-Star, Jones is still appreciated by her team. Her consistency on both ends has played a crucial role in the success of the Dream thus far. Jones has taken her game to different heights and it’s allowed her to play some of the best basketball of her career. Her continued production will be beneficial for the Dream as the season progresses.
