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Friday WNBA Links: Atlanta Dream, Chicago Sky Excited For Home Openers, L.A. Sparks Defense Sputters in Minnesota

Although there was only one game last night, there are a number of links today with three games on the schedule tonight.

With the Atlanta Dream and Chicago Sky looking forward to home openers tonight, their media members are starting to ramp up the WNBA coverage.

  • Mike DiMauro of The Day writes that Connecticut Sun point guard Renee Montgomery is not happy with her new role of coming off the bench this season, switching roles with veteran Kara Lawson who came off the bench last season. Sun coach Mike Thibault says they need an aggressive scorer off the bench and Montgomery could fit the bill, similar to the roles Dallas Mavericks guard Jason Terry or Oklahoma City Thunder guard James Harden play. Read more >>>
  • Tracy Jusay contributing to the New York Amsterdam News writes that the New York Liberty have "their work cut out for them if they are to become a cohesive unit." Liberty coach John Whisenant says that part of the problem is that they were missing key players during training camp, but guard Cappie Pondexter also notes that he put in a new offense this season. Read more >>>
  • Tim Akouris of the Chicago Sun-Times writes that Ticha Penicheiro will not play in the Sky's game against the Indiana Fever tonight due to a left calf injury. Rookie Sonja Petrovic, who missed the first game, participated in practice and is a game-day decision. Read more >>>
  • Patricia Babcock McGraw of the Chicago Daily Herald wrote up seven key storylines for the Chicago Sky's seventh season. Among the keys to success this season is reducing turnover, the most significant weakness for the Sky last season. Read more >>>
  • Fred Mitchell of the Chicago Tribune writes that the WNBA "remains a blip on the Chicago sports radar" and Pokey Chatman hopes that putting a more aggressive and entertaining team on the floor. Read more >>>
  • Doug Roberson of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that Marynell Meadors took the blame for the Atlanta Dream's season-opening loss to the Indiana Fever as she tried to integrate some of her new players into the rotation. But she was impressed with the newcomers, including rookie Tiffany Hayes who fouled out. Read more >>>
  • Ben Standig of CSN Washington reports that there was a lot of disappointment for the Washington Mystics after their season-opening loss to the Chicago Sky. In addition to hoping that the team will jell by tomorrow's game against Tulsa, Mystics coach Trudi Lacey is looking forward to Matee Ajavon returning to game action after missing time with a sore knee. Read more >>>
  • Mike Peden of the St. Paul Sports Examiner writes that the Los Angeles Sparks' strong focus on defense had an impact on the Minnesota Lynx last night before taking a 92-84 loss at the Target Center. But the Lynx showed off some defensive prowess of their own, holding Candace Parker without a point or rebound in the final period. Read more >>>
  • Roman Augustoviz of the Minneapolis Star Tribune writes that despite the win, the Lynx showed some flaws: they had 19 turnovers and allowed the Sparks to shoot over 50 percent for most of the game. Read more >>>
  • Augustoviz also reports that Sparks guard Alana Beard is looking at the loss as a growth opportunity: after winning two games due to defense and losing last night's due to defense, they can lean from their mistakes. Read more >>>
  • Mark Meltzer of the Atlanta Business Chronicle profiles Atlanta Dream co-owner Kelly Loeffler who spoke to the Women's Economic Development Agency about growing their networks, taking risks and helping other women. She quoted former Secretary of State Madeline Albright in saying, "There is a special place in hell for women who don’t help other women." Read more >>>
  • Jonathan Abrams of Grantland recapped the USA women's basketball team's training camp in Seattle, noting the impact this "Dream Team" is having on women's basketball at large. Diana Taurasi said that making it public that girls can make a career out of basketball changes the seriousness of those participating. Read more >>>

Feel free to discuss these links or put your own favorite links in the comments.