/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/33789137/20120919_kdl_aa6_084.0.jpg)
Coming into this game, both the Connecticut Sun and Atlanta Dream had seen inconsistency in terms of their lineups.
Today, Atlanta's starters remained the same but Anne Donovan's hand was forced to make a change that many felt should have come weeks ago: with Kelsey Griffin out sick, the Sun slid Kelsey Bone in at the 5 and moved Ogwumike to her natural 4 spot. It immediately paid dividends as Bone came out aggressive and scored two quick baskets.
After the last game, it seemed that Dream coach Michael Cooper had closed the book on trying to force his veterans Swin Cash and Matee Ajavon into effectiveness as Amanda Thompson and Shoni Schimmel played the bulk of the bench minutes and played well.
Then Sunday happened.
Initially, it seemed as if Cooper was trying to see who exactly should be the player cut once Celine Dumerc arrives in the next few days (likely Inga Orekhova, as she didn't touch the floor Sunday) as even rookie Nadia Gomes Colhado, who hasn't played any meaningful minutes got some time early. Then as the Sun began to turn up the heat, nothing changed. This game was ugly all around for the Dream. McCoughtry started off missing several layups and, after chewing out a teammate for her defensive misstep, she was pulled by Cooper for an extended period. The Dream also picked up 4 technicals, including a questionable one called on Aneika Henry.
Anne Donovan has to be on the hot seat at this point and you would hope today's game opened her eyes to what should be happening with this team's rotation: Ogwumike has struggled with foul trouble trying to guard 5's at this level, which Bone is much better served to battle. Griffin's lack of athleticism is less likely to be a factor off the bench than playing 30 minutes a night. Renee Montgomery has made quite a statement to get backup minutes ahead of Danielle McCray, who's come back to Earth after a hot start.
There were some questions answered for Connecticut while some arose for the Dream so it'll be interesting to see how both teams respond.