Mystics Edge Atlanta for 2nd Win in 3 Games

Mystics 81, Dream 75

Taj McWilliams-Franklin credits the Mystics' new coach for Washington's improved play.

The Mystics (10-15) have won two of three since Jessie Kenlaw was named interim coach after the firing of Tree Rollins last week.

"Coach Kenlaw is definitely more enthusiastic," McWilliams-Franklin said. "She is constantly motivating us. That's her style."

McWilliams-Franklin scored 13 points and pulled down 12 rebounds in Washington's 81-75 victory over the host Atlanta Dream last night.

Alana Beard finished with 12 points, and Monique Currie and Bernice Mosby each had 11 for the Mystics, who held Atlanta without a field goal in the final 3 minutes 46 seconds.

"What I have stressed since taking over the team is defense and discipline," Kenlaw said. "This is what I felt we were missing. In the past, we have been a half-court team, and I would like to see us get out and run more."

The expansion Dream has lost four straight and has the WNBA's worst record at 3-23.

Iziane Castro Marques scored 23 points for Atlanta, which took its first lead in two games when Betty Lennox pulled up on a fast break and hit a 14-footer midway through the second quarter.

Lennox began the game with the Dream's top scoring average at 17.3, but she finished just 1 for 6 from the field and has a total of only nine points over the last three games.

Atlanta came within one on Ivory Latta's three-pointer before Currie responded with a runner that made it 78-75 with 3:15 remaining.

The Mystics' biggest lead, 74-61, came on Nakia Sanford's layup at the 8:33 mark.

Erika DeSouza played her first game for the Dream since breaking her leg in a loss to Washington on May 27. She finished with six points and four rebounds in nearly 13 minutes.