MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Lynx overwhelmed the Atlanta Dream down low in Game 1 of the WNBA finals on Sunday night. They outrebounded the Dream 40-28 and outscored them 52-30 in the paint.
The Dream are hoping the return of their starting center will make a big difference. Erika de Souza did not play in Game 1 because she was helping her native Brazil win an Olympic qualifying tournament.
The 6-foot-5 de Souza is averaging 12 points and 10.7 rebounds per game in the playoffs for the Dream. They used a small lineup to speed past Indiana in the Eastern Conference finals, but Rebekkah Brunson dominated them with 26 points and 11 rebounds on Sunday.
Dream guard Lindsey Harding says she expects de Souza to help a lot in Game 2 on Wednesday night.
