The Defensive Ceiling Other Backcourts Can’t Match
The Las Vegas Aces’ pair, featuring Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray, has similar lockdown skills on the perimeter as the Dream’s duo. The edge goes to Atlanta, though, since the team’s scheme plays to the strengths of its two guards. The Aces play more of a point-of-attack scheme with pressure and anticipation. The Dream depend on denying space, but their ability to switch is what sets them apart. Both are capable of switching without allowing mismatches. While the Aces duo can execute complex coverage and communicate well, Howard and Gray have the higher defensive ceiling.
Gray and Howard complement one another defensively. With both guards having the ability to pressure ball handlers and cause turnovers, it helps the team thrive in transition. The Dream excels at turning defense into offense, and whenever a team has two top-15 defenders, that’s a luxury for any coach to have.
