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Dream-Liberty Preview

May 22, 2010 - 5:01 PM By MATT BECKER STATS Senior Writer

Atlanta (3-0) at New York (1-1), 4:00 p.m. EDT

The Atlanta Dream are off to the best start in their brief history, but staying unbeaten during an upcoming stretch won't be easy.

The Dream embark on a difficult four-game road trip Sunday by trying to post their first win at Madison Square Garden over the New York Liberty.

Atlanta (3-0) has come a long way from its 2008 expansion season, when it went a league-worst 4-30. The Dream are currently tied atop the Eastern Conference with Washington, and succeeding without Chamique Holdsclaw.

Holdsclaw, who was second on the team with an average of 13.9 points last season, was released Wednesday. The former No. 1 overall pick sat out Atlanta's first two games, and said she could no longer play for the team because of a falling out with coach-general manager Marynell Meadors.

The loss of the six-time All-Star hasn't seemed to hurt much. After winning its first two games by a combined nine points, Atlanta easily defeated Connecticut 97-82 on Friday.

The Dream led by as many as 27 points, shot 53.4 percent for the game, and caught the Sun off guard by pushing the ball up the court. Atlanta had 31 fast-break points Friday after combining for 31 in its first two games.

"I don't think there is anyone in the league that is faster than us," Meadors said.

Angel McCoughtry led the way with 32 points and 10 rebounds, while Sancho Lyttle added 27 and 17.

"We like to get out and run," Lyttle said. "We have young legs, so hopefully that will be to our advantage."

The Dream now must find a way to keep their legs fresh for a grueling road trip.

After playing at MSG, the Dream face defending champion Phoenix followed by matchups with Los Angeles and Seattle. Atlanta is a combined 2-7 in these cities, and winless in three games in New York.

The Dream went 1-3 against the Liberty last season with Lyttle averaging 11.5 points in those contests.

New York (1-1) couldn't find a way to score late in a disappointing 77-61 loss to the Mystics on Friday.

The Liberty tied the score at 61 on Essence Carson's 3-pointer with 6:21 left in the fourth quarter, but missed its final nine shots and turned the ball over three times.

"I'm glad it's the second game of the season and not the 14th," guard Cappie Pondexter said. "A lot to improve on, but staying positive. A lot more basketball ahead of us."

Pondexter led the Liberty with 14 points after scoring 22 in last Sunday's 85-82 season-opening win over Chicago.

Pondexter, who was acquired from Phoenix in the offseason, averaged just 8.5 points on 8 for 20 shooting in two games against the Dream with the Mercury in 2009.