Known in the Atlanta Dream’s locker room as a specialist in the unseen, intangible aspects of the game, Naz Hillmon, on August 18, 2024, left behind the type of effort that simply couldn’t be ignored. Relishing an opportunity to help Atlanta secure its second winning streak of 2024, Hillmon puts her tireless stride to use, keeping just ahead of Olivia Nelson-Ododa in transition. Presented with a two-on-two, or perhaps an advantageous two-on-one if her teammate can thread a perfectly-placed pass, Hillmon focuses in, snagging a bounce pass through traffic before banking in a layup, plus the foul. Hillmon provided the title-contending Connecticut Sun with an in-the-paint challenge throughout, contributing nine points, five rebounds, and a steal in an impressive victory. Seemingly on an upward trend post-Olympic break, Atlanta — victorious in back-to-back games against formidable foes — used Hillmon’s help to catapult into what ultimately became a three-game win streak, critical in the race for the WNBA’s eighth and final postseason spot. · Aug 18, 2024