Dream clinch playoff spot after trouncing Shock

Updated: Sep 4, 2011, 07:40 pm

ATLANTA -- Angel McCoughtry scored 19 points and the Atlanta Dream clinched a playoff spot with a 73-52 win over the Tulsa Shock on Sunday.

"It's a relief," Dream coach Marynell Meadors said. "I was real proud of our ability to win tonight simply because that means we are going to the playoffs again. And whatever position we end up in, we are going to give it everything we have to represent the Atlanta Dream with the best of our abilities."

McCoughtry scored 10 points during Atlanta's 11-0 run late in the second quarter that gave them a 36-26 halftime lead.

"Sometimes it takes her a while to get started, but when she does, she sees things out there that most of us don't see," Meadors said.

McCoughtry hit 7 of 15 field goals, including both 3-point tries, and added five rebounds and four assists.

"I was just trying to do the best I could in the time I had on the court," McCoughtry said. "And before the playoffs there are some things I want to critique and I am going to go back and watch tapes."

Lindsey Harding had 13 points and 10 assists for Atlanta (18-14), which has won 10 of its last 13 games. Armintie Price added 13 points.

Tiffany Jackson had 15 points and 11 rebounds for Tulsa (3-28) and Amber Holt had 14 points and eight rebounds.

"I think (Atlanta) has a great opportunity," said Tulsa coach Teresa Edwards, a former All-American at the University of Georgia. "They proved they could be successful last year. If they build on this game today, they're in a great place for the playoffs."