Taylor

Thierry

Thierry has not appeared in a game since August 17, and the rookie’s absence has not impacted the Dream rotation. Once cleared to return, she is not guaranteed to play consistent minutes.

Thierry, a third-round pick in this spring’s draft, saw her first action of the day during the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, the rookie wing rolled her left ankle while dribbling around a ball screen, requiring assistance back to the locker room. Thierry did not attempt her free throws, ending her day per WNBA rules. The rookie has not been part of Karl Smesko’s rotation most nights, but her absence would leave the Dream down a wing as she recovers.

While Thierry only averaged 1.7 three-point attempts per game during her senior season at Ohio State, she has the potential to fit the “3-and-D” mold that many teams are looking to fill. Appearing in 33 games last season, the 5-foot-11 wing averaged 10.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 2.3 steals and 0.8 three-pointers, shooting 56.3 percent from the field and 69.7 percent from the foul line. Thierry can potentially be a defensive factor on the wing in Atlanta, especially with Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones in the frontcourt. Being backed by a credible shot-blocker can empower defensive-minded wings to pressure passing lanes, and Thierry fits that mold.