Atlanta Dream Transforms from Struggles to Playoff Contenders

The Atlanta Dream has undergone a remarkable transformation, shifting from six consecutive losing seasons to a playoff contender in the WNBA. This turnaround was marked by the team’s record of 30 wins in the regular season, a significant improvement that earned them the No. 3 seed in the playoffs. The success of the team can be attributed to its core players, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, and Naz Hillmon, who have not only excelled on the court but also fostered a positive team culture.

In an interview with ESPN ahead of the regular-season finale, Hillmon highlighted the vibrant camaraderie among the players. The trio’s playful pre-game outfits, reminiscent of the popular early-2000s cartoon “Powerpuff Girls,” reflect their strong friendship. “We are never not having a great time, and the chemistry has always been there,” Hillmon stated. This unity has been essential in rebuilding the Dream’s identity.

The groundwork for this revival began with the ownership of Larry Gottesdiener, who acquired the team in 2021. One of his first strategic moves was hiring general manager Dan Padover, who made pivotal trades during the 2022 draft to secure key players. Notably, the selection of Howard as the first overall pick and Hillmon at the 15th position laid the foundation for the future. The acquisition of Gray in 2023 and the appointment of head coach Karl Smesko further solidified the team’s direction.

Smesko’s innovative coaching style has been instrumental in unlocking the Dream’s potential. His approach, which emphasizes a balanced offensive strategy, has transformed the team’s playstyle. Before his arrival, the organization struggled to attract talent and maintain competitiveness. Now, with a record-breaking performance in 2023, the Dream has turned into a formidable opponent, poised to compete against the Indiana Fever in a decisive playoff game.

Padover described the rebuilding process as “methodical,” emphasizing that numerous decisions contributed to the team’s current success. He expressed optimism about the Dream’s progress, stating, “We haven’t done anything yet, but we are at a point where it finally starts to feel like the change we wanted to see happen is coming to fruition.”

The improvements in the Dream’s performance are evident in their statistics. The team has risen to first in rebounding, third in assists, and third in three-pointers made compared to their rankings from the previous season. Their offensive and defensive ratings also reflect significant advancements, showcasing Smesko’s effective coaching methods.

Gray, who has seen a notable increase in her scoring average to 18.4 points per game, commented on Smesko’s coaching style, saying, “He’s a coach who tells you to shoot. It’s nice for me to have a coach who tells me to shoot more than not shoot.” This confidence in players has contributed to a more dynamic offensive strategy that has caught opponents off guard.

The cultural shift within the Dream is stark compared to the environment under previous ownership. Padover noted the importance of rebuilding the team’s reputation within the WNBA, stating, “We wanted positive feelings around us.” The current locker room atmosphere is characterized by camaraderie and high spirits, as players engage in activities ranging from dance parties on plane rides to TikTok challenges.

As the Dream prepare for their playoff series, the players remain focused on their collective goal. Hillmon and Howard, who have aspired to win a championship since their early days with USA Basketball, are determined to realize their dreams in Atlanta. “We’ve done nothing but continue to build it up brick by brick,” Howard said, reflecting on their journey.

Entering the playoffs, the Dream is well-positioned with a 15.3% chance of winning the championship, according to ESPN’s Basketball Power Index. Despite this, Gray feels their success has not received the recognition it deserves. “I feel like we’re still not being talked about enough, especially with the improvements that we made,” she said.

With their new identity firmly established, the Atlanta Dream is ready to prove themselves as worthy contenders. The upcoming games will test the foundation they have built through hard work, unity, and a commitment to excellence. As Hillmon stated, “We don’t mind being the underdog. It’s OK, because we knew what we were working toward.”