Atlanta, GA, September 28, 2025
News Summary
The Atlanta Dream’s remarkable season concludes with an unexpected playoff upset against the Indiana Fever, the No. 6 seed. Despite holding a late-game lead in Game 3, the Dream faltered and were outscored, resulting in their elimination. Coach Karl Smesko expressed disappointment as the team fell victim to a string of consecutive losses against key rivals and faced uncertainty in the offseason regarding several players’ futures. Nonetheless, they achieved a franchise record of 30 wins this season, marking a historic improvement.
Atlanta
The Atlanta Dream’s historic season came to a disappointing end with a shocking playoff upset against the Indiana Fever, who are the No. 6 seed. Despite entering the playoffs as the No. 3 seed and having secured home court advantage, the Dream were unable to maintain a late-game lead in Game 3 of the first-round series. With just 2:32 remaining, Atlanta held a five-point advantage but was subsequently outscored 7-0, leading to their elimination.
The Dream’s head coach Karl Smesko expressed disappointment in the outcome, as this marked the team’s third consecutive defeat to the Las Vegas Aces, following earlier losses of 87-72 on July 22 and 81-75 on August 27, along with a narrow two-point loss on August 19. While these defeats affected their playoff momentum, the Dream had previously achieved notable victories against the Minnesota Lynx, who were the WNBA’s best team at the time, and a depleted New York Liberty.
Despite the heartbreak, the Dream secured the most single-season wins in franchise history this year, finishing with a record of 30 victories, a significant improvement from their previous season’s total of just 15 wins. Additionally, it was the first time the Dream surpassed the 20-win mark since 2018. Smesko had encouraged his players to find “another level” during the final games of the regular season in preparation for their pursuit of the franchise’s first WNBA championship.
Stars such as Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, and veteran Jordin Canada had hoped to guide the team to success, but their efforts fell short against the Fever. The team enjoyed a strong finish to the regular season, winning six consecutive games before facing elimination. Players like Kelsey Mitchell and Lexie Hull were instrumental in Indiana’s crucial comeback, which ultimately terminated the Dream’s playoff run.
In the wake of the team’s exit from the playoffs, Smesko affirmed his commitment to continue striving for a championship, and Jordin Canada assured fans that “Atlanta will be back.” The Dream’s journey this season saw the rise of their core players under general manager Chris Padover’s leadership, who was awarded the 2025 WNBA Executive of the Year for the third time in his career. This remarkable ascent was facilitated by the improvement of team culture and performance quality, as the Dream finished second in both offensive and defensive ratings.
While injuries plagued the team throughout the season, the Dream managed to establish themselves as legitimate contenders. As discussions regarding crucial offseason decisions commence, questions loom over the futures of key players such as Howard and Hillmon, who are entering free agency, along with other veteran players including Canada, Griner, and Gray, set to potentially become unrestricted free agents.
Overall, the Atlanta Dream’s season is seen as a significant step forward, showcasing their growth and potential, even as they face uncertainty looking ahead.
FAQ
What was the Atlanta Dream’s record this season?
The Dream secured the most single-season wins in franchise history with a record of 30 victories, having only managed 15 wins the previous season.
How did the Atlanta Dream perform in the playoffs?
Despite entering the playoffs as the No. 3 seed and securing home court advantage, the Dream fell to the No. 6 seed Indiana Fever in a stunning upset.
Who were the key players for the Indiana Fever in their playoff victory?
Key contributions from Kelsey Mitchell and Lexie Hull were pivotal in Indiana’s comeback that sealed the upset and termination of the Dream’s playoff run.
What improvements did the Atlanta Dream show this season?
The Dream’s ascent is attributed to improved team culture and their ranking significantly increased over the last season, finishing second in both offensive and defensive ratings.
What are the future considerations for the Atlanta Dream?
Discussions are underway about critical offseason decisions, including the statuses of stars like Howard and Hillmon entering free agency, while other veterans like Canada, Griner, and Gray could also become unrestricted free agents.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Record | 30 victories, the most in franchise history |
| Playoff Performance | Eliminated by Indiana Fever in the first round despite being the No. 3 seed |
| Key Players | Kelsey Mitchell and Lexie Hull for Indiana; Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, and Jordin Canada for Atlanta |
| Coaching | Karl Smesko’s leadership and strategy |
| General Manager | Chris Padover awarded 2025 WNBA Executive of the Year |
| Future Outlook | Discussions on offseason decisions and free agency for key players |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Atlanta Dream Wins Game 1 of WNBA Playoffs Against Indiana Fever
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Indiana Fever to Face Atlanta Dream in WNBA Playoffs
Additional Resources
- The Next Hoops: Atlanta Dream’s Rise and Fall
- WNBA: Dan Padover Named Executive of the Year
- AJC: Building a Fan Community
- USA Today: Fever vs. Dream Playoffs Preview
- Wikipedia: Atlanta Dream
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
