Karl Smesko spoke with confidence after the Atlanta Dream took down the Indiana Fever on the road Thursday night, calling it a “great road win” and stressing the need to play with playoff intensity in tight moments.
Atlanta’s Thursday night win didn’t just come with a scoreboard smile for Karl Smesko. It came with a message he clearly wanted his team to carry forward.
After the Atlanta Dream beat the Indiana Fever on the road throughout Thursday night’s matchup. the head coach — now in his second season leading the franchise — looked pleased with how the game was played. not just how it ended. Smesko is building toward “big success” after his impressive first year with Atlanta. and a victory over a playoff contender like Indiana matters even more after last season’s sting: the Fever eliminated the Dream in the first round.
Smesko’s view on what made the difference was simple. When both teams raise their level, the moments start to feel familiar.
“The more you play like in playoff intensity. like games that are has this type of edge to it. and when both teams are playing at that level. where they’re both playing really well. I think it just. the more you can be in that environment and be in those situations. the more comfortable you’ll be in those situations. … It’s a great road win against a really good team,” Smesko said.
The Dream’s performance delivered that “edge.” Five players scored in double digits for Atlanta. led by Angel Reese with 21 points. 11 rebounds. and one assist. Reese shot 8-of-14 from the field and 5-of-8 from the free-throw line. Jordin Canada added 18 points and five assists, while Naz Hillmon finished with 17 points and four rebounds. Allisha Gray contributed 17 points and three steals, and Rhyne Howard rounded out the group with 16 points and six assists.
By the end of the night, the result moved Atlanta to a 10-4 record and into second place in the Eastern Conference standings. The Dream are above the Fever and the Toronto Tempo, while trailing the New York Liberty.
Atlanta now turns its attention to what comes next at home. The Dream are set for a rematch against the Fever on June 20 at 1 p.m. ET, giving Smesko and his team a quick chance to prove this wasn’t a one-night performance.
WNBA Atlanta Dream Indiana Fever Karl Smesko Angel Reese Jordin Canada Naz Hillmon Allisha Gray Rhyne Howard playoff intensity Eastern Conference standings June 20