The third-seeded Atlanta Dream secured their first playoff victory since 2018 by defeating the sixth-seeded Indiana Fever with a score of 80-68 in the first game of the WNBA postseason. Under the new WNBA playoff format, the best-of-three series will move to Indianapolis for the second game on Tuesday. A win for the Dream would secure them a spot in the semifinals.
Although teams like the Minnesota Lynx and the New York Liberty, as well as the Las Vegas Aces, have stood out in the league, the Dream have had an exceptional season, establishing themselves as title contenders. Under the direction of coach Karl Smesko, Atlanta achieved a franchise record with 30 wins and a .682 winning percentage in the regular season, finishing with the second-best efficiency rating in the league. The second quarter was key, with the Dream outscoring the Fever 22-12, giving them a 40-33 lead at halftime. The performance in the second and fourth quarters, where Atlanta led by as many as 16 points, proved decisive.This is the first home game for this group in the playoffs. We knew we had to do well. This is our first playoff win, and we want to keep adding.
Rhyne Howard, Dream player
The Dream’s defense limited Indiana, whose score of 68 points was their fifth-worst performance of the season. Low field goal percentage and only two three-pointers made were key factors. Kelsey Mitchell of Indiana scored a playoff-high 27 points, but no other Fever player, apart from Odyssey Sims (10), reached double figures.I think the most important thing is our defense. Our defense is what really fuels our offense. Indiana is a great offensive team, and if you let them get hot, the game can get really ugly.
Naz Hillmon, Dream player
On the other hand, the Fever have had a season full of challenges, with injuries that ended the season for several key players, including Caitlin Clark. Mitchell noted that, although the toughness of the game and the interruptions made it difficult to find a rhythm, the team also made mistakes.We weren’t going to settle for being told that we improved a lot compared to last year. We are trying to be the best team in the league, to win the championship. We know how difficult it is, because everyone is fighting for that.
Karl Smesko, Dream coach
Now, the Fever must win two consecutive games to keep their season alive, including a possible third game in Atlanta. Tuesday will mark the first home playoff game for the franchise since 2016.We shot ourselves in the foot in many areas that impact our ability to make plays and do what we want on offense. I think once we stop doing that, we’ll give ourselves more opportunities to be who we are offensively.
Kelsey Mitchell, Fever player
I think it gives you an advantage to be the home team. When they hit us, they hit us hard. We have to do the same on Tuesday to regain our momentum and get the pace going from the start.
Kelsey Mitchell, Fever player
