Dream Seek Consistency Amidst All-Star Talent
Atlanta Navigates Injuries and Lineup Adjustments in Pursuit of WNBA Dominance
The Atlanta Dream currently hold third place in the WNBA with a 6-3 record, but are still working to find consistent footing as key players return from injury. The team’s success hinges on integrating All-Stars and developing a reliable rotation.
Frontcourt Dynamics Evolving
Entering the 2025 season, the Dream faced uncertainty in their frontcourt following the departures of Cheyenne Parker-Tyus and Tina Charles. However, the offseason acquisitions of All-Stars Brionna Jones and Brittney Griner were intended to address those concerns. When healthy, Griner and Jones have started together, with Griner typically taking the opening tipoff.
Naz Hillmon has emerged as the primary frontcourt reserve, logging over 23 minutes in recent games. She entered contests both when Jones and Griner needed rest, demonstrating her value off the bench.
All-Star Backcourt Leads the Charge
The Dream’s backcourt is powered by the dynamic duo of Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray, who have been among the most utilized players in the league. Howard ranks sixth in the WNBA in shot attempts, while Gray is fifth in total points scored. According to StatMuse, Allisha Gray is currently averaging 18.4 points per game, a career high.
The return of Jordin Canada is expected to bolster Atlanta’s defense, but her shooting has been a concern thus far, with a 2-for-15 performance in her first two games back. The team may consider increasing playing time for Maya Caldwell, Shatori Walker-Kimbrough, and rookie Te-Hina Paopao if Canada’s shooting struggles continue.
Paopao’s Role Remains Unclear
Rookie Te-Hina Paopao experienced a fluctuating role early in the season. She initially played significant minutes and took numerous shots, even posting positive plus/minus statistics in some losses. However, her playing time has since decreased, and she has seen limited opportunities in recent games.
Despite Canada’s recent return, Paopao’s reduced minutes aren’t solely attributable to that. She has only seen action in limited stretches during the last two matchups, and her impact has been minimal.
Looking Ahead to the Commissioner’s Cup
Atlanta will face the Chicago Sky on Friday, aiming to avoid a repeat of last week’s upset loss. Key questions for upcoming games include how Atlanta’s rebounding prowess will match up against Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, and whether a bench guard will emerge as a reliable backup for Canada.
- Can Atlanta exploit Chicago’s struggles from three-point range?
- Will Rhyne Howard’s shooting efficiency improve?
Coach Smesko faces the challenge of effectively rotating the Dream’s lineups and maximizing the contributions of the bench players as the team progresses through the Commissioner’s Cup schedule.
