After Taking Round 3 From Indiana, the Dream Turn Their Attention to Toronto Tonight
- Hayley Moore
- Jun 22
- 3 min read
The Atlanta Dream won't have much time to celebrate Saturday's statement win. With only a little over 48 hours after defeating the Indiana Fever 113-96 at State Farm Arena, Atlanta will be back on the floor Monday night against the Toronto Tempo, looking to extend their three-game win streak. Saturday's win was more than just another stat in the win column. When we talk about complete games, I look at Dream's 109-77 home win against the Mystics on June 6. Still, Saturday's matchup against the Fever felt different because they overcame an early 11-point deficit and then completely dominated the third and fourth quarters en route to a franchise-record 113 points.
The Fever came out firing on Saturday, motivated after losing to this same Dream team in Indiana on Thursday, 108-101. They finished the first quarter with 37 points built behind Caitlin Clark and a Fever offense that wanted to steal momentum early. The Fever led by as much as 11 points midway through the second quarter before the Dream slowly chipped away. By halftime, Atlanta had cut the deficit to just three points at 59-56. From there, the game took a full 180 as the Dream held the Fever to just 15 points in the third quarter while scoring 28 of their own. Atlanta's defense forced multiple turnovers, creating transition opportunities, turning a close game into a double-digit advantage going into the fourth quarter. The defining moment came late in the third and early fourth, when Atlanta went on a 30-9 run that put the game out of reach. The game reflected exactly what Dream Head Coach Karl Smesko anticipated before the game.
"They're going to be really motivated because we just beat them the other day, but it should be a good, entertaining basketball game." - Head Coach Karl Smesko
Smesko's prediction was accurate early in the game as the Fever came out aggressive and built that lead. But the Dream's response showed why Atlanta continues to establish themselves as one of the league's most dangerous teams. Their offensive production stayed balanced as their defense became stronger. All five Dream starters finished in double figures for the second consecutive game, making it the first time the team has accomplished this in back-to-back games. Rhyne Howard led the way with 24 points, Allisha Grat added 22 points and 3 steals, while Naz Hillmon delivered a season's best performance with 19 points after scoring 13 in the first quarter. Angel Reese continued her historic early career with 18 points and 8 rebounds, becoming the fastest player in league history to reach 1,000 rebounds. Meanwhile, the veteran point guard Jordin Canada controlled the game with 12 points,12 assists, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals with no turnovers. Her impact was clearly noticed in transition. After the game, Courtside Cousins caught up with Canada about the team's fast-break points.
"When we're at our best, is when we're in transition." -Jordin Canada
The numbers fully support her answer, as the Dream finished with a 20-2 advantage in past-break points, as well as forcing 19 Fever turnovers and converting them into 18 points. Atlanta collected 10 steals and turned defensive stops into easy scoring opportunities on the other end of the floor. The transition game is one of the Dream's strengths this season, and this game was a reminder that if they push the pace and force mistakes, then they are set up to pull out a win.
Now the focus shifts quickly to tonight's matchup against the Toronto Tempo. The Tempo will enter State Farm Arena facing a Dream team that appears to be finding their rhythm. Atlanta's starting lineup has been showing great signs of them clicking as a full unit. If the Dream can replicate the defensive intensity, transition pressure, and cohesiveness that put pressure on the Fever, then they will have the opportunity to build momentum and strengthen their position in the league standings. Saturday's matchup may have been record-breaking, but tonight's matchup is an opportunity for the team to prove that this is just the beginning.
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