Atlanta Dream achieved its 29th victory of the season after beating Connecticut Sun 87-62. And this victory was not the only reason for the team to celebrate.
Like Brittney Griner, Dream coach Karl Smesko is in his first year with the team and has already set a WNBA all-time record.
The league’s winningest coach
After winning another important victory that places them in second place in the WNBA playoff standings with a 29-14 record, Smesko became the coach with the most wins in his first year in the history of the WNBA.
As if that wasn’t enough, it’s not only his first year with the team, but also in the league, as Karl served as head coach at Florida Gulf Coast from 2002 to 2024, before making the big jump to the WNBA.
In light of this fact, the team’s official X account, shared this new achievement of Smesko with its followers. “HISTORY MADE!!!” they wrote next to a picture of the coach with her new record.
Of course for Dream fans this did not go unnoticed and they left their support in the comments of the post: “Weldone. It’s a well deserved win” commented one of them. “Amazing job coach” wrote another user along with applause emojis. “Great Job. Time for ANOTHER first. First year head coach to win A CHAMPIONSHIP” predicted another fan.
In doing so, Karl surpassed the 28 game winning streak held by Michael Cooper when he led the Los Angeles Sparks in the 2000 season.
Now, he and the team prepare to face Connecticut Sun again at the Mohegan Sun Arena, next Wednesday, September 10. y
On the other hand, the Sun was eliminated from Playoffs contention, finishing 11th in the standings, just ahead of the Chicago Sky and Dallas Wings.
Meanwhile, this year’s postseason officially begins on Sunday, September 14, 2025, just three days after the conclusion of the regular schedule on September 11.
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