In a nail-biter that showcased the intensity and rising competitiveness of the WNBA, Brittney Griner made her presence felt with a game-changing performance, leading the Atlanta Dream to a narrow 91-90 win over the Indiana Fever on Tuesday night.
Playing in front of a lively home crowd, Griner racked up 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists, and was later named the WNBA’s top performer of the game.
Joining Griner in delivering for Atlanta was Rhyne Howard, who also had a stellar showing. Howard tallied 20 points, two rebounds, and three assists, giving the Dream a dual scoring threat that the Fever struggled to contain in crunch time. But while Atlanta held on for the win, it didn’t come easy.
Indiana’s Caitlin Clark led a fierce comeback attempt in the fourth quarter, reminding fans once again why she’s one of the most electric players in the game.
Clark orchestrated a thrilling offensive run that cut into what was once a comfortable lead for the Dream, nearly flipping the result in the final minute. Her ability to shift momentum had the crowd holding its breath, but ultimately, the Fever fell just short.
White praised her players
Despite the loss, Indiana’s head coach Stephanie White praised her players for their grit and composure in the face of a difficult challenge.
“I’m proud of our fight, the toughness that we showed, our ability to stay together,” White said after the game. “Our bench was really engaged in every timeout and in every huddle. We were all engaged. And yes, that’s a moral victory, so to speak, I suppose.”
The Dream, meanwhile, erupted in celebration as they entered the locker room, dousing first-year head coach Karl Smesko with water to mark the win. Smesko, whose arrival has already started to shape a new culture in Atlanta, took the moment in stride.
“I was prepared for that,” Smesko said with a grin. “Thank you guys for delivering. I’m really proud of you guys. This was a whole different effort, a whole different vibe today. This is what we’re capable of being. That was a great game. I’m proud of all of you. Let’s keep it going.”
The win brings new momentum to a Dream team that’s still establishing its identity this season under Smesko‘s leadership. Atlanta looked more connected and determined than in previous outings, and that unity was on full display from the opening tip to the final buzzer.
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