Keeping their winning momentum close to the WNBA 2025 postseason, the Atlanta Dream recorded an 87-62 win over the Connecticut Sun. Many small factors contributed to the team’s overall success so far. Naz Hillmon’s breakout season might earn her a WNBA accolade, while Coach Karl Smesko’s incredible debut as coach could earn him the Coach of the Year accolade.
While there is a certain award for the Atlanta Dream franchise in the 2025 season for their impressive season, their HC broke a 25-year standing record in the league with their latest win.
Atlanta Dream HC Karl Smesko Breaks 25-Year WNBA Rookie Coach Record
Under HC Karl Smesko, the Atlanta Dream looked like a well-oiled machine. They stayed consistent throughout the season and never looked like they were missing a playoff spot. Yet, clinching a place in the postseason with the second-best record is clearly a surprise for many.
Their recent game against the Connecticut Sun was also an example of their ‘controlled’ gameplay in the season. With an 87-62 win over the Connecticut team, the Dream side recorded its 29th victory in the season, handing Coach Smesko a record for the most wins by any WNBA coach in the debut season.
The HC mentioned ‘trust between player and coach’ as the ‘mantra’ of his success. “I think there just needed to be some trust developed between coaches and players. They’re always wanting to know, are you going to be consistent, are you going to follow through with this? Is this really what you want?” Coach said in an interview.
History made.
— Atlanta Dream PR (@ATLDreamPR) September 9, 2025
Karl Smesko has earned his 29th win of the season — the most ever by a first-year head coach in WNBA history, surpassing Michael Cooper’s 28 wins in 2000. #COY
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The Los Angeles Sparks’ coach, Michael Cooper, held the record with 28 wins back in 2000. With multiple new coaches coming into the league, his achievement certainly speaks highly of Coach Smesko. In the 2025 season only, Tyler Marsh, Natalie Nakase, and Chris Koclanes debuted alongside Smesko.
Atlanta Dream Records Easy Win Over Struggling Connecticut Sun
The Eastern Conference leaders never looked offbeat in the game against the Connecticut Sun, as the side controlled the flow right from the start. Connecticut remained a challenger in the matchup until the first half, but as the Dream tightened up their defense, the 11th-seeded Sun failed to reach double-digit scoring even in the quarter.
While the Atlanta Dream faced major offensive inconsistency, defense is the Atlanta franchise’s stronghold. But their offensive stars also delivered on the night. Rhyne Howard led the team with 18 points in 31 minutes, while Allisha Gray scored 15 points in just 20 minutes.
The Atlanta bench also got sufficient gametime, chipping in with important gametime ahead of the postseason. The side will once again face the Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena next, and expect similar production from the players.