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Atlanta Dream Coach Had Strong Words After Brittney Griner’s Return

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rodney Knuppel | Last updated May 31, 2025 4:54 PM ET

It was a big night for the Atlanta Dream on Friday as they rallied for a 94-87 win over the Seattle Storm, improving to 5-2 on the season. After trailing by eight after the first quarter and 11 at halftime, Atlanta outscored Seattle 60-42 in the second half to earn the victory.

Atlanta’s head coach, Karl Smesko, continues to impress in his debut WNBA season after a long stint leading the Florida Gulf Coast women's basketball program from 2002-24.

Following the comeback win, Smesko praised his team’s performance, especially the duo of Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray, who scored 33 and 28 points, respectively.

“It seems like I’m given a new career high every game," Smesko said. "(Allisha) had her career high again. ... How about my Rhyde or die (Howard) today?"

“It seems like I’m given a new career high every game” — Coach Karl #DoItForTheDream pic.twitter.com/amQr4zeMOB
— Atlanta Dream (@AtlantaDream) May 31, 2025

Atlanta needed that offensive production because Brittney Griner, in limited action, played just 14 minutes and went 1-for-7 from the field, finishing with only two points.

Griner had missed the previous game on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Sparks due to a knee injury. Though she was initially listed as probable, she was cleared to play just before tipoff.

Even with Griner still working her way back, Smesko liked what he saw from the rest of his squad and ended his postgame comments with a motivating message.

"We can still get better, and I think you guys saw we didn't look very good, and then when we got locked in," Smesko said. "Suddenly we're one of the best teams in the league."

The Dream will play their third straight road game next Friday against the Connecticut Sun before hosting the Indiana Fever on June 10.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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