Dream Edge Fever 91-90 in Thriller, Capture First Win of the Season

The Atlanta Dream secured their first win of the 2025 WNBA season in dramatic fashion, edging the Indiana Fever 91-90 in Indianapolis on Tuesday night. With the game hanging in the balance in the final seconds, veteran forward Nia Coffey came up with a game-saving block to seal the win for Atlanta at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

The Dream, who started the lineup of Te-Hina Paopao, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Brionna Jones, and Brittney Griner for the second time this season, improved their all-time record against the Fever to 34-31 and 14-20 when playing in Indiana.

Howard Makes Franchise History

Rhyne Howard made headlines early, becoming the fifth all-time leading scorer in Atlanta Dream history. In just her 105th career game, the 2x All-Star and Olympian passed Elizabeth Williams (1,764 points) to enter the top five in franchise scoring.

Howard finished the night with 20 points, including two clutch free throws with under 30 seconds remaining that gave the Dream their final lead.

Griner Reaches Milestone

Brittney Griner had a strong performance, notching 21 points and reaching a career milestone of her own. With her sixth rebound of the night, Griner moved into 20th place in WNBA history for total rebounds, surpassing Tangela Smith (2,335). Her presence in the paint was pivotal in holding off a late Fever comeback.

Jones Stays Hot

Brionna Jones recorded her second straight double-double to open the season, tallying 19 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 assists. Her dominance down low set the tone early and helped the Dream win the rebounding battle 37-32.

Stat Leaders and Game Highlights

In addition to the rebounding advantage, Atlanta also bested Indiana in steals (7-3) and blocks (5-3). Allisha Gray added 16 points, rounding out a balanced offensive attack that saw four Dream players score in double figures.

Nia Coffey’s lone block of the night may have been the most crucial play of the game, swatting away Natasha Howard’s final shot attempt to preserve Atlanta’s narrow one-point lead.

Quarter-by-Quarter Recap

Q1:

Jones and Paopao set the tone with an early five-point burst. Jones led the way with nine of Atlanta’s first 20 points, while Griner sparked a run with six quick points. The Dream led 31-23 after a strong finish to the quarter.

Q2:

Howard added seven points in the second quarter, keeping Atlanta just ahead. Griner’s inside presence gave her 12 first-half points, and the Dream held a slim 44-42 lead going into halftime.

Q3:

Howard caught fire, draining three straight three-pointers and scoring the Dream’s first nine points of the half. Atlanta went on a 14-5 run and dropped 32 third-quarter points, stretching the lead to 76-65 entering the fourth.

Q4:

Griner and Maya Caldwell kept the Dream afloat in a back-and-forth final frame. After Indiana tied the game twice in the final minute, Howard’s free throws gave Atlanta the edge before Coffey’s block and rebound sealed the victory.

Final Box – Dream Double-Figure Scorers:

• Brittney Griner – 21 points
• Rhyne Howard – 20 points
• Brionna Jones – 19 points, 13 rebounds
• Allisha Gray – 16 points

Next Up:

In a rematch, Atlanta opens its 2025 home schedule on Thursday, May 22 at 7:30 PM ET against the Indiana Fever at State Farm Arena. The Dream will look to build off this momentum and deliver a win in front of their home crowd.