Atlanta Dream Fall 76-81 to Indiana Fever in Preseason Matchup

The Atlanta Dream dropped a hard-fought preseason contest to the Indiana Fever, 76-81, despite flashes of strong performances and a debuting starting lineup that included Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, Shatori Walker-Kimbrough, Brionna Jones, and Brittney Griner.

Quarter-by-Quarter Recap

First Quarter

Brittney Griner opened the game with a three-pointer, echoing her sharp start in the Dream’s first preseason outing. Shatori Walker-Kimbrough followed with another long-range shot, putting Atlanta ahead early. Allisha Gray set the tone defensively, forcing a key travel violation to regain possession.

Rookie guard Te-Hina Paopao quickly energized the crowd, contributing five points and a major block on Lexi Hull to keep the game knotted at 9-9 midway through the quarter.

Second Quarter

Rhyne Howard struck first in the second, hitting a deep three to get on the scoreboard. Paopao continued her strong showing, sinking two more three-pointers to surpass her scoring total from the previous preseason game.

Howard led the charge with seven points in the quarter, also adding two rebounds, two steals, and an assist. Naz Hillmon knocked down a three thanks to a crisp pass from Gray, and Nia Coffey closed out the half with two free throws.

Atlanta led Indiana 24-21 at halftime, shooting 40.0% from beyond the arc and 41.2% from the field, while holding the Fever to 33.3% from deep.

Third Quarter

The second half started sluggishly for the Dream, as Indiana jumped out with five unanswered points. Walker-Kimbrough sparked some life with three free throws after being fouled on a long-range attempt. Brionna Jones added back-to-back buckets to keep Atlanta close.

Howard and Paopao each drained a three-pointer late in the quarter, but Indiana held on to a slim lead, ending the third up by six.

Fourth Quarter

Atlanta came out aggressive in the final frame, scoring four quick points, including a free throw by Haley Jones. Rookie Taylor Thierry made an immediate impact, posting five points in under a minute with assists from Paopao and Hillmon.

Jones, who had been quiet earlier, came alive in the fourth with seven points, including a three-pointer to close out her performance and lead the Dream in final-quarter scoring. Despite the late push, Atlanta couldn’t overcome the Fever’s lead, falling short by five points.

The Atlanta Dream will tip off their 2025 WNBA home schedule on Thursday, May 22, against the Indiana Fever at State Farm Arena, with the game starting at 7:30 PM ET. Fans can expect an electric atmosphere as the Dream officially begin their campaign with a rematch that promises to deliver plenty of excitement.