The Atlanta Dream have stumbled into their first five‑game losing streak under head coach Karl Smesko, a milestone that marks the first time in his career he has endured such a slide.
The slump has been fueled by subpar shooting, from the free‑throw line to the three‑point arc, and the team’s leading stars — Angel Reese, Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard — have taken note, each a recent All‑Star who is now tasked with steering the club back on course.
A setback with a silver lining
Adding to the narrative, center Brionna Jones, who has been sidelined all season by knee surgery, is expected to make her comeback before the upcoming All‑Star Game, a return that could inject fresh energy into the lineup.
In response to concerns about bench depth, the Dream have signed veteran Shatori Walker‑Kimbrough, while also launching a book club initiative that has become an unexpected tool for camaraderie and mental resilience.
Through it all, the organization remains upbeat, focusing on the five games leading up to the break as a chance to reset, improve shooting percentages and prove that quitting is not an option.