Defense wins championships, and the Atlanta Dream thrive in that particular area. Rhyne Howard (2.4), Jordin Canada (1.9), and Angel Reese (1.8) make up the top three names in the WNBA steals-per-game rankings, proving that this franchise has the perfect foundation to make a title push.
Tenacious seems like the ideal adjective to describe Atlanta's roster this season. The Dream boast heavy offensive firepower, but their ability to disrupt opponents' flow is what has made them such a formidable outfit to face this season.
A hard-working mentality is critical to success in any sport; however, without the technical attributes to back this mindset up, a team is wasting its efforts. Fortunately for Atlanta, their hustle on the court is translating to defensive production, and it will be a critical component when facing an offensive juggernaut in the postseason.
Atlanta should consider itself a title contender
A strong end to the 2026 campaign will play a significant part in the Atlanta Dream's championship chances. After clinching a postseason berth, the organisation must climb the regular-season standings in order to secure a perceived easier matchup in the playoffs. Styles make fights, and the Dream should consider themselves a problem for any opposition.
Returning from the FIBA World Cup with a Gold Medal around her neck, Angel Reese will have a taste for winning and will be hoping to replicate her pivotal performances from the international break as the Dream embarks on their own title journey.
While Reese may have only recorded 7.2 points, 5 rebounds, and 0.7 assists per game, she shot a much-improved 59.1% from the floor. Additionally, her average of 1.2 steals and 0.8 blocks per game does not begin to signify just how critical she was to Team USA's defensive resilience. Reese forced her opponent into several key turnovers just as it appeared they would chalk up points that could swing momentum in their favour.
The former Chicago Sky forward is not the only star shining bright in Atlanta this season. Both Rhyne Howard and Jordin Canada have both propelled themselves into Defensive Player of the Year conversations. Their quick hands on defense have allowed the Dream to devastate teams with a lightning-quick transition offense -- which could be a blessing against opponents like the Minnesota Lynx and Las Vegas Aces come playoff time.
Atlanta is more than capable of making a splash offensively to build on its stable defensive foundations. Howard (18.3), Reese (16.1), and Allisha Gray (19.3) are all contributing heavily in scoring, which, in theory, should give the team an edge over teams such as the Indiana Fever and Dallas Wings, who have yet to strike a balance on both sides of the ball.
The Atlanta Dream might not be the franchise on everybody's lips to clinch a championship; nevertheless, Karl Smesko has established the perfect defensive foundation that will make them a formidable foe for any challengers when the playoffs commence.
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