Karl Smesko

‘What’s delayed is not denied’: The rise, fall and unfinished business of the Atlanta Dream

By Wilton Jackson / September 28, 2025

Jordin Canada: ‘Atlanta will be back. I guarantee that’

Indiana Fever celebrate playoff win vs Atlanta Dream

Indiana Fever can thank defense for first playoff win in almost 10 years

By Tony East / September 17, 2025

The Indiana Fever won Game 2 of their 2025 first-round playoff series against the Atlanta Dream, their first postseason win since 2015

Atlanta Dream forward Naz Hillmon (00) and forward Brionna Jones (24) and guard Rhyne Howard (10) react after a basket against the Indiana Fever.

How Atlanta’s defense helped it take Game 1 over Indiana

By Hunter Cruse / September 15, 2025

Rhyne Howard: ‘Our mindset was we wanted to punch first, and we knew it would be a dog fight’

Atlanta Dream players Allisha Gray (15) and Rhyne Howard (10) stand with their backs to the camera in a huddle. On the other side of the huddle are Te-Hina Paopao and Karl Smesko.

Atlanta Dream seek to turn historic 30-win season into playoff success

By Wilton Jackson / September 14, 2025

Karl Smesko: ‘I want it to be an intimidating environment for our opponents coming in here’

Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell handles the ball with her right hand as Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray chases her.

Indiana Fever have a lot to focus on in first-round playoff series against Atlanta Dream

By Tony East / September 13, 2025

Both teams are very different since they last played in the regular season, so a lot will come down to preparation and discipline

Atlanta Dream players Allisha Gray (15) and Rhyne Howard (10) stand with their backs to the camera in a huddle. On the other side of the huddle are Te-Hina Paopao and Karl Smesko.

The Dream’s revival: How Karl Smesko turned belief into a franchise record and a Coach of the Year push

By Wilton Jackson / September 4, 2025

Dream general manager Dan Padover: ‘In one year, for him to take a team and become a top team, that’s unbelievable to me’

The anatomy of Atlanta’s surge — how the Dream have become a real threat

By Wilton Jackson / August 25, 2025

Hillmon: ‘Our defense really fuels us’

Golden State Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton (left) looks to her right. On the right Golden State Valkries guard Veronica Burton looks to her left

Locked On Women’s Basketball: Reviewing 2025 preseason picks

By The IX Basketball / August 23, 2025

Hunter Cruse, Emily Adler and Lincoln Shafer reevaluate The Next’s preseason WNBA picks and predictions

Podcast graphic with a photo of Cameron Brink battling for a rebound. Text overlay reads "Cameron Brink's new level."

Locked On Women’s Basketball: Cameron Brink’s new level

By The IX Basketball / August 13, 2025

Sabreena Merchant of The Athletic joins host Howard Megdal to talk about Brink’s return, their coach of the year candidates and more

Atlanta Dream forward Naz Hillmon shoots a free throw while Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray stands in the background with her hands on her hips

From role player to sixth-woman favorite, Naz Hillmon has found her range

By Wilton Jackson / August 11, 2025

With her mother watching from the stands, Hillmon has redefined her game and her role