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On Tuesday, the Atlanta Dream secured their first win of the 2025 WNBA season. They played against the Caitlin Clark-led team, the Indiana Fever, and had a 91-90 win. At some point in the third quarter, the Dream had a 71-57 lead over the Fever.
However, Indiana did not let go and tried to mount a comeback. Which led them to the Fever trying the score at 89-89 with a minute left in the game. Fortunately for the Dream, the group stayed focused and secured a one-point lead at the end of the fourth period.
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During the moment when the Fever was trying to make a comeback, Dream’s head coach Karl Smesko revealed something about Griner.
Atlanta Dream center Brittney Griner against the Indiana Fever at Gateway Center Arena at College Park.Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
According to Smesko, Griner encouraged her teammates while she was on the bench. She calmed everyone down and helped them focus on the game.
“She was somebody on the bench when [the Fever] were making a little bit of a run — she was the one calming everybody down,” Smesko said via Megan Hall of USA Today.
Griner spent some time on the bench because of her foul troubles. The nine-time All-Star was fouled out with 21 seconds left in the final period. Still, she led the team to a victory with 21 points and eight rebounds.
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The 6-foot-9 center shot an efficient 61.5% from the field. Griner also joked about her foul trouble after the game.
“Don’t put your hand in the cookie jar and foul out at the end is what you learned tonight. Jesus,” Griner said via Brian Haenchen of IndyStarSports.
The Dream is now 1-1 this season and looks to add another win on Thursday for their second-round matchup against the Fever.
Related: Content Creator Hypes WNBA Star’s Win Over Caitlin Clark’s Fever
