Dream make playoffs in 2nd year of franchise rebuild
The Atlanta Dream clinched a spot in the 2023 WNBA Playoffs after a 79-68 victory against the Seattle Storm earlier this evening. This marks the Dream’s ninth postseason appearance and first since 2018.
As the second-youngest squad in the WNBA this season, the Dream have shaped a team identity that represents fast and exciting basketball. On the hardwood, Atlanta leads the league in pace (98.85), matching their electric home-game atmosphere.
With the first playoff berth in five years in the team’s second full year under new ownership and new leadership, the WNBA playoffs represent the next step in a long-term plan for the franchise.
“As we continue building this franchise into a championship contender, there are some required milestones you need to hit along the way” said Atlanta Dream General Manager Dan Padover. “Our next step was making the playoffs and we are thrilled that our coaches and players have earned us a postseason spot. We have a young and talented group and I know this playoff berth will provide them invaluable growth and experience for many years to come.”
The Atlanta Dream are led by Head Coach Tanisha Wright and their three WNBA All-Stars: Rhyne Howard, Cheyenne Parker and Allisha Gray. Wright continues to build her reputation as a head coach in the WNBA, coming off a 2022 AP Coach of the Year, July 2023 WNBA Coach of the Month and now elevating the Dream to their first playoff appearance in five years.
Howard, Gray and Parker have set multiple franchise records in 2023, each statistically having their strongest season to date. Howard and Gray have each eclipsed 600 points on the season, a milestone never achieved by a Dream, until now. In her ninth season in the league, Parker is averaging career highs in points (14.9), rebounds (6.9), blocks (1.5) and field goals made (5.8).
The first round of the 2023 WNBA Playoffs presented by Google is scheduled to begin on Sept. 13. Each series will follow a best-of-three format with seeding based on overall regular season record regardless of conference.
The first round of the WNBA playoffs is a 2-1 format with the higher seed hosting the first two games. The Dream will start the playoffs on the road with the possibility of returning to Gateway for the series finale.
Atlanta Dream Playoff Tickets On Sale: While the Dream won’t know who their first round opponent will be or where their first game will be played until the WNBA’s playoff seeds are determined, tickets are already on sale for the Dream’s first potential home playoff game. Details can be found at dream.wnba.com
Media Credentials applications for Atlanta Dream home playoff games will be available at the end of the regular season (9/10). A link will be emailed to the Atlanta Dream media list to apply.
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About the Atlanta Dream
The Atlanta Dream is a professional women’s basketball team based in Atlanta, Ga. that strives to build a place where our team, our fans and our city come together to represent the community we seek to serve. We celebrate diversity, represent Atlanta, reward innovation and imagination, and aim to empower women both on and off the court. The team currently plays home games at the Gateway Center Arena @ College Park and has qualified for the WNBA Playoffs in nine of its first 15 seasons. To learn more about the Dream and purchase 2023 season and group tickets, please visit dream.wnba.com/tickets or call 877-977-7729.