From the moment Brittney Griner took the floor at CareFirst Arena on May 7, the anticipation was electric. Atlanta’s new center had spent 11 illustrious seasons in Phoenix before donning Dream red for 2025, and fans wondered whether her game could evolve in Smesko’s perimeter-oriented offense.
The arena fell uncharacteristically silent as the Dream’s first play unleashed a top-of-the-key three from Griner. A shot few saw coming from a career 36.4% long-range shooter. Griner has a record of 44 threes accumulated in a span of 11 years.
The preseason victory offers a tantalizing glimpse of what’s possible when Griner fully embraces her expanded role, but questions linger about how she and fellow big Brionna Jones will coexist in Smesko’s system.
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Brittney Griner Cements Her First Double-Double in an Atlanta Jersey
In a dazzling first appearance for the Atlanta Dream, Griner delivered a statement-making double-double, pouring in 16 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, as the Dream cruised to an 80–70 preseason victory over the Washington Mystics. Griner’s efficient 7-of-11 shooting performance showcased both her revamped perimeter touch and her traditional dominance in the paint.
Under new head coach Karl Smesko’s system, Griner displayed unexpected range from beyond the arc by stepping out for a pair of early threes, helping the Dream seize control from the opening tip.
Atlanta exploded out of the gate, outscoring Washington 30–10 in the opening period. Griner was at the center of the surge, hitting back-to-back threes and powering the offense with her floor spacing.
Despite the splashy start from deep, Griner remained a force inside. She collected her 10th rebound late in the second quarter, cementing her first double-double in an Atlanta jersey.
Her 7-of-11 field-goal night illustrated a perfect balance: eight two-point attempts yielded power finishes at the rim, and three-point success reminded everyone of her loftier range. The Dream led by 15 at halftime, buoyed by swift transition offense and a tenacious backcourt spearheaded by Te-Hina Paopao’s four assists.
Social Media Buzz Over Brittney Griner’s Performance
The Mystics attempted a fourth-quarter rally, trimming the deficit to single digits with aggressive drives and perimeter shooting. However, Griner quashed any hopes of a comeback by drawing key offensive fouls and converting free throws down the stretch.
Her defensive presence deterred Washington from attacking the basket, while Atlanta’s second-unit guard play sealed the 80–70 win.
Fans on X celebrated the performance, christening her “Boss Mode BG” after a tweet by @WomensHoops_USA praising her 16-point debut. The victory also offered a glimpse of Atlanta’s balanced attack, with Rhyne Howard and Nia Coffey each chipping in 14 points and the bench contributing 38 points total.
Another fan wrote, “They letting her shoot from there is insane. All the bugs eating this season.”
Fans rallied under the @WomensHoops_USA tweet and continued to laud Griner. One wrote, “And a shoulder block, goon,” while one other X user joined the conversation and wrote, “Brick wall [fire emojis] respect it tho.”
One more fan said, “Griner and co. coming out swinging, love to see it.”
Atlanta Dream Set For a Rematch Against the Mystics
While the preseason win showcased the Dream’s potential, questions remain about the long-term cohesion of Griner and Brionna Jones in Smesko’s system and how the team will fare against powerhouse opponents like the Las Vegas Aces and the New York Liberty.
The Dream opens the regular season against the Mystics on May 17 at 5 p.m. ET, offering a quick rematch at CareFirst Arena that will test Atlanta’s chemistry under real-season pressure.
If Brittney Griner can replicate her debut magic and continue to stretch defenses, the Dream could emerge as one of the WNBA’s most riveting stories in 2025.
