The Atlanta Dream is a professional basketball team based in the Atlanta metropolitan area, competing in the WNBA's Eastern Conference. Established in 2008, the Dream is not affiliated with the NBA's Hawks, despite sharing the same market. Although they have yet to win a WNBA championship, the team has claimed three Conference titles in 2010, 2011, and 2013.
Key players like Angel McCoughtry, Shoni Schimmel, Finals MVP Betty Lennox, and Brazilian star shooting guard Izi Castro Marques played vital roles in building the team’s early success, under the leadership of head coach Marynell Meadors. In the 2024 season, players Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, and Tina Charles are working hard to guide the Dream back into championship contention. However, as of September 14, 2024, the team stands bottom of the Eastern Conference at 12-25 and remains far from playoff contention.
How many times has the Atlanta Dream made the playoffs?
Since their inaugural season, the Atlanta Dream has reached the WNBA Playoffs in nine out of their sixteen seasons leading up to 2023. Out of their nine WNBA playoff appearances, the Atlanta Dream advanced to the WNBA Finals three times but were unsuccessful in securing a championship, losing twice to the Minnesota Lynx and once to the Seattle Storm.
Atlanta Dream Playoff Record
As of September 14, 2024, the Atlanta Dream has played 40 matches in the postseason, and out of 40 games 17 wins and 23 losses. In the 2009 season, the Atlanta Dream reached their first playoff after finishing with a record of 18 wins and 16 losses. However, they were unable to advance past the first round, losing to the Detroit Shock. The following season, in 2010, the Dream again made it to the playoffs and this time advanced to the WNBA Finals but ultimately lost to the Seattle Storm. In the 2011 season, Dream made it to the WNBA finals again and lost to the Minnesota Lynx. The Atlanta Dream's first four years were particularly impressive, with star players Angel McCoughtry and Sancho Lyttle performing exceptionally well under head coach Marynell Meadors. During this period, the team made back-to-back WNBA Finals appearances in 2010 and 2011.
Atlanta Dreams WNBA Final Wins
As of September 14, 2024, the Atlanta Dream has reached the WNBA Final three times.
| Year | Team | Against | Result | Head Coach | Final score | Conference-best player |
| 2010 | Atlanta Dream | New York Liberty | Lost in Final | Marynell Meadors | 2-0 | Sancho Lyttle |
| 2011 | Atlanta Dream | Indiana Fever | Lost in Final | Marynell Meadors | 2-1 | Angel McCoughtry |
| 2013 | Atlanta Dream | Indiana Fever | Lost in Final | Fred Williams | 2-0 | Erika de Souza |
Atlanta Dreams' Last Playoff Appearance
As of September 14, 2024, the Atlanta Dream’s last playoff appearance was in the 2023 season when they lost in the first round against the Dallas Wings. The Dream lost the series 0-2, as both games were comfortably won by the Dallas Wings. In that series, Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray were the main scoring contributors for the Dream, but they were unable to overcome the trio of Satou Sabally, Natasha Howard, and Arike Ogunbowale. Despite the first-round exit, the Dream managed to win 19 out of their 40 games that season, finishing with a .475 winning percentage.
FAQs on Atlanta Dream
A. Atlanta Dream’s last WNBA final appearance was in the 2013 season.
A. the Minnesota Lynx is the greatest rival team of Atlanta Dream.
A. As of September 2024, Atlanta Dream never won the WNBA championship.
A. As of September 2024, Atlanta Dream has won 17 playoff matches in the WNBA.
