Playing in games that have a playoff-like intensity will only benefit the Atlanta Dream in the decisive moments of the WNBA season, coach Karl Smesko said after their win over the Indiana Fever.

Having suffered a convincing defeat to the Fever two weeks ago, the Dream defeated the same opponents 108-101 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Thursday.

All five Atlanta starters put up a minimum of 16 points, with Angel Reese leading the way on 21, ahead of Jordin Canada (18), Naz Hillmon, Allisha Gray (both 17) and Rhyne Howard (16).

The Fever, who were previously on a four-game winning streak, got 26 points from both Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell, as well as 23 from Aliyah Boston.

It was Indiana's third loss while scoring at least 100 points this season, the most by any team in the WNBA.

And Smesko feels the victory will build belief among his Atlanta players ahead of a possible playoff run.  

"The more you play in playoff intensity games that have this type of edge where both teams are playing at that level... the more comfortable you'll be in those situations," Smesko said. 

"So, it's a great road win against a really good team."

You have permission to have a good night  pic.twitter.com/EUcVuYziw4

— Atlanta Dream (@AtlantaDream) June 19, 2026

The Dream now sit at 10-4 for the season, with only the New York Liberty (11-4) currently ahead of them in the Eastern Conference standings. 

They had to hold off a furious fightback from the Fever, who erased a 13-point deficit with just over five minutes to play before the Dream took charge again.

Reese said: "We talked a little bit at halftime about not getting too comfortable. I think we stayed together and continued to push. 

"We knew they were going to go on a run, especially with their crowd. When their crowd gets into it, I think they feel that energy, and they did a great job with that."

The Fever will have an immediate chance to earn revenge, though, as the teams face off at State Farm Arena on Saturday.