How Rhyne Howard’s evolution helped spark Dream’s hot 2026 start

The Atlanta Dream are 4-1 to start the season, which is the best record in the league to date. It hasn’t always looked good for the Dream throughout these games, but when it matters the most, they’ve found a way to buckle down and win. With the talent that they possess, it’s easy for them to find a groove quickly and make it hard for their opponent.

Rhyne Howard, in particular, is playing well to start the season, and it’s been key for the Dream’s early success. Karl Smesko has spoken highly about her and told reporters what has led to her level of play so far.

“She’s really been locked into what we’re trying to get accomplished, and she’s somebody that has as much versatility as anybody in the league, from being able to defend multiple positions at a high level to see somebody that can play off the ball,” Smesko said. “She’s somebody who could play on the ball, she can be your primary scorer…

“She’s a willing passer to teammates. I think she’s already been an All-Star multiple times, but I think this is a year where we’ve really, and when I say we, I mean Rhyne, she takes it to just another level. 
That’s what I’ve seen in practice, and that’s what we’ve seen at the beginning of the season, and I fully expect her to be able to continue it.”

Howard has always been one of the better two-way guards in the league, and she’s taken it to another level this season. It’s helped the Dream down the stretch of games, and her teammates see that her game has taken a new step.

“I feel like she’s matured. She’s a pro now; she’s really tapping into her game and what she can be,” Allisha Gray said. “I always believed she was one of the best players in this league, and I think this season, she’s going to prove why she’s the best player in this league.”

Even her new teammates appreciate what she’s bringing to the floor.

“She makes life easier,” Angel Reese said. “She can score at all levels and then also on the defensive end. She brings an intensity to our team and brings everybody up, and plays at a high standard every single play and every single possession. She’s just a great leader for us. An All-Star caliber player, an MVP-caliber player. She doesn’t get enough credit for it, so I’m grateful to be on this side.”

If Howard continues to play at this level as the season continues, not only will what she’s doing be recognized, but it could take the Dream a long way toward what they want to accomplish.

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