In a thrilling WNBA matchup, the Atlanta Dream fell to the Indiana Fever 91-90 on May 20, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The game was a nail-biter, with the Dream leading by as many as 14 points in the third quarter before Caitlin Clark and the Fever mounted a fierce comeback, tying the game at 89-89 late in the fourth. Despite the loss, Atlanta’s new star center, Brittney Griner, delivered a standout performance and a pointed seven-word message on social media that stirred conversation: “Shame we couldn’t close it out.”
Griner, in her second game with the Dream after signing as a free agent in February, led Atlanta with 21 points on an efficient 8-of-13 shooting, adding eight rebounds, two assists, and a block. Her presence in the paint was formidable, and she even made history by surpassing Tangela Smith for 20th on the WNBA’s all-time rebounding list with her sixth board of the night. Yet, the game’s final moments were marred by Griner fouling out with 21 seconds left, a moment she later reflected on with a mix of humor and frustration: “Don’t put your hand in the cookie jar and foul out at the end… Jesus
The Dream’s loss came down to critical plays. After Griner’s disqualification, Aliyah Boston gave Indiana a one-point lead with a free throw. Atlanta’s Rhyne Howard responded with clutch free throws to reclaim the lead, but the Fever’s defense held firm, blocking a last-second shot by Natasha Howard to secure the victory. Griner’s post-game message, “Shame we couldn’t close it out,” shared on social media, subtly shaded the Fever while expressing disappointment in Atlanta’s inability to seal the win. The remark sparked reactions online, with some fans praising her competitive fire and others seeing it as a jab at Indiana’s resilient effort.
Atlanta’s performance showed promise under new head coach Karl Smesko. Alongside Griner, Brionna Jones (19 points, 13 rebounds) and Rhyne Howard (20 points, four three-pointers) showcased the team’s revamped roster, built to end a six-year streak of losing seasons. The Dream’s physicality overwhelmed Indiana early, but the Fever’s fourth-quarter rally, led by Clark’s 27 points and 11 assists, exposed Atlanta’s need for better late-game execution.
Griner’s leadership shone through despite the foul trouble. Coach Smesko praised her for calming the team during Indiana’s comeback, highlighting her veteran presence. The loss dropped Atlanta to 1-1, but the team’s potential is evident with Griner and Jones anchoring the frontcourt. As the Dream prepare for a rematch against the Fever on May 22 in Atlanta, Griner’s message underscores her determination to push the team forward. With her historic rebounding milestone and dominant play, she’s proving to be the cornerstone Atlanta hoped for, even if closing out tight games remains a work in progress.
The upcoming rematch offers a chance for redemption. If Griner and the Dream can harness their early-game dominance and maintain composure late, they could flip the script against Clark’s Fever. For now, Griner’s seven words linger as a rallying cry for a team on the cusp of something special.
