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How Atlanta Dream head coach Karl Smesko has played to his team’s strengths, while also guiding them to improvement from beyond the arc

Atlanta Dream head coach Karl Smesko has transformed the team’s offensive approach by emphasizing three-point shooting, a strategy that has paid off in the 2026 playoffs. Under his guidance, players like Angel Reese, Jordin Canada, and Naz Hillmon—none of whom were known for long-range shooting before his arrival—have become more active from beyond the arc.

Reese, in particular, has gone from averaging just 0.6 three-point attempts per game to 1.3 this season, while Canada has elevated her efficiency to 47.8% in the postseason after a career low in attempts. Hillmon, who had taken only one three-pointer in her first three WNBA seasons, has attempted 335 in two years under Smesko, hitting 105 of them at a 31.3% clip.

The Dream’s 40% shooting from three in Game 2 of the WNBA semifinals—including three clutch triples from Reese—helped secure a 2-0 series lead over the New York Liberty, showcasing how Smesko’s high-volume three-point philosophy has become a cornerstone of Atlanta’s success. His track record extends beyond the WNBA, where he led Florida Gulf Coast University to 10 NCAA Tournament appearances and six seasons as the nation’s leader in made threes during his 22-year tenure as head coach.

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