The Dream’s 6-2 start has been one of the surprises of the young 2016 season, as few predicted this quick of a turnaround from last season’s 15-19 season that saw Atlanta miss the playoffs for the first time in seven years.

Two keys to Atlanta’s success this season has been an improved defense — they rank fourth in defensive efficiency (95.0 points per 100 possessions), compared to 11th last season (100.2) — and an uptempo offense that plays at the league’s fastest pace (82.8 possessions per 40 minutes) and ranks third in fastbreak points (13.1 per game).

With a head coach in Michael Cooper that hails from the “Showtime” Lakers, playing fast and smart (second-lowest turnover rate at 16.3%) is what he preaches on a daily basis. In today’s film room, we’ll take a closer look at how Atlanta uses pace to catch defenses on their heels and get easy looks at the basket.

Defense Leads To Offense

The Dream rank fourth in the league with 9.0 steals per game and take full advantage of their opponents’ miscues by turning good defense into good offense. Atlanta ranks third in the league in points off turnovers (17.3 per game) thanks to plays like this.

Points Off Turnovers

Running Off Defensive Rebounds

The Dream rank second in the league with 28.1 defensive rebounds per game and will look for opportunities to push the ball up the floor and get a quality shot before the defense can get set. Here are a few examples of the Dream beating the defense down the floor for easy shots.

Running Off Made Baskets

All teams look to take advantage of live-ball turnovers and missed shots, but not many look to push the pace when taking the ball out of the basket after the opposing team makes a shot. You often hear, “If we can make shots, then we can get back and set our defense,” and that usually holds true. Most teams will walk the ball up the floor and set up their half-court offense after a made basket. The Dream don’t prescribe to this practice, as they look to fastbreak under all circumstances. Here’s an example when the Dream get up a shot in under five seconds after a made shot by their opponent.

Leaving Defenders in the Dust

The Dream have made a habit out of playing fast and opposing teams have to be mindful of that at all times. If you’re slow in getting back on defense, the Dream will make you pay. Check out this play from Carla Cortijo and Matee Ajavon against the Washington Mystics.

1. Ajavon defends Washington’s Ivory Latta as she drives down the lane and kicks the ball out to a teammate for a wing jump shot. As she makes the pass, her momentum takes her (and Ajavon) out of bounds underneath the basket.

2. The shot is missed and as Cortijo secures the rebound, Ajavon is already in a full sprint up the floor, while Latta is still out of bounds.

3. As Cortijo brings the ball up court, Ajavon fills the right lane and spots up on the wing. Cortijo sees her wide open and delivers the pass. As Ajavon catches the ball, Latta is just crossing half-court and has no chance to get back in time to contest the shot.

4. Ajavon drains the jumper with 18 seconds left on the shot clock and the Dream head back on defense for Washington’s next possession.