Angel Reese Shines Despite Atlanta Dream’s Loss to Indiana Fever

Angel Reese had her first meeting of the season with her new team, the Atlanta Dream, against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever on Thursday, in a Commissioner’s Cup game.

Although Atlanta entered the game with the better record, Clark and the Fever secured an 83-71 victory against Reese, who is considered a rival by many.

While Clark continues to receive accolades for her contributions to the league, Reese is also making significant impacts on the WNBA and her team. Even with the loss on Thursday, she recorded her sixth double-double in nine games, posting 11 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks.

Impressive Milestones

Reese has made an impressive start to her tenure with the Dream, becoming the fastest player in franchise history to reach 100 points and 100 rebounds within just nine games. ESPN Insights highlighted her immediate impact on the team and her significant achievement in a post on Thursday evening.

Throughout her career, Reese has scored over 1,000 points. Based on her current contributions in Atlanta, she is on the path to achieve her 1,000th rebound. A two-time WNBA All-Star, she leads the league this season with an average of 11.3 rebounds per game. Last month, she snagged 16 rebounds in a match against the Dallas Wings, the highest so far in her Dream career.

Known for her rebounding prowess, Reese has recorded 20-rebound games multiple times with the Chicago Sky. Her career high stands at a 22-rebound game from August 2024 against the Las Vegas Aces.

Transition to Atlanta

Previously, Reese played with Chicago for two seasons until team dynamics changed, resulting in controversial remarks from her, a brief suspension, and eventually her trade to Atlanta this offseason. The Dream appears to be an ideal fit for Reese, as the team currently leads the Eastern Conference with a record of 6-3, despite Thursday’s defeat.

The Atlanta Dream is set to face the Washington Mystics at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday.