Angel Reese’s Impact at Atlanta Dream Despite 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. Despite Atlanta boasting a better record and standing, Clark and the Fever secured an 83-71 victory against Reese, a player considered by many as Clark’s rival.

Clark continues to receive accolades for her role in elevating the league, yet Reese is also making significant contributions to the WNBA and her team. Although the Dream faced defeat on Thursday, Reese achieved her sixth double-double in nine games, putting up 11 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks.

Reese has made an outstanding start with the Dream, becoming the quickest player in franchise history to reach 100 points and 100 rebounds in just nine games. ESPN Insights highlighted her immediate impact in an announcement on Thursday evening.

Throughout her career, Reese has scored over 1,000 points, and she is on track to reach her 1,000th rebound this season with Atlanta. As a two-time WNBA All-Star, she currently leads the league with an average of 11.3 rebounds per game. Last month, she recorded 16 rebounds in one game against the Dallas Wings, marking the highest tally in her tenure with the Dream.

Reese is highly capable of recording 20-rebound games, having achieved this multiple times with the Chicago Sky. Her career high remains a 22-rebound game against the Las Vegas Aces in August 2024.

After starring for two seasons with Chicago, Reese’s tenure ended tumultuously last season. She made controversial remarks about the team and her teammates, resulting in a brief suspension and ultimately her trade to Atlanta this offseason.

Atlanta seems to be a fitting team for Reese, as they currently hold the Eastern Conference’s best record at 6-3, remaining atop the conference despite Thursday’s loss. The Atlanta Dream will face the Washington Mystics at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday.