Angel Reese might not have had the kind of night she was hoping for during her Atlanta Dream debut on Saturday, May 9, but the basketball star still etched her name into the WNBA history book.
Angel Reese Gets A Win With The Atlanta Dream In Their Season Opener
Reese finished her Saturday night with a win, but it wasn’t easy for her and the rest of the Dream roster. At one point, the stacked Dream team trailed by as many as 19 points; however, they kicked things into gear after halftime, coming back to win 91-90.
Reese helped secure the win by recording the game-winning block on Minnesota Lynx player Emese Hof. Reese, 24, finished the night with 11 points, 14 rebounds, three blocks, and two assists.
It wasn’t her best shooting night, but Reese said she was encouraged throughout the game by her teammates. “It was rough for me tonight, but this is what you call a team,” she said. “Being able to have players that have your back and always pick you up, even when you’re not having the best game and always in your ear, putting a lot of confidence into you.”
Angel Reese Gets Her 50th Career Double-Double, Fastest Of Any Player In WNBA History
Reese’s stat line also made her the fastest player in WNBA history to record 50 career double-doubles. The previous record was held by Tina Charles, who did it in 65 games.
“The greatest,” someone commented on X, formerly Twitter, while another user said, “Reese is such a unique player, man. She’s a real difference maker.”
Dream head coach Karl Smesko praised Reese’s performance during a post-game interview, saying she’s been a “great” addition to the team.
“She had that late layup and offensive rebound, and then, she had the block to win it,” he said. “I do think at first she was just trying to feel her way around a little bit, maybe first game nerves with us, but then, just like she is, she’s a total competitor.”
Angel Reese Talks Starting A ‘New Chapter’ With The Atlanta Dream
Reese secured her latest double-double during her first official game with the Atlanta Dream. For those who may be unfamiliar, the Bayou Barbie and LSU alum was traded from the Chicago Sky to the Georgia-based team on April 6, 2026.
“This trade is designed to achieve roster balance and represents a great opportunity for all parties,” a statement from the Sky read. “Angel has achieved many record-breaking milestones in her first two years in the WNBA and has been a competitive force for the Sky. We are thankful for her many important contributions to this league and this game, and we know she will continue to have a big impact on the court and beyond.”
According to a previous report from The Blast, Reese said she was more than happy to be playing for a new team in Atlanta, calling it a “breath of fresh air.”
“I’m so excited for this new chapter,” she added. “The city has its own energy too, Black excellence, culture, fashion, music. I feel at home.”
Reese Appeared At The 2026 Met Gala Alongside Major Celebrities
Before her season opener with the Dream, Reese appeared at her third Met Gala. While posing on the red carpet in her custom Altuzarra dress, Reese opened up about how she finds the strength to keep pushing forward.
“I’m really confident within myself,” she said. “Nobody can tell me that I’m not that girl. I wake up every morning because I’m blessed, I’m grateful. I’m just so thankful for this life, and being able to have this opportunity.”
Reese Gets Praise From Former First Lady Michelle Obama During Candid Interview
Another report from The Blast details Reese’s recent interview with former First Lady Michelle Obama.
During an episode of her “IMO” podcast, the “Becoming” author praised Reese for how well she handles immense pressure.
“You are handling yourself beautifully,” Michelle said. “It’s not just what you do, it’s the way you carry yourself.” Michelle continued, “It is really a joy to watch you manage it all, and you do it with a smile on your face, with an excellent attitude.”