Angel Reese delivered another standout performance against her former team on Saturday as the Atlanta Dream dominated the Chicago Sky 106-81. The three-time All-Star recorded 23 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks, and 2 steals, helping Atlanta extend their perfect 3-0 record versus Chicago this season.
In addition to her performance, Reese celebrated a major milestone by becoming the first WNBA player ever to collect 500 rebounds in a single season. Achieving this feat against her old team in a commanding 25-point victory only amplified the excitement surrounding her achievement.
Reese had previously broken A’ja Wilson’s single-season rebounding record late last month, surpassing Wilson’s mark of 451 rebounds with her 20th rebound in a game against the Los Angeles Sparks, eventually finishing that night with a record-setting 26 rebounds. Entering Saturday’s game with 495 rebounds, she quickly reached the historic 500-rebound mark before halftime and closed the match with 10 rebounds, bringing her season total to 505.
Atlanta’s dominant win and Reese’s record-breaking night sparked a wave of admiration from the WNBA community. Fans and analysts flooded social media with praise, calling her “the greatest ever,” highlighting her defensive prowess, and labeling her a deserving MVP candidate. Many recognized her significant growth this season on both offense and defense.
Some fans defended Reese against any criticism, insisting that her record-breaking achievements prove she is an elite player. Beyond her rebounding, Reese’s all-around impact has earned her mentions in discussions for Defensive Player of the Year, All-Defensive Team, and All-WNBA honors.
Since August, she has averaged 18.1 points, 13.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.9 steals, and 1 block per game, posting a +172 plus-minus across 14 contests, during which Atlanta went 10-4. Her contributions have kept the Dream competitive in the fight for home-court advantage, with the team holding a 28-14 record—a half-game ahead of the Indiana Fever and just behind the Las Vegas Aces for the No. 3 seed.
As the playoffs approach, Reese’s pursuit of records is part of a larger narrative for Atlanta. While she continues to reach individual milestones, the Dream’s postseason positioning remains a critical goal, providing Reese and her teammates a bigger prize than just entries in the record books.
Fan Take: Angel Reese’s historic rebounding milestone not only cements her status as a dominant force in the WNBA but also fuels excitement about the league’s future stars. Her all-around excellence epitomizes the evolving talent in women’s basketball, promising even more thrilling competition and growing recognition for the sport.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
