Angel Reese achieved a double-double in her initial appearance for the Atlanta Dream on Saturday, recording 11 points and 14 rebounds.
What likely made this accomplishment even more satisfying was the Dream’s comeback from a 19-point disadvantage to secure a 91-90 triumph against the Minnesota Lynx at the Target Center in Minneapolis. Reese secured the win by rejecting a layup attempt from Emese Hof — her third block of the match — just as the clock ran out.
It was likely unsurprising for Reese to attain double digits in both points and rebounds during her inaugural game with the Dream, considering she accomplished this feat 46 times over her first two WNBA seasons. This total exceeds any other player’s record, surpassing Tina Charles’ 45 double-doubles in her initial two WNBA campaigns.
The 6-foot-3 Reese additionally established numerous records for double-doubles during her rookie year playing for the Chicago Sky, which featured a streak of 15 consecutive instances and three straight games with 20 rebounds. She concluded the 2024 season by breaking Charles’ rookie benchmark with 23 double-doubles and securing the highest number of rebounds in a single season.
Atlanta’s third attempt proved successful
Atlanta’s rally appeared on the verge of failure within the last minute. Atlanta had a chance to gain the advantage, but Anastasiia Olairi Kosu blocked Jordin Canada’s shot, and Reese subsequently missed a layup following an offensive rebound.
Canada retrieved the rebound from Reese’s missed shot, prompting Dream coach Karl Smesko to call a timeout with 22.5 seconds left. From the ensuing inbound, Atlanta struggled to locate an unobstructed shot. However, after receiving a pass from Naz Hillmon and maneuvering past Lynx newcomer Olivia Miles with a dribble, Te-Hina Paopao created space for a midrange jump shot, securing the decisive points.
Allisha Gray was the top scorer for Atlanta, contributing 24 points and securing eight rebounds. Her field goal percentage was 7-of-18, yet she compensated by converting 9-of-11 free throws. Hillmon and Rhyne Howard each contributed an additional 15 points.
The Dream mounted a significant comeback in the third quarter
The Lynx established a 52-33 advantage with one minute left in the initial half. Nonetheless, a three-pointer from Hillmon and a free throw by Reese just prior to the intermission initiated the Dream’s gradual resurgence.
Atlanta subsequently commenced the third quarter by surpassing Minnesota 20-6 in scoring, including 12 points from Gray, thereby narrowing its disadvantage to 58-57 halfway through the period. However, the Lynx managed to recover, stopping the Dream from seizing the lead and re-establishing an eight-point gap entering the fourth quarter.
Minnesota secured a 73-63 lead to start the fourth quarter with two free throws from Miles, yet the Dream successfully reduced that gap to three points on three separate occasions as the quarter unfolded. Miles contributed two baskets during this period, maintaining Atlanta at a two-possession distance from drawing even. Nevertheless, Hillmon ultimately broke through with a three-pointer, leveling the score at 85-85 with less than three minutes remaining.
Following Atlanta gaining the lead with Paopao’s jumper, the Lynx were afforded two opportunities to regain their advantage. However, Gray thwarted a layup attempt by Miles, and then Reese blocked Hof, securing the initial win of the season.
Miles, who was the second overall selection in this year’s WNBA Draft from TCU, concluded her professional inaugural game with 21 points, eight assists, two steals, and two blocks. Kayla McBride contributed 18 points for the Lynx, trailed by 14 from Courtney Williams, who also registered 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals.
Both squads are scheduled to recommence competition on Tuesday, with the Dream extending their initial road trip of the season against the Dallas Wings, while the Lynx will play the Phoenix Mercury.
