Angel Reese’s Challenging Start with the Atlanta Dream

Angel Reese began her WNBA journey with the Chicago Sky and was traded to the Atlanta Dream, marking one of the unexpected moves of the offseason. Her initial performances for the Dream have been inconsistent, reflecting her experiences in the league so far.

In Reese’s debut game with the Dream against the Minnesota Lynx, she recorded 11 points on 4-of-11 shooting. She also grabbed 14 rebounds and made three blocks. However, her game was marred by five turnovers and five personal fouls.

Her second game showed some improvement; she hit 4-of-8 shots and secured 16 rebounds in a 77-72 victory over the Dallas Wings. Anticipation was high for her home debut with Atlanta, announced as a sellout event at the State Farm Arena.

Angel Reese of the Atlanta Dream celebrates a three-point shot during the second half against the Dallas Wings at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas, on May 12, 2026. (Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Reese made a notable entrance, sporting a leather outfit that attracted media attention. She confidently spoke about facing A’ja Wilson, stating, “She’s obviously a great player…but I know I’m a great player too.”

During the game, her performance was disappointing. Reese managed to hit just one of eight field-goal attempts and missed her lone three-point shot. She had eight turnovers, equaling her rebound count. A missed layup resulted in her losing a shoe.

Overall, Reese missed six layups and committed eight turnovers, leading to a -13 rating on the day, which reflected the Dream being outscored by 13 points when she was on the court. This pattern continued as the Dream has been outscored by 15 points with her in play this season.

Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese leaves the game during the first quarter against the Las Vegas Aces at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Ga., on May 17, 2026. (Brett Davis/Imagn Images)

Coach Karl Smesko benched Reese when the Dream trailed by double digits. Her absence sparked a comeback, although they narrowly lost 85-84 to the Las Vegas Aces.

Throughout her first three games with Atlanta, Reese has shot 9-27 from the field and 0-2 from beyond the arc. She has committed 16 turnovers and 11 fouls. Despite this, she has collected 38 rebounds, achieved five blocks, and shown relative efficiency from the free-throw line, converting 14 of 18 attempts.

Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese leaves a game against the Las Vegas Aces in the second quarter at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Ga., on May 17, 2026. (Brett Davis/Imagn Images)

The Dream will remain at home, preparing for a rematch against the Dallas Wings at Gateway Center Arena on Friday night.