Angel Reese fuels Atlanta Dream's comeback win over Phoenix Mercury

In the 2026 WNBA season, the Atlanta Dream edged the Phoenix Mercury 82‑80, improving to 4‑1 and leading the Eastern Conference. The Dream rallied from an eight‑point fourth‑quarter deficit, with a decisive 33‑23 run in the final minutes. Angel Reese contributed a double‑double—17 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, four steals and a block—while teammate Rhyne Howard added 21 points.

After the game, Howard praised Reese’s impact, saying, “She’s doing all the little things we’ve not done in the past… because of the tenacity that she brings, because of the energy that she brings we have no choice but to follow her.” Coach Karl Smesko also highlighted Reese’s influence on the team’s defensive intensity and overall cohesion.