The Atlanta Dream came out firing on all cylinders in Game 6 of the WNBA Finals. With their backs against the wall, they made big shots early and took a quick lead. Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard led the way with 20-point games and efficient outside shooting, but Angel Reese also left her mark on the game.
Reese recorded yet another double-double with 15 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block. It was far from a flawless game for the Dream star—she turned the ball over six times and was whistled for five fouls—but she played with great energy and confidence, taking it to the rim against Kiah Stokes and letting it fly from behind the arc. Reese attempted a season-high eight 3-pointers and made two of them.
Coming to Atlanta has done wonders for Reese’s 3-point shot. She completely reworked her form under Karl Smesko’s guidance and is noticeably more comfortable—and competent—when she gets an open look. Helping Reese unlock that level of her game has benefited the Dream too. They are undefeated when Reese knocks down at least one 3-pointer in a game, and that record held true in Game 6 when they needed a win more than ever.
Being traded to Atlanta was the best thing that could have happened to Reese
Landing in Atlanta was a win for Reese from a team and individual standpoint. She finally gets to impact winning at the highest level. It only took her one season to help her new teams get within one win of a championship.
The fact that she’s doing it in just her third season is even more impressive. Reese is far from a finished product as a player. She’s still learning and growing, and coming to Atlanta has expedited that process for her. She’s having a true career season despite sharing the floor with other stars now, earning Defensive Player of the Year, All-Defensive First Team, and All-WNBA First Team honors. Most importantly, she has improved the biggest weaknesses in her game: her scoring efficiency around the rim and her lack of a reliable 3-point shot.
And she made all of those improvements during the season. She could be even better next year after spending a whole offseason with Smesko and the Dream’s trainers.
The Chicago Sky made many mistakes since drafting Reese seventh overall in 2024, but at least they did right by her when they traded her to the Dream.
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