SportsAngel Reese is making a powerful case for herself in the WNBA. Her recent performance, where she delivered a crucial double-double for the Atlanta Dream, has ignited conversations across the league about her trajectory to becoming one of the best rebounders the game has ever seen.
The Atlanta Dream clinched a dramatic 82-80 victory over the Phoenix Mercury on Sunday, May 24, 2026. The Dream faced a daunting nine-point deficit with just over a minute left on the clock but mounted a stunning comeback to secure the win. Reese was central to this late-game heroics, finishing the contest with 17 points and 10 rebounds. This marked her third double-double of the current season, pushing the Dream's impressive record to 4-1.

Her impact isn't just felt in individual games. Reports indicate that on May 25, 2026, Reese became the fastest player in WNBA history to amass 950 or more points and 850 or more rebounds, achieving this milestone in just 69 games. This feat surpasses the previous record of 75 games held by WNBA legend Tina Charles, further solidifying Reese's rapid ascent in the professional ranks.
Reese's path to WNBA stardom began long before she stepped onto a professional court. Born on May 6, 2002, in Randallstown, Maryland, she honed her skills at the collegiate level, first with the Maryland Terrapins from 2020 to 2022. She then transferred to the LSU Tigers, playing from 2022 to 2024, where she truly broke out. During her junior season at LSU, she earned unanimous first-team All-American honors and spearheaded the Tigers to their inaugural national championship in 2023, earning the NCAA Tournament's Most Outstanding Player award. Her college career was marked by setting an NCAA single-season record with 34 double-doubles and an SEC single-season record in rebounds.
After a decorated college run, Reese declared for the 2024 WNBA draft on April 3, 2024. She was subsequently selected as the seventh overall pick by the Chicago Sky on April 15, 2024, at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Chicago Sky General Manager Jeff Pagliocca expressed considerable excitement about the acquisition, stating at the time, "We are absolutely thrilled we were able to get Angel at seventh overall. That was our hope. We have another incredibly competitive player in Chicago who fits our identity and culture of the city." Reese herself had a clear preference, reportedly telling then-Sky coach Teresa Weatherspoon, "I didn't want to go anywhere else but Chicago. I told T-Spoon that when they made their trade with the Lynx from 8 to 7. I knew I was going 7. So being able to come to a place that I wanted to and obviously be embraced here and loved here by an amazing coach, amazing fan base, amazing teammates is something I'm really about."

Her WNBA debut on May 15, 2024, saw her contribute 12 points and eight rebounds, signaling her immediate impact. During her rookie season with the Chicago Sky, she shattered records by achieving 15 consecutive double-doubles, surpassing Candace Parker's previous record of 12. She also set a new WNBA single-season record for rebounds per game, averaging an astounding 13.1 in 2024, and led the league in offensive rebounds per game with 5.1. Her exceptional performance was recognized on September 20, 2024, when she received the 2024 WNBA Peak Performer award in rebounds. She quickly became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 400 rebounds in just 32 games and surpassed Tina Charles as the fastest to record 500 points and 500 rebounds, accomplishing it in 38 games.
Reese's journey took a new turn on April 6, 2026, when she was traded to the Atlanta Dream in a deal involving first-round picks in 2027 and 2028, along with the right to swap second-round picks in 2028. Her first game with the Dream showcased her continued prowess, as she posted 11 points and 14 rebounds, making a critical game-saving block in a tight 91-90 victory over the Minnesota Lynx. In the recent game against the Phoenix Mercury, teammates Rhyne Howard contributed 21 points and Allisha Gray added 17 points, while Jordin Canada also secured a double-double with 11 points and 14 rebounds. For the Mercury, Kahleah Copper and Alyssa Thomas each scored 20 points, with Thomas also grabbing 12 rebounds.
Atlanta Dream teammate Rhyne Howard has openly praised Reese's significant impact, highlighting her invaluable contributions to the team. Reese's ability to consistently dominate the boards, create second-chance opportunities, and anchor her team's defense has quickly made her one of the most exciting and effective players in the league. Her relentless pursuit of rebounds and her competitive drive are not only yielding individual accolades but are also translating into crucial wins for her team.
As Reese continues to build on her already impressive career, setting new benchmarks for efficiency and impact, the question of her place among the WNBA's all-time greats in rebounding grows louder. Her ability to consistently deliver double-doubles and break long-standing records in such a short span of time suggests that fans are witnessing a generational talent in the making, one who is reshaping expectations for what a dominant rebounder can achieve in professional basketball.