Full Breakdown
Angel Reese Sets Atlanta Dream Offensive Rebound Record in 98-89 Win Over Seattle
8/1/2026, 1:16:58 PM
Game Summary
On July 31, 2026, the Atlanta Dream defeated the Seattle Storm 98-89 at Gateway Center Arena, extending their winning streak to five games. Angel Reese recorded her 19th double-double of the season with 21 points and 13 rebounds, including six offensive boards that pushed her season total to 137—the most offensive rebounds ever by a Dream player, surpassing Brionna Jones’s previous mark of 136. Naz Hillmon added 18 points, and the frontcourt duo dubbed the “Thunder Twins” anchored Atlanta’s interior dominance.
Background & Context
The Dream entered the game with an 18-10 record and had already established themselves as a rising Eastern Conference contender. Their recent success has been built around a versatile frontcourt—Reese, Hillmon, and Jones—combined with a backcourt that emphasizes transition play and free-throw accuracy. The victory kept Atlanta in fourth place in the league standings and set the stage for a forthcoming matchup against the Las Vegas Aces.
Data & Statistics
- Angel Reese: 21 points, 13 rebounds (6 offensive), 2-of-5 three-pointers, 2 assists.
- Season offensive rebound record: 137 (Reese) vs. 136 (Jones).
- Naz Hillmon: 18 points, 11th double-digit scoring game.
- Team shooting: 38.5 % field-goal percentage; 87.2 % free-throw percentage (34-of-39).
- Seattle Storm: Natisha Hiedeman led with 23 points; the Storm made 5 of 23 three-pointers.
- Lead dynamics: Atlanta built a 17-point lead midway through the third quarter, saw it shrink to four points with 43 seconds remaining, and sealed the win with Allisha Gray’s two free throws.
Official Statements & Responses
Head coach Karl Smesko highlighted Reese’s progress from beyond the arc, noting that she “went 2-of-5 from deep” and that her three-point shooting “has become more comfortable” after dedicated work during the offseason. Smesko also emphasized that, while the five-game streak is encouraging, the Dream “still have room to grow” and are not yet “all the way there.”
Reese described the frontcourt’s versatility, explaining that the team’s “different weapons” allow them to score from multiple positions and that the presence of Brionna Jones inside creates a strategic advantage. Hillmon reflected on the game’s momentum swings, saying the squad “can turn things around” when the lead narrows.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There's just so many different weapons from all three of us, and also Medina as well, where we can score from so many different places,” — Angel Reese
- “She's been working on it a long time, and it's starting to get more comfortable," Smesko said.” — Karl Smesko, coach
- “It feels good to see her make it because she's capable and she's been improving, and I think within the last week, we really started breaking it down on film and it really kind of clicked with her. She just looked a lot more comfortable with the release today,” — Karl Smesko, coach
- “I’m just trying to do my job,” — Angel Reese
What’s Next
The Dream’s next contest is scheduled for Monday night against the Las Vegas Aces at State Farm Arena, a game that could further solidify Atlanta’s position among the league’s elite teams.
