Full Breakdown
Angel Reese’s Perfect Shooting Night Propels Atlanta Dream to Franchise Record
8/21/2026, 11:50:38 AM
The Historic Performance
On Thursday, Angel Reese delivered a flawless offensive display in the Atlanta Dream’s 124-88 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks. She shot 9-for-9 from the field, including two three-pointers, and finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and three steals. The line made Reese the third player in WNBA history to record a 20-point double-double on 100 % shooting and marked her league-leading 25th double-double of the season.
Context and Recent Struggles
Reese entered the game after a disappointing overtime loss to the Indiana Fever, in which she missed two late layups that “kept her up at night.”
Records and Milestones
- Franchise scoring record: The 124 points set a new Atlanta Dream high for points in a single game.
- Field-goal perfection: Reese established a Dream record for field goals without a miss.
- Double-double chase: With eight games remaining, Reese needs four more double-doubles to tie Alyssa Thomas’ single-season record of 28 set in 2023.
Impact on Team and Season
Reese’s performance helped the Dream string together back-to-back wins, following a Tuesday triumph over the reigning champion Las Vegas Aces. Atlanta improved to 22-13, solidifying its position as a playoff contender. The team’s next test is a Saturday matchup in Phoenix.
Official Reactions
Reese described the night’s flow:
- “I was just in the mode. When you see the ball go through the net, you just continue to shoot it. I think the defense really led to the offense, and we got a lot of deflections.”
She also noted the personal significance of the achievement, linking it to former star Nneka Ogwumike:
- “It means a lot, I mean Nneka has poured into me since I've been in the league. She's done so much for us, being able to be the president and being able to pour into the next generation.”
Legacy Connection
The last player to record a 20-point double-double without missing a shot was Los Angeles Sparks center Nneka Ogwumike on June 11, 2016, when she posted 32 points and 10 rebounds. Ogwumike, a former WNBA champion, league MVP, All-Star and president of the Women’s National Basketball Players Association, announced her retirement at the end of the season, adding emotional weight to Reese’s tribute.
Data & Statistics
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Field goals (FG) | 9-for-9 |
| Three-pointers | 2 |
| Points | 20 |
| Rebounds | 10 (3 offensive) |
| Assists | 8 |
| Steals | 3 |
| Dream’s total points | 124 (franchise record) |
| Double-doubles this season (Reese) | 25 (league-leading) |
| Double-double record to chase | 28 (Alyssa Thomas, 2023) |
What’s Next
The Dream travel to Phoenix for their next game on Saturday, while the Sparks host Connecticut the same night.
