Full Breakdown
Angel Reese’s Record-Breaking Rebound Night and Career-High Scoring Propel Atlanta Dream into the Playoffs
8/25/2026, 11:16:10 AM
Record-Breaking Rebound Performance
On Monday, Angel Reese captured 26 rebounds in the Atlanta Dream’s 78-71 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks, eclipsing Chamique Holdsclaw’s single-game record of 24 rebounds set on May 23, 2003. The rebound total also gave Reese her 27th double-double of the season, extending her league-leading streak.
Career-High Scoring and Playoff Clinch
A few days later, Reese delivered a career-high 31 points and added 14 rebounds in a 99-89 win over the Phoenix Mercury. The performance secured the Dream’s first playoff berth of the season and marked Reese’s 25th double-double.
Background & Context
Reese entered the WNBA in 2024 with the Chicago Sky, posting a rookie-season high of 22 rebounds in a single game. She has since become a three-time All-Star and led the league in rebounding her first two seasons. In college, she averaged 12.3 rebounds per game and recorded a single-game high of 28 rebounds as a junior in 2023, with nine games of 20 or more rebounds at LSU.
Data & Statistics
- Season totals: 458 rebounds in 37 games, surpassing A’ja Wilson’s 2024 mark by seven.
- Career totals: 1,281 rebounds in 101 WNBA games.
- Double-doubles: 27 this season, one shy of the single-season record set by Alyssa Thomas in 2023.
- Team impact: The Dream are 25-13 overall and completed a 4-0 West Coast road trip. They are 9-2 when Reese shoots 50 % or better and 15-11 when she shoots below that threshold.
Official Statements & Responses
Reese explained her mindset after the rebound record night:
- “Last time I was here, I didn’t miss any shots. Tonight, I couldn’t hit s---, so I knew I was going be able to get them on the rebounding side.” — Angel Reese (postgame interview)
She also credited veteran Tina Charles for mentorship:
Dream head coach Karl Smesko praised Reese’s development, noting her growing consistency on both ends of the floor and her ability to exploit physical opportunities in the paint.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Last time I was here, I didn't miss any shots. Tonight, I couldn't hit s---, so I knew I was going be able to get them on the rebounding side,” — Extended Reactions Angel Reese
- “All the vets pour into me,” — Extended Reactions Angel Reese
- “Just staying poised and not letting anybody speed me up,” — Extended Reactions Angel Reese
What’s Next
With the playoff spot secured, the Dream will enter the postseason without a confirmed first-round opponent. Reese’s rebounding dominance and emerging offensive game will be central to Atlanta’s strategy as they seek to advance beyond the opening round for the first time since joining the league.
