Full Breakdown
Portland Fire Defeat Atlanta Dream; Angel Reese’s Eighth Technical Foul Rescinded
8/29/2026, 11:16:03 AM
Game Summary
On August 28, 2026, the Portland Fire defeated the playoff-bound Atlanta Dream 101–83 at Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. Portland’s Carla Leite scored 26 points on 9-of-13 shooting, while rookie forward Emily Engstler added a career-high 25 points, shooting 11-of-14 and hitting three three-pointers. The Fire shot 58 % from the field and 43 % from beyond the arc, with Leite making all four of her attempts from distance. Atlanta managed only 37 % shooting (26-of-71) and committed 18 turnovers, which Portland turned into 11 steals.
Reese recorded her 28th double-double of the season (16 points, 16 rebounds, six assists), tying the WNBA single-season record for double-doubles. Rhyne Howard led the Dream with 26 points and six three-pointers.
Technical Foul Review
During the fourth quarter, Reese was assessed what would have been her eighth technical foul after a tussle with Portland guard Carla Leite. Under WNBA rules, an eighth technical foul triggers an automatic one-game suspension and a $1,500 fine. The league, however, rescinded the foul a few hours after the game, leaving Reese with seven technical fouls for the season and keeping her eligible for the Dream’s next matchup.
Official Statements & Responses
The WNBA confirmed the rescission to multiple outlets, noting that the league may overturn any technical or flagrant foul upon review.
Data & Statistics
- Final score: Portland Fire 101, Atlanta Dream 83
- Shooting: Portland 58 % (38-of-65); Atlanta 37 % (26-of-71)
- Three-point shooting: Portland 43 % (13-of-30); Atlanta 22 % (6-of-27)
- Turnovers: Atlanta 18 (Portland 11 steals)
- Angel Reese: 16 points, 16 rebounds, 6 assists, 7 technical fouls (after rescission)
- Carla Leite: 26 points, 4 three-pointers, 6 assists
Impact on Upcoming Game
With the technical foul rescinded, Reese will be available for the Dream’s Sunday game against the Minnesota Lynx, the league-leading team, before the FIBA Women’s World Cup break. Her presence preserves Atlanta’s interior rebounding and defensive strength, which had been a key factor in their recent success.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We've had some trouble guarding stretch bigs this year, and this was no exception,” — Karl Smesko, dream coach
- “Once you get confidence, it's hard to slow a player down,” — Rhyne Howard
- “She's been really good. She went a long time without getting a technical ... she was doing a great job,” — Karl Smesko, dream coach
