Angel Reese is coming out ahead after swapping teams and is already better than Caitlin Clark

Angel Reese is coming out ahead after swapping teams and is already better than Caitlin Clark
Reese shines with historic double-double as Caitlin Clark starts season with a loss

Angel Reese could not have asked for a better start to life with the Atlanta Dream. In a dramatic season opener against the Minnesota Lynx, Reese delivered one of the defining plays of the night and helped Atlanta complete a stunning comeback victory that immediately turned attention toward her impact with her new team.

With the Dream leading 91-90 in the closing seconds, Minnesota appeared ready to steal the game. Olivia Miles fired a quick pass into the paint to Emese Hof, who seemed to have a clear path for the winning basket.

Reese reacted instantly, soaring across the lane to block the attempt and secure the victory for Atlanta. The defensive stop capped a performance that showcased exactly why the Dream were eager to bring her in.

Reese’s offensive start was shaky, as she opened the game shooting just 1-for-5 from the field with only three points. But as the game progressed, she began to impose herself physically, especially on the glass.

By halftime she had already found her rhythm, and she finished the night with 11 points, 14 rebounds, three blocks, two steals and two assists. Nine of those rebounds came on the offensive end, a total that alone exceeded the Lynx’s offensive rebounding output as a team.

The game also marked another major milestone in Reese’s young WNBA career. Atlanta Dream PR confirmed after the win that Reese had officially recorded her 50th career double-double.

She reached that mark in only 65 games, the fastest in WNBA history. At just 24 years old, Reese also became the second-youngest player ever to hit the milestone, trailing only league legend Tina Charles.

Although Reese delivered the signature moment, Atlanta’s balanced attack also played a huge role in the comeback. The Dream trailed by as many as 19 points during the first half before slowly climbing back into the game.

Allisha Gray led the scoring effort with 24 points and eight rebounds, while Naz Hillmon and Rhyne Howard each added 15 points. Atlanta’s composure throughout the comeback impressed Reese, who credited her teammates afterward for helping her stay mentally locked in.

Reese admitted that earlier in her career she may not have responded the same way after struggling offensively. Instead of fading out of the game, she stayed aggressive and ultimately made the biggest defensive play of the night.

“My rookie year, I probably would have just melted and not be able to fight back and be able to come out with that big block. So shoutout to my teammates,” said Reese.

Clark, Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell combined for 73 points as the Fever battled back from a nine-point halftime deficit. Clark exploded for 10 points in the third quarter to help Indiana tie the game entering the fourth, but the Fever could not finish the comeback after Mitchell’s final shot missed at the buzzer.

Clark’s scoring ability remains undeniable, but Reese’s all-around influence is already translating directly into victories. Her rebounding, defense and ability to impact games without relying entirely on scoring may be giving Atlanta exactly what it needs early in the season.