Angel Reese makes WNBA history amid heavy criticism

May 9, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) celebrates a basket against the Minnesota Lynx during the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Angel Reese faced some strong criticism following her first two preseason games with the Atlanta Dream, as her production did not exactly match expectations. On Saturday night, though, she was able to lead her team to victory in the season opener and make some WNBA history in the process.

Through her first two seasons in the WNBA, Reese has been a double-double machine. She has been the best and most consistent rebounder in the league, averaging 12.6 per game last season, and is the only player in WNBA history to average at least 12.0 rebounds per game in a season, doing it in both 2024 and 2025.

In addition to her work on the boards, Reese has also been a very consistent scorer, averaging 14.1 points per game through the first two seasons. Last season, she led the league in double-doubles with 23, and she picked up right where she left off on Saturday.

Back in April, Reese worked with the Chicago Sky on a trade that sent her to the Atlanta Dream. After two somewhat lackluster preseason games with the Dream, she was back to her normal self in the team’s regular-season opener, and she made some WNBA history along the way.

Reese finished Saturday’s game with 11 points and 14 rebounds, giving herself a double-double in her first regular-season game with the Dream. That double-double was also historic as the WNBA announced on Saturday evening that Reese is now the fastest player in league history to reach 50 career double-doubles.

In addition to her strong rebounding and scoring, Reese also had two assists, two steals, and three blocks, including a block that sealed the victory for the Dream.