Atlanta Dream coach Karl Smesko praised Angel Reese after her second straight double-double in the Dream's 77-72 win over the Wings Tuesday.
Angel Reese recorded her second consecutive double-double to open the 2026 season as the Atlanta Dream beat the Dallas Wings 77-72 on Tuesday at College Park Center.
The Dream improved to 2-0 with the win at the Wings' home opener. Dallas fell to 1-1.
Reese finished with 12 points and 16 rebounds, including 8 offensive rebounds. Her play drew praise from Dream head coach Karl Smesko and point guard Jordin Canada in post-game comments.
Smesko, who coached against Reese before they were on the same team, was asked about her impact on the Dream.
"She's been great to work with. I wouldn't say I didn't know it, because we competed against her, so we know what kind of competitor she is, but it's a lot of fun when she's on your side. She's out to win and she's willing to contribute any way to winning, and that's been really key for us down the stretch in these close games — having somebody so locked in on, 'What do we have to do to win?'" Smesko said.
Reese set a WNBA record in the season opener for the fastest player to reach 50 career double-doubles, achieving the mark in 65 games. She has now reached double-figure rebounds in both of the Dream's first two games.
Reese played college basketball at LSU, where she won the 2023 NCAA championship. The Chicago Sky selected her with the seventh overall pick of the 2024 WNBA Draft.
Canada offered praise of Reese's in-game leadership following Tuesday's win.
"She's just such a positive person. No matter what state we are in the game, she always brings us together and lets us know that we've got it," Canada said.
Canada elaborated on Reese as a teammate off the court.
"She's such a hard worker and she's such a great person as well. Once you get to know her and really connect with her, she's an amazing person — amazing personality, really bubbly, a joy to be around. I have the time of my life hanging out with Angel," Canada said.
Allisha Gray led the Dream with 26 points on 9-of-20 shooting. Canada added 19 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals. The Dream outscored the Wings 19-13 in the fourth quarter to come back from a one-point deficit.
Arike Ogunbowale led Dallas with 20 points and Paige Bueckers added 15.
Atlanta next hosts the Las Vegas Aces.
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