Daily News 19

Tag: Atlanta Dream

  • Clark vs. Reese: A Dream Matchup as Atlanta’s Win Sets Stage for Blockbuster Playoff Series

    Clark vs. Reese: A Dream Matchup as Atlanta’s Win Sets Stage for Blockbuster Playoff Series

    Key Highlights

    • Atlanta’s win over New York locked the Dream into the No. 4 seed, eliminating Indiana’s path to a top-four finish and home-court advantage in the first round.
    • The Fever (28–15) control their destiny for the No. 5 seed with a win over Minnesota on Thursday; a loss combined with a Washington victory would drop Indiana to the No. 6 seed.
    • Caitlin Clark is on a historic tear—averaging 30.2 points and 10.0 assists over her last five games, becoming the first WNBA player to hit those marks across a five-game span.

    Atlanta Clinches Fourth Seed, Shuts Door on Indiana’s Home-Court Hopes

    The Indiana Fever’s impressive 96–77 victory over the league-leading Minnesota Lynx on Tuesday briefly kept alive the possibility of securing a top-four seed and opening the WNBA playoffs at home. Caitlin Clark powered the win with 27 points, nine assists, seven rebounds, and four steals, pushing Indiana to 28–15 on the season. However, that window closed less than 24 hours later when the Atlanta Dream defeated the New York Liberty 83–65 at Barclays Center on Wednesday. Allisha Gray led Atlanta with 24 points and five assists, while Naz Hillmon added 16 points. The result locked the Dream into the No. 4 seed and guaranteed them home-court advantage in the opening round, leaving Indiana with a simpler but less favorable equation entering Thursday’s regular-season finale against Minnesota.

    Fever Control Fifth-Seed Destiny; Sixth Seed Looms as Alternative

    Indiana can no longer catch Atlanta in the standings, but the Fever still control whether they finish fifth or sixth. A win over the Lynx on Thursday secures the No. 5 seed and a first-round matchup against the Dream. A loss, however, opens the door for the Washington Mystics: if Washington defeats the Chicago Sky while Indiana falls to Minnesota, the Fever would drop to the No. 6 seed. The distinction is significant—finishing sixth would mean a series against either the Las Vegas Aces or the Golden State Valkyries. Either way, Indiana will begin the postseason without home-court advantage.

    Clark Delivers Historic Five-Game Stretch

    The timing of the seeding setback is notable because Clark has been playing arguably the best basketball of her rookie campaign. Over her last five games, she is averaging 30.2 points, 10.0 assists, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.0 steals while shooting 49.0% from the field and 44.9% from three-point range. The Fever announced that Clark became the first player in WNBA history to average at least 30 points and 10 assists across a five-game span. For the season, she is now averaging 22.8 points and 8.5 assists over 39 games and has scored more than 25 points in five consecutive outings.

    Potential Fever-Dream Series Draws Analyst Intrigue

    A first-round matchup between Indiana and Atlanta would carry immediate storyline interest given the history surrounding Clark and Angel Reese, but the basketball matchup itself promises to be demanding. WNBA analyst Monica McNutt called it “a thrilling matchup” and pointed to how competitive the teams have been during the regular season.

    “They are tied in terms of their matchups during the regular season and that last one in particular required overtime for Indiana to put the Dream away,” McNutt said.

    She also highlighted Atlanta’s defensive versatility against Indiana’s perimeter attack.

    “The Dream is a unique matchup for the Fever in that they have multiple bodies they can throw at Kelsey Mitchell,” McNutt added.

    Indiana’s offense has been one of the league’s most productive behind Clark, Mitchell, and Aliyah Boston, but Atlanta’s win Wednesday guaranteed that any potential series will start on the Dream’s floor.

    Why This Matters

    The Fever’s playoff path is now crystallized: they will open on the road regardless of Thursday’s result. Securing the fifth seed against Atlanta presents a familiar opponent—Indiana and Atlanta split their four regular-season meetings, with the Fever’s most recent win requiring overtime. Atlanta’s length and perimeter defense, specifically their ability to rotate multiple defenders onto Kelsey Mitchell, could test Indiana’s offensive rhythm. Dropping to the sixth seed would likely pit the Fever against a Las Vegas Aces team with championship pedigree or a Golden State Valkyries squad that has been competitive in its inaugural season. For a rookie-led team peaking at the right time, the fifth-seed matchup offers a known quantity and a chance to prove their late-season surge translates to postseason success.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What seed will the Indiana Fever be in the WNBA playoffs?

    The Fever will be either the No. 5 or No. 6 seed. A win over Minnesota on Thursday locks in the No. 5 seed. A loss combined with a Washington win over Chicago would drop Indiana to No. 6.

    Who would the Fever play in the first round as the No. 5 seed?

    As the No. 5 seed, Indiana would face the Atlanta Dream in the first round. The series would open in Atlanta because the Dream secured the No. 4 seed and home-court advantage with their win over New York on Wednesday.

    How has Caitlin Clark performed recently?

    Over her last five games, Clark has averaged 30.2 points, 10.0 assists, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.0 steals while shooting 49.0% from the field and 44.9% from three. She is the first player in WNBA history to average at least 30 points and 10 assists across a five-game span.

  • Angel Reese Makes History as Wendell Carter Jr. Celebrates in Style

    Angel Reese Makes History as Wendell Carter Jr. Celebrates in Style

    Key Highlights

    • Angel Reese became the first player in WNBA history to record 500 rebounds in a single season during the Atlanta Dream’s 106-81 win over the Chicago Sky.
    • Reese posted 23 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, three blocks, and two steals, powering Atlanta to its eighth victory in the last ten games.
    • NBA center Wendell Carter Jr. celebrated courtside in a custom Angel Reese jersey, continuing his visible support for the third-year star.

    Reese Etches Name in WNBA History with 500-Rebound Season

    Angel Reese’s record-setting 2026 campaign added another historic chapter Saturday night as the Atlanta Dream forward became the first player in WNBA history to surpass 500 rebounds in a single season. The milestone arrived during a dominant 106-81 victory over the Chicago Sky at Gateway Center Arena, where Reese delivered a near-quadruple-double stat line of 23 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, three blocks, and two steals. The performance not only cemented her place in the league’s record books but also propelled Atlanta to its eighth win in ten outings, significantly bolstering the Dream’s postseason positioning with the playoffs on the horizon.

    Dominant Two-Way Impact Fuels Dream’s Late-Season Surge

    Reese’s historic rebounding achievement is the latest evidence of her unprecedented two-way impact in just her third professional season. Since the All-Star break, the former LSU standout has elevated her game to an MVP-caliber level, anchoring Atlanta’s defense while serving as the primary engine of their transition offense. Her 10 boards against Chicago pushed her season total past the 500 threshold — a mark no player, male or female, had ever reached in a single WNBA season. The Dream’s current 8-2 stretch has vaulted them into firm playoff contention, with Reese’s interior dominance allowing Atlanta to control tempo and generate high-percentage opportunities against overmatched frontcourts.

    Carter Jr. Continues Courtside Support for Rising Superstar

    Adding a crossover celebrity dimension to the historic night, Chicago Bulls center Wendell Carter Jr. was courtside to witness the milestone in person. The NBA veteran, who has emerged as one of Reese’s most visible and consistent supporters, celebrated the achievement by wearing a custom Angel Reese jersey — continuing a pattern of public endorsement that has drawn attention to the growing connections between NBA and WNBA stars. Carter’s presence underscored the respect Reese has earned across the basketball ecosystem, with peers at the highest level recognizing the historic nature of her season. The two share Chicago roots, adding a layer of hometown pride to the public display of support.

    Why This Matters

    Reese’s 500-rebound season represents a statistical anomaly that reshapes expectations for interior play in the modern WNBA. In an era increasingly defined by pace, space, and perimeter skill, her ability to dominate the glass at historic volume while maintaining elite scoring efficiency challenges conventional roster construction wisdom. For the Atlanta Dream, the milestone arrives at a critical juncture: the franchise, long searching for a cornerstone player, now possesses a genuine face of the league whose prime years are still ahead. The playoff implications are immediate — Atlanta’s current trajectory suggests a favorable first-round matchup, and Reese’s rebounding dominance provides a sustainable competitive advantage in postseason series where possessions are at a premium. Beyond the court, the visible support from NBA peers like Carter Jr. signals a cultural shift in how women’s basketball stars are recognized and celebrated across the broader basketball community.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Has any WNBA player ever recorded 500 rebounds in a season before Angel Reese?
    No. Reese is the first player in WNBA history to reach the 500-rebound plateau in a single season, setting a new league record.
    What was Angel Reese’s stat line in the historic game against the Chicago Sky?
    Reese finished with 23 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, three blocks, and two steals in Atlanta’s 106-81 victory.
    Who is Wendell Carter Jr. and why was he at the game?
    Wendell Carter Jr. is a center for the Chicago Bulls (NBA). He has been a visible supporter of Angel Reese throughout the season and attended Saturday’s game wearing a custom Reese jersey to celebrate her historic achievement.
  • Angel Reese’s Insult Toward Courtney Williams After Heated Clash Sparks Fan Outrage

    Angel Reese’s Insult Toward Courtney Williams After Heated Clash Sparks Fan Outrage

    Angel Reese was at the center of another heated WNBA incident on Sunday after a verbal exchange with Courtney Williams escalated beyond the usual physical battle on the court.

    During the second quarter of the Atlanta Dream’s game against the Minnesota Lynx, Reese became tangled with Williams while trying to make a move in the post. Williams and Natasha Howard closed in defensively, with Williams eventually forcing a jump ball.

    After the players were separated, Reese and Williams continued talking. Fans watching closely believed they could read Reese’s lips as she apparently mouthed “Bald head.” The apparent comment quickly sparked reactions online.

    Fans react to Angel Reese’s trash talk

    “Angel be mad animated man jeez,” one fan wrote. Another joked: “She’s bald! She’s bald and she’s torturing people who have hair!!” Some fans found the insult more bizarre than offensive.

    “Calling someone ‘bald head’ in the middle of a play is so random you almost have to respect the creativity,” one fan said. Others were more critical of Reese’s behavior.

    “She was all up in Collier’s face as well. Reese might be one of the most disrespectful players in the league,” one commenter wrote. Another fan added: “She’s got a knack for talking about people’s hair while wearing a wig.”

    Angel Reese makes WNBA history despite controversy

    The confrontation did not completely overshadow Reese’s performance. Atlanta defeated Minnesota 89-81, with Reese finishing with 15 points, 11 rebounds and two steals.

    Her latest double-double was also historic. “NO ONE HAS EVER DONE IT MORE,” the Dream posted. “Angel Reese now stands alone with the most double-doubles (29) in a single season in WNBA history. Another all-time WNBA record. Another piece of history rewritten by Angel Reese.”

    Reese surpassed Alyssa Thomas, who recorded 28 double-doubles for the Connecticut Sun in 2023. After the game, Reese focused on gratitude rather than her exchange with Williams.

    “I’m just grateful and I’m thankful. This opportunity is an opportunity of a lifetime,” Reese said. “Being able to play this game every single day, I wake up and I’m blessed. I’m so happy to be in Atlanta, excited… There’s so many blessings in my life and I’m just super grateful.”

    It was another outstanding statistical performance from Reese, although her exchange with Williams ensured that the postgame discussion focused on more than her record-setting achievement.

    Source: www.marca.com

  • Angel Reese Breaks WNBA Record, Then Surprises Fans on TikTok

    Angel Reese Breaks WNBA Record, Then Surprises Fans on TikTok

    Angel Reese had a memorable Sunday both on and off the court, helping the Atlanta Dream defeat the Minnesota Lynx before making a surprise return to TikTok with new videos.

    The WNBA star shared an outfit check with her followers after spending a period away from the platform. Her return came on the same day she made league history with another outstanding performance for Atlanta.

    Angel Reese’s game-day outfit in Atlanta

    Before tipoff, the Atlanta Dream gave fans a glimpse of Reese’s look for the day. She wore a blue dress with purple details, carried a green handbag and styled her hair in a ponytail.

    The pregame post showed what Reese wore before heading to Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia, where she was preparing for another regular-season matchup against the Minnesota Lynx.

    Angel Reese sets WNBA double-double record

    Reese played 33 minutes and finished with 15 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block. She shot 5 of 9 from the field and made 5 of 8 free-throw attempts as the Atlanta Dream secured an 89-81 victory.

    Her 11 rebounds also gave her the 29th double-double of the season, breaking the WNBA record for the most double-doubles in a regular season. Alyssa Thomas previously held the record after recording 28 double-doubles in 2023.

    Angel Reese returns to TikTok after making history

    After the game, Reese returned to TikTok with a series of new videos. Her posts drew attention from fans who had noticed that she had not been sharing this type of content as frequently.

    In one video, Reese gave followers another close look at her game-day outfit, showing the blue-and-purple dress, green handbag and ponytail she wore before the game.

    She followed that post with another video featuring a pink short-sleeve shirt and a ponytail. In the clip, Reese lip-synced in front of a mirror, giving fans another glimpse into her Sunday away from the court.

    After setting a WNBA record and returning to TikTok, Reese showed that she is enjoying a standout moment in her career both on and off the court.

    Source: www.marca.com

  • Aliyah Boston Reveals Caitlin Clark’s Struggles When She Faces Angel Reese

    Aliyah Boston Reveals Caitlin Clark’s Struggles When She Faces Angel Reese

    Aliyah Boston did not see Caitlin Clark’s reaction in real time. But after watching the clip later, the Indiana Fever center immediately understood the attention it would generate.

    Clark had already helped Indiana secure a tense 95-91 overtime win over the Atlanta Dream on August 16 when another moment from the game began circulating on social media.

    Caitlin Clark’s reaction to Angel Reese miss goes viral

    Angel Reese missed a potential game-winning putback at the end of regulation. Cameras then showed Clark in the background appearing to smile as Reese stood with her teammates.

    The brief reaction quickly became another talking point in the long-running rivalry between Clark and Reese, which began in college basketball and has continued into the WNBA.

    Boston discussed the moment on the “Post Moves” podcast with Candace Parker, explaining that the Fever did not notice anything unusual while the game was taking place.

    “We saw it after, but like in real time you see nothing,” Boston said. “We saw it after and I was like, ‘Here we go.’ Just like peace, love and happiness. We will never be free.”

    Her comments reflected how nearly any interaction involving Clark and Reese can become a major storyline, even when the players themselves may barely notice it in the moment.

    Clark and Reese remain under constant scrutiny

    The intense attention surrounding Clark and Reese dates to their famous meeting in the 2023 NCAA national championship game. During LSU’s victory over Iowa, Reese directed the “you can’t see me” gesture toward Clark, creating one of the tournament’s defining images.

    Their transition to the WNBA only increased the spotlight, with every matchup carrying additional anticipation. The August 16 contest already featured plenty of drama before the viral clip emerged.

    Clark finished with 26 points and nine assists to lead Indiana. Reese recorded 15 points, 14 rebounds and six assists for Atlanta. Reese nearly won the game in regulation after collecting a missed shot from Rhyne Howard and attempting a putback at the rim.

    The attempt missed, sending the game into overtime and giving Indiana the opportunity to finish the victory. Parker found Clark’s reaction amusing and suggested it had become one of the season’s most memorable memes.

    Boston said her reaction was less about the smile itself and more about knowing what would happen next.

    “No ‘cause like, we just, peace, love and happiness. We will never be free!” Boston said.

    Indiana Fever stars continue to fuel viral moments

    The Fever have been at the center of several social-media moments this season, a trend Parker also joked about during the podcast.

    She referenced other incidents involving Indiana players, including Sophie Cunningham’s animated gestures and Paige Bueckers telling Clark to calm down.

    “I would have been like Paige, too,” Parker said. “I’d have been like, ‘Calm down. I’m trying to foul you.’”

    Boston was not convinced.

    “No, I don’t care,” she replied.

    The Fever have continued moving forward despite the attention. Atlanta responded to the loss by winning four consecutive games and securing a playoff berth.

    The viral clip lasted only a few seconds, but Boston’s reaction made it clear that Indiana’s players have become accustomed to every moment involving Clark being examined frame by frame.