Reese's Historic Rebounding Night Propels Dream Past Sparks
Angel Reese grabbed a WNBA single-game record 26 rebounds and set the single-season rebounding mark at 458, leading Atlanta to a 78-71 victory over Los Angeles. She also contributed 11 points, three steals, and three assists in the win. The Dream have now won four straight and remain in fourth place in the playoff standings.
Reese's 26-rebound outburst broke a single-game mark that had stood since May 2003, when Chamique Holdsclaw pulled down 24. The record-setting night came just four days after Reese made history in the same matchup, becoming the first WNBA player to post at least 20 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and three steals without missing a shot.
The Dream entered as 10.5-point favorites but faced a far stiffer test than their 36-point blowout of Los Angeles on Aug. 20. Atlanta improved to 25-13 with its fourth straight win, sitting a half-game behind the Aces for the No. 3 seed. The team next hosts Connecticut on Friday before the league pauses for the FIBA World Cup.
Reese's record-setting season could reshape how young players approach the game, elevating rebounding as a headline-worthy skill in a sport often defined by scoring. Her sustained dominance may also influence WNBA award conversations and fan engagement, drawing attention to Atlanta's playoff push. As the league prepares for a three-week World Cup break, moments like these could sustain momentum and broaden the sport's appeal to casual viewers.