Angel Reese acknowledged struggling in the early stages of the Atlanta Dream's matchup against the Indiana Fever on Sunday night, admitting she was "playing like s---" before a significant first-half run. The Dream secured a four-point lead by halftime, a margin bolstered by a crucial 17-4 surge in the latter part of the second quarter.
Reese, who began the game shooting 0-of-6 from the field and missed several close-range attempts, was candid about her offensive struggles during an interview with ESPN's Holly Rowe. "It’s a game of runs," Reese said. "You’ve got to put that in your back pocket just because you know you have teammates that have your back. [Allisha Gray], Madina [Okot], [Rhyne Howard] – they’re carrying us right now."
Gray led the Dream in scoring with 21 points by the third quarter, while Okot contributed six points off the bench along with six rebounds, one steal, and one block. "Just playing together, playing collectively and let our defense speak for itself," Reese added, emphasizing teamwork.
During the first half, Reese recorded seven points on 3-of-10 shooting from the field, alongside nine rebounds. When asked about the adjustment after her slow start, she credited "taking my time. Woosah. And just trusting my work."
Reese, a three-time All-Star in her third WNBA season, has been an integral part of the Dream's successful 2026 campaign, averaging a career-high 15.6 points and 12.0 rebounds per game entering the contest. The game was significant as both the Dream and the Fever were vying for first place in the Eastern Conference standings.