Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese established two new WNBA rebounding records during her team's 78-71 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks on Monday night. Reese grabbed a career-high 26 rebounds in the game, surpassing Chamique Holdsclaw's previous single-game record of 24, set in 2003.
In addition to the single-game record, Reese also secured the WNBA's highest single-season rebounding total. With 458 rebounds for the Dream this season, she has now surpassed A'ja Wilson's 2024 record of 451. Reese achieved this new league mark in just 37 games and has six more games remaining to extend her total.
Reese also contributed 11 points, three assists, and three steals in the 38 minutes she played. "Last time I was here, I didn’t miss any shots. Tonight, I couldn’t hit s–t, so I knew I was going be able to get them on the rebounding side," Reese stated postgame. "I just want to be consistent for my team. Offensively, defensively, whatever it takes to win."
Her performance comes as the WNBA playoffs approach, with the Dream holding onto the top spot in the Eastern Conference with a 25-13 record, half a game ahead of the Indiana Fever. Atlanta has already secured a playoff berth.
This record-breaking performance follows a career-high 31-point effort against the Phoenix Mercury on Saturday. "That’s a talent," said Dream guard Allisha Gray. "I’m just in awe watching her rebound."
Coach Karl Smesko noted Reese's overall development. "Angel’s been remarkable on this trip," he said. "You can see her getting better each month."
Reese credited veteran players, including Tina Charles, the WNBA's all-time leading rebounder, for her guidance. "All the vets pour into me," Reese said. "The players that have come before me were able to do so many amazing things so I can be in this very moment right now. So I’m really grateful for them, especially Tina."
The Dream are scheduled to host the Chicago Sky on Aug. 28 and the Minnesota Lynx on Aug. 30 before the league's break for the FIFA women's basketball World Cup.