Angel Reese's phenomenal 26-rebound effort, a new WNBA record, anchored the Atlanta Dream's impressive 78-71 win against the Los Angeles Sparks. This historic game not only marked Reese's 27th double-double of the season with an additional 11 points but also saw the Dream successfully complete a flawless West Coast road trip. Their collective performance, highlighted by Allisha Gray's 20 points, Rhyne Howard's 18 points, and Naz Hillmon's 12 points, propelled them closer to a top-three league standing with only six regular-season games remaining. The Sparks, despite Nneka Ogwumike's season-high 27 points and Cameron Brink's 15 points off the bench, continued their struggle, facing their seventh loss in eight games and being officially eliminated from playoff contention.
Angel Reese's Record-Breaking Night Propels Atlanta Dream to Victory in Los Angeles
In a memorable WNBA showdown on Monday, August 24, 2026, held at the illustrious Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, Atlanta Dream's dynamic forward, Angel Reese, etched her name into the league's history books. Demonstrating unparalleled dominance on the glass, Reese secured an astounding 26 rebounds, surpassing Chamique Holdsclaw's long-standing record of 24 set back in 2003. This record-shattering performance was a cornerstone of the Dream's hard-fought 78-71 victory against the Los Angeles Sparks, capping off a perfect 4-0 West Coast road trip for the Atlanta squad.
Reese's individual brilliance didn't stop there; she also contributed 11 points, registering her 27th double-double of the season. Earlier in the game, she had already broken the WNBA's single-season rebounding record, accumulating 452 boards before finishing the night with an incredible 458 total rebounds for the season, eclipsing the previous mark set by Las Vegas' A'ja Wilson in 2024. The Atlanta Dream (25-13) now stand within half a game of third place in the overall league standings, showcasing their formidable prowess.
For the struggling Los Angeles Sparks (13-25), who were without their third-leading scorer, Rae Burrell, due to illness, Nneka Ogwumike delivered a season-best performance with 27 points and 16 rebounds. Cameron Brink also made significant contributions off the bench with 15 points and five blocks, alongside Dearica Hamby's 15 points. Despite these efforts, the Sparks could not overcome the Dream's momentum, marking their seventh defeat in eight games and officially ending their playoff aspirations.
The game began with the Dream establishing an early lead, concluding the first quarter 20-15. They maintained a slim 37-36 advantage at halftime, with Ogwumike leading all scorers with 12 points. However, the third quarter saw the Dream take decisive control, fueled by Allisha Gray's nine points, extending their lead to 62-55. Entering the final period, Atlanta surged further, achieving their first double-digit lead at 66-55 with nine minutes remaining, ultimately securing their third consecutive win over Los Angeles this season and concluding their road trip triumphantly.
Angel Reese's record-breaking night serves as a potent reminder of the sheer talent and relentless determination present in the WNBA. Her ability to dominate the boards while contributing offensively not only elevates her team but also inspires a new generation of athletes. This historic achievement underscores the evolving dynamics of women's basketball, where individual brilliance consistently pushes the boundaries of what's possible, captivating audiences and solidifying the league's growing prominence in the sports world.
