In their inaugural preseason matchup, the Atlanta Dream secured a decisive 87-78 victory against the Chicago Sky. This game marked the highly anticipated return of Angel Reese to Chicago, her former team, now playing for the Dream. Her performance, characterized by versatility and defensive prowess, set a positive tone for Atlanta's upcoming season, demonstrating the immediate impact of their strategic offseason moves.
Angel Reese, having recently joined the Atlanta Dream after a trade from the Sky, showcased a well-rounded game in her first WNBA appearance with her new team. Playing exclusively in the first half of Wednesday's exhibition, Reese contributed 8 points, pulled down 7 rebounds, snatched 3 steals, and dished out 2 assists. Despite a shooting efficiency of 2-for-7 from the field and 4-for-8 from the free-throw line, her presence was undeniable. She boasted a team-leading plus-14 rating and impressively avoided any turnovers, even while frequently initiating offensive plays.
The Dream's offensive strategy proved effective, mirroring their strong performance in the previous season where they set a franchise record for wins and excelled in three-point shooting. Against the Sky, they sank five triples in the first half alone, three of which came from the skilled hands of three-time All-Star Rhyne Howard. Beyond their long-range success, Atlanta also demonstrated a keen ability to draw fouls and convert at the free-throw line, a critical factor in their 16-0 second-quarter surge that established a commanding 43-23 lead.
Atlanta's proactive offseason was a major talking point leading into this game. In addition to acquiring Reese, the team successfully retained its core group of players, including Rhyne Howard, fellow three-time All-Star guard Allisha Gray, two-time WNBA steals leader Jordin Canada, four-time All-Star forward Brionna Jones, and the reigning WNBA Sixth Player of the Year, Naz Hillmon. While Jones and Hillmon were absent from Wednesday's exhibition, the depth of the roster was evident, especially when the Dream introduced a largely new starting five in the second half.
The Chicago Sky, despite being shorthanded, mounted a spirited comeback attempt. After trimming the deficit to 13 points by halftime, they gained momentum, fueled by a Rachel Banham three-pointer and strong contributions from their bench. Rookie Sydney Taylor, a former Louisville guard, was particularly impressive, scoring 12 points in the third quarter and eventually finishing with 23. Fellow rookie Gabriela Jaquez, a UCLA national champion, also made her mark with an impactful and-1 play, showcasing the Sky's developing talent. Chicago managed to narrow the gap to 64-58 by the end of the third quarter, setting the stage for a competitive final frame.
Taylor continued her stellar performance in the fourth quarter, demonstrating not only her scoring ability but also her versatility by initiating a crucial play that led to a three-pointer for Tonie Morgan, bringing the score to 73-69. However, the Atlanta Dream maintained their composure and never relinquished their lead. Their consistent performance and strategic play ensured a victory in their first preseason game, signaling a promising outlook for the season ahead.
