PHOENIX — Angel Reese delivered the biggest scoring performance of her WNBA career Saturday night, and it came at the perfect time.
Reese poured in a career-high 31 points and grabbed 14 rebounds as the Atlanta Dream defeated the Phoenix Mercury 99-89, officially punching their ticket to the 2026 WNBA Playoffs.
The performance surpassed Reese’s previous career high of 27 points, which she recorded as a rookie with the Chicago Sky in 2024. She finished Saturday’s game 14-of-21 from the field, adding four steals. (Inquirer Sports)
Reese was especially dominant after halftime, scoring 21 of her 31 points in the second half, including 13 in the fourth quarter as Atlanta held off a late Phoenix push. (CBS News)
The 14 rebounds also gave Reese another double-double, continuing one of the most productive rebounding seasons in the league. Atlanta has already benefited from Reese setting the franchise’s single-season double-double record. (Inquirer Sports)
Dream Punch Their Ticket
With the victory, Atlanta improved to 24-13 and clinched a playoff berth for the fourth consecutive season. The Dream currently sit fourth in the WNBA standings with seven games remaining, putting them in position to potentially secure home-court advantage in the opening round. (Field Level Media)
Rhyne Howard added 20 points, while Allisha Gray contributed 17 and Jordin Canada scored 12 for Atlanta.
Phoenix was led by Kahleah Copper, who exploded for 38 points, while Alyssa Thomas recorded a triple-double with 11 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists. (Inquirer Sports)
But the night belonged to Reese.
After entering the game averaging 43% from the field this season, Reese delivered one of her most efficient offensive performances of the year, shooting 66.7% from the floor.
More importantly, she helped the Dream accomplish their immediate goal: a trip to the playoffs.
For Reese, it’s also a milestone moment. The former LSU star will now get her first opportunity to experience postseason basketball in the WNBA.
“It feels good because we got the win. That’s all that matters. And we clinched playoffs. It’s my first time being able to have a postseason, so I’m really excited,” Reese said.
The career-high 31 points were impressive.
The playoff berth makes the night even bigger.
