Atlanta Dream send strong Angel Reese message in Game 1

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Atlanta Dream send strong Angel Reese message in Game 1

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Oct 19, 2026 12:47 PM ET

Angel Reese had a decent performance on Saturday and started Game 1 of the WNBA Finals strong. The Atlanta Dream acknowledged it and sent a strong message on social media.

Atlanta entered the championship series with a lot of momentum on its side. The team swept the first two rounds of the playoffs and reached the finals for the first time since 2013. Reese finished Saturday’s game with 14 points, 12 rebounds, two steals and one block. Allisha Gray led the way with 19 points and six rebounds, while Rhyne Howard added 12 points, seven rebounds and four assists.

However, their efforts were not enough to avoid a 68-64 loss and a 0-1 series deficit. The Golden State Valkyries’ home crowd at Chase Center made their presence felt, cheering on the team loudly. Gabby Williams spearheaded the No. 2-seeded team’s charge with a game-high 26 points, with four rebounds.

Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) in the second half against the Indiana Fever.

Dream posts Angel Reese’s first-half performance

The Dream uploaded two photos and one video of Reese from the first two quarters. They expressed their pride in her by adding her production.

“Angel came out HOT in the first half

14 PTS | 6 REB | 5-9 FG,” the team wrote.

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A post shared by Atlanta Dream (@atlantadream)

However, Reese failed to add to her points total in the second half as she only attempted two more shots. She added six more rebounds and lacked aggressiveness in the third and fourth quarters. The low-scoring matchup turned into a battle of who can execute on offense late in the game.

Reese has vowed to be better and will bring the lessons she learned in Game 2 on Monday. She has shown throughout the season that she can produce even better numbers, which will key to the Atlanta’s success. Reese and her teammates aim to tie the series at 1-1 before it shifts to State Farm Arena for Games 3 and 4.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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