New Angel Reese Nickname Is Trending After Playoff News

Allan Henry-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect

New Angel Reese Nickname Is Trending After Playoff News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Aug 23, 2026 10:58 PM ET

Angel Reese stepped up in a big way to lead the Atlanta Dream to a 99-89 victory over the Phoenix Mercury on Saturday. The star forward finished with a career-high 31 points on 14-of-21 shooting, along with 14 rebounds, two assists and four steals.

Making things even better for Reese, the Dream improved to 24-13 on the season with their win against the Mercury and secured a playoff spot.

Prior to this season, Reese had failed to make the playoffs in two years with the Chicago Sky. In fact, Chicago failed to have a winning record during Reese’s time with the team, not even breaching the 15-win mark.

Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) reacts during a WNBA game.Candice Ward-Imagn Images

Naturally, Reese was ecstatic to make the postseason for the first time in her WNBA career. On Sunday, the Dream shared a video of Reese expressing her excitement about making the playoffs as she was walking to the locker room after the game.

“My first playoffs, I’m so excited,” Reese shared. “And let’s keep doing it. Let’s go!”

View this post on Instagram

Sure enough, fans were delighted to see Reese become part of a competitive team and actually make the playoffs. Many were also quick to give her a new nickname in celebration of her first postseason appearance: Playoff Barbie.

“Playoff Barbie,” a fan stated. “God is soooo good …I know she bout to be a TOTAL MENACE and put on a SHOOOW …I haven’t been to the A yet to see a game but I wouldn’t miss Angel’s first playoff experience for anything!!!”

“Playoff Barbie,” a commenter wrote, along with several fire emojis. Another poster said, “so ready to witness playoff barbie.”

A couple of users on X repeated the nickname “Playoff Barbie,” while others congratulated Reese on the career milestone.

It remains to be seen how far the Dream can go in the playoffs, but with a Big 3 featuring Reese, Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray, they are certainly going to be a tough team to beat.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: