Reese's Return to Wintrust Arena
Angel Reese made a notable return to Chicago this week, stepping onto the court at Wintrust Arena for her first WNBA action since being traded from the Sky to the Atlanta Dream. During a first-quarter timeout, the arena honored her with a tribute video, marking a moment of recognition for her time with the franchise.
In her limited appearance, playing only the first half, Reese contributed 8 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 assists. Despite a shooting performance of 2-for-7 from the field and 4-for-8 from the charity stripe, she led the Dream with a plus-14 plus-minus rating and committed zero turnovers, even while managing ball-handling duties.
The Dream's Dominance and Momentum
Atlanta established control early, building on the success of a record-breaking previous season. The team displayed their offensive range, hitting five 3-pointers in the first half—three of which came from three-time All-Star Rhyne Howard. A pivotal 16-0 run in the second quarter, capped by a scoring sequence from Reese, pushed the Dream to a 20-point lead (43-23).
Although the Dream were missing key rotation players like Brionna Jones and Naz Hillmon, their depth remained evident throughout the first half. However, the game dynamic shifted after halftime as the Sky began to close the gap.
Chicago's Second-Half Surge
As Atlanta rotated its lineup, the Sky narrowed the deficit, fueled by standout performances from players fighting for roster spots. Former Louisville guard Sydney Taylor was instrumental in the rally, scoring 12 points in the third quarter and finishing the game with 23 points total. A clutch 3-pointer by rookie Tonie Morgan brought the Sky within four points at 73-69 in the final period, but the Dream ultimately maintained their composure to preserve the win.
Reflecting on a New Chapter
The trade to Atlanta marks a turning point for both the player and the organization. Discussing her departure from the Sky—a tenure that saw the team struggle with a 23-61 record—Reese emphasized that there is no animosity regarding the transition.
Reflecting on her return to the city, Reese noted, «Coming back to a familiar place feels great. I have a home here still. So, it's always good seeing Chicago... I'm happy to be back and obviously be in a familiar place that I've done a lot of great things here.»
She added that while the transition to a new locker room felt unusual, she is focused on her future with Atlanta: «I'm still happy. I'm grateful for my time here in Chicago. I experienced a lot of great things, but I'm just happy to start this new journey.»