Atlanta Dream Beat Minnesota Lynx 89-81 as Angel Reese Breaks WNBA Double-Double Record

COLLEGE PARK, Ga. — Angel Reese made WNBA history, Allisha Gray delivered from long range and the Atlanta Dream defeated the league-leading Minnesota Lynx 89-81 on Sunday, August 30.

Reese collected 15 points and 11 rebounds to record her 29th double-double of the season, surpassing the previous single-season record of 28 set by Alyssa Thomas in 2023. Gray led Atlanta with 23 points and 11 rebounds while making six 3-pointers.

Jordin Canada added a 16-point, 10-assist double-double, and Rhyne Howard scored 12 of her 16 points in the fourth quarter to stop Minnesota’s comeback attempt. 

The victory improved Atlanta to 26-14 and completed a 2-1 season-series win over Minnesota. The Lynx fell to 31-9 after losing consecutive games for only the second time this season.

Gray’s Hot Shooting Gives Atlanta Early Control

Atlanta grabbed the lead during the opening minutes and never trailed after that.

Gray established the offensive rhythm by scoring from inside before stretching Minnesota’s defense with her perimeter shooting. She connected on four 3-pointers during the first half, helping the Dream build a 26-21 lead after one quarter.

The Dream continued to apply pressure in the second period. Canada attacked the basket and created opportunities for her teammates, while Reese provided interior scoring and rebounding.

Atlanta scored another 26 points in the second quarter and entered halftime with a 52-41 advantage. The Dream led for 97 percent of the game and built an advantage as large as 20 points. 

Gray finished 8-for-16 from the field and 6-for-11 from beyond the arc. She also contributed three steals and two assists during one of her most complete performances of the season.

Angel Reese Makes WNBA History

Reese entered Sunday tied with Thomas for the most double-doubles in one WNBA season. She officially claimed the record when she secured her 10th rebound against the Lynx.

The historic performance continued a remarkable rebounding season for the Atlanta forward. Reese had already established WNBA records for the most rebounds in a single game and the most rebounds in one season.

She completed Sunday’s game with 15 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, two steals and one blocked shot. Reese made five of nine field-goal attempts and helped Atlanta outrebound Minnesota 37-32. 

The achievement gave Reese her 29th double-double through Atlanta’s first 40 games. More importantly for the Dream, her production contributed to a significant victory over the team with the WNBA’s best record.

Minnesota Attempts Second-Half Comeback

The Lynx refused to disappear after falling behind by 20 points.

Minnesota used a 13-2 run to reduce Atlanta’s advantage to seven. Kayla McBride supplied timely scoring, while rookie Olivia Miles repeatedly attacked the basket during the Lynx rally.

Atlanta answered through Howard.

After missing her first five attempts from beyond the arc, Howard made consecutive 3-pointers to restore a 14-point Dream lead with 5:55 remaining. Those shots stopped Minnesota’s momentum and gave Atlanta enough separation to close out the victory.

Howard finished with 16 points, three assists, two steals and one blocked shot. Canada added 16 points and 10 assists while committing only two turnovers.

DeWanna Bonner scored seven points and collected four rebounds in 17 minutes during her Atlanta debut. Bonner joined the Dream after her contract with the Phoenix Mercury was bought out earlier in the week. 

Olivia Miles Leads Lynx in Defeat

Miles led Minnesota with 21 points on 7-for-14 shooting. The rookie also collected five rebounds, although she did not record an assist.

Miles took a hard fall while completing a driving layup during the final minute. She finished the game, but the play added a late concern for Minnesota before the extended schedule break.

Napheesa Collier and McBride each scored 17 points. Collier added seven rebounds, while McBride contributed three assists and three steals.

Courtney Williams returned after missing one game with a sprained right foot and finished with 11 points, four assists and three steals. Natasha Howard contributed nine points, seven rebounds, seven assists, four steals and two blocks.

Minnesota shot 43 percent from the field but made only six of its 19 attempts from 3-point range. The Lynx forced Atlanta into 18 turnovers, yet the Dream’s superior shooting and rebounding helped offset those mistakes. Atlanta finished at 46 percent from the field and made 13 of 36 shots from beyond the arc. 

Dream Strengthen Position Before WNBA Break

Atlanta entered the FIBA World Cup break tied with the Indiana Fever at 26-14. The Dream also secured the season series against Minnesota after winning two of the three meetings.

The loss ended Minnesota’s eight-game road winning streak. Despite dropping two straight, the Lynx remained atop the Western Conference at 31-9, holding a 2½-game advantage over the Golden State Valkyries.

Atlanta will return from the break by hosting the Connecticut Sun on September 17. Minnesota will resume its schedule at home against the New York Liberty on September 18. 

Final Score

Atlanta Dream 89, Minnesota Lynx 81

Atlanta: Allisha Gray 23 points, 11 rebounds; Jordin Canada 16 points, 10 assists; Rhyne Howard 16 points; Angel Reese 15 points, 11 rebounds.

Minnesota: Olivia Miles 21 points; Napheesa Collier 17 points, seven rebounds; Kayla McBride 17 points; Courtney Williams 11 points.

More WNBA News: https://natalkradio.us/category/wnba/