The Atlanta Dream leaned on defense, depth, and a historic night from Angel Reese to secure an 86–66 victory over the Portland Fire on Friday night, improving to 5-2 on the season.
In a game that featured several notable storylines, none was bigger than Reese’s all-around performance. Reese led Atlanta in points, rebounds, and assists, finishing with a season-high 18 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists while recording her fourth double-double of the 2026 campaign.
Her night was historic as well.
With her 12 rebounds, Reese reached 900 career rebounds, becoming the fastest player in WNBA history to hit that mark, accomplishing the feat in just 71 games.
Atlanta’s defense set the tone from the opening tip and never let Portland establish any offensive rhythm. The Dream forced 28 turnovers, converting those mistakes into 33 points. Their relentless pressure produced 16 steals, highlighted by Rhyne Howard’s six steals, which tied a career high, and Naz Hillmon’s career-high five steals.
While Portland battled through the first three quarters, Atlanta delivered the knockout punch in the fourth. The Dream outscored the Fire 27-13 over the final 10 minutes to turn a competitive game into a convincing road victory.
Atlanta’s starting lineup of Jordin Canada, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Naz Hillmon, and Angel Reese improved to 5-1 when playing together this season.
The matchup also featured a reunion of sorts.
Portland guard Holly Winterburn faced her former team after being released by Atlanta shortly before the start of the season. Winterburn made her presence felt against her former club, leading the Fire with seven assists.
Despite Winterburn’s playmaking, Atlanta’s defense proved too much for the expansion franchise to overcome. The Dream improved to 1-0 all-time against Portland and earned their first road win in the series.
Four Dream players scored in double figures.
Reese led the way with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Howard added 14 points, four assists, and six steals. Hillmon contributed 14 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and five steals. Allisha Gray finished with 13 points and also reached a career milestone, recording her 1,000th made free throw following her second conversion from the line.
Jordin Canada chipped in nine points, four rebounds, and four assists, while Madina Okot provided an efficient spark off the bench, shooting a perfect 3-for-3 from the field and 1-for-1 from the free throw line.
For Portland, Sarah Ashlee Barker led the team with 14 points, while Serah Williams paced the Fire with six rebounds.
Atlanta returns home on Tuesday, June 2, where the Dream will face the Connecticut Sun as they look to build on their defensive momentum following one of their most complete performances of the season.
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