Angel Reese sets WNBA record with 29th double-double as Dream beat Lynx 89-81

The Atlanta Dream secured a crucial 89-81 victory over the league-leading Minnesota Lynx, in a game where Angel Reese officially etched her name into WNBA history with her 29th double-double of the season, breaking the previous record held by Alyssa Thomas (28, in 2026). From the opening tip, Atlanta showed the determination of a team hungry to prove its playoff credentials. Allisha Gray was the brightest star with 23 points, 11 rebounds, and six made three-pointers, serving as the primary tactical weapon that pierced the Lynx's defense, widely regarded as the best in the league. Meanwhile, Jordin Canada also completed a double-double with 16 points and 10 assists, acting as the orchestrator controlling the game's tempo. The tactical highlight of the game was Rhyne Howard's ability to flip the script. She started the game missing her first five three-point attempts but managed to regain her focus and hit two crucial threes late in the game, pushing Atlanta's lead to 14 points with 5:55 remaining. Howard finished with 16 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter – a clear signal that she is the go-to option in clutch situations. Angel Reese, despite scoring just 15 points, grabbed 11 rebounds – the key factor in creating second-chance opportunities for the Dream. Reese's 29th double-double is not a hollow statistic; it is built on a genuine, repeatable rebounding skill that translates directly to playoff intensity. She already holds both the single-season and single-game WNBA rebounding records, cementing her status as the league's premier glass-cleaner. On Minnesota's side, Olivia Miles was a rare bright spot with 21 points, while Napheesa Collier and Kayla McBride each contributed 17. The Lynx mounted an impressive 13-2 run to cut the deficit to seven, but it wasn't enough to complete the comeback. This was their second consecutive loss, followed by another defeat to Golden State on Monday, signaling a concerning late-season wobble heading into the FIBA World Cup break. This game also marked the debut of DeWanna Bonner in an Atlanta uniform after being bought out by the Phoenix Mercury. She scored 7 points in 17 minutes – a modest but reasonable start for a veteran with extensive playoff experience. This addition signals clear ambition from the Dream's front office: they believe this roster can make a deep playoff run, and Bonner provides the necessary veteran presence. With this victory, Atlanta (26-14) solidifies its hold on fourth place while sending a powerful message that they are not just a playoff team by default. The combination of Gray's three-point firepower, Howard's clutch scoring, and Reese's rebounding dominance forms a diverse offensive triangle that is difficult to game-plan against. Meanwhile, the Lynx, despite still leading the league at 31-9, face questions about their true form after two straight losses before the international break. The biggest takeaway from this game: the Atlanta Dream are no longer underdogs. They have roster depth, a star at the peak of her powers, and a record-breaker proving her worth every night. Angel Reese's record is not just a personal milestone – it is a symbol of a collective rising toward something greater.