Angel Reese Shines in Dream’s Fresh Start

Angel Reese Shines in Dream’s Fresh Start

Angel Reese is settling into Atlanta with a smile, ready to make her mark with the Dream. After a trade from the Chicago Sky, the star forward is embracing her new team.

Reese, a two-time All-Star, spent two frustrating years in Chicago, feeling unhappy with the team’s direction. Now, she joins a Dream squad that won 30 games last year and has its sights set on a championship.

Reese Feels the Love in Atlanta

“It feels great,” Reese said about playing with the Dream instead of against them. “I can’t believe this is my life.” She described the open paint as a huge advantage, allowing her to drive more freely. This is a stark contrast to her experience in Chicago, where she felt more pressure to create plays alone.

Reese highlighted how playing with talented teammates like Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray opens up the floor for her. “It makes the job easier for me where I don’t have to always take the shot,” she explained. She also mentioned the effectiveness of inverted screens, where her teammates set screens for her and then pop out for passes, showing a team-first approach.

A New Glow for the Rookie

Kendra Andrews, reporting live from Atlanta, noted Reese’s “different glow.” Andrews compared Reese’s excitement to a famous LeBron James meme, showing her happiness with this fresh start. Reese is soaking in the new environment, just two days into training camp. She expressed a desire to be part of the Dream’s sisterhood and to play in a place that challenges her and helps her grow.

Head coach Carl Smesko has already met with Reese to discuss her strengths and areas for improvement. Smesko, who coached against Reese when she was at LSU, has been watching her for a long time. He believes Reese will be instrumental in helping the Dream reach the next level, emphasizing her potential impact on the team’s success.

Injury Looms for Veteran Guard

While Reese’s arrival brings excitement, the Dream also received disappointing news about veteran guard Breanna Jones. Jones is recovering from surgery to repair an injury she suffered a couple of months ago while playing overseas. The team has no immediate timetable for her return, as she is out indefinitely.

However, a team spokesperson confirmed that they expect Jones to be available at some point during the season. This news makes the addition of Angel Reese even more crucial. The Dream will rely on Reese and fellow newcomer Medina Okhot to help fill the void left by Jones’s absence, especially in the frontcourt.

Looking Ahead for the Dream

Reese’s transition to Atlanta seems to be going smoothly, with her already liking her fit on the team. Her ability to score inside and her willingness to involve her teammates should make the Dream a more dynamic offensive unit. The team’s championship aspirations look more realistic with her added talent.

The Dream will need to manage Jones’s recovery carefully while integrating Reese into the lineup. The combination of veteran leadership and exciting new talent suggests a promising season ahead for Atlanta. The team’s first game is scheduled for May 14th.

Source: How Angel Reese is adjusting with the Atlanta Dream | SportsCenter (YouTube)