The Atlanta Dream defeated the Los Angeles Sparks 78-71 on Monday, powered by Angel Reese’s historic rebounding performance.
The Atlanta Dream defeated the Los Angeles Sparks 78-71 on Monday night, a victory defined by Angel Reese’s record-breaking night on the glass. Reese pulled down 26 rebounds, setting a new WNBA single-game mark while also breaking the league’s single-season rebounding record in the same contest. The win improved the Dream to 25-13 and further cemented their status as a top contender in the Eastern Conference, while the Sparks fell to 13-25.
Dream Control the Glass Behind Reese’s Historic Night
Angel Reese was the undeniable story of the game, as her 26 rebounds not only set a single-game record but also pushed her past the previous single-season mark. Her dominance on the boards gave Atlanta numerous second-chance opportunities and limited Los Angeles to one-shot possessions. The Dream also got a balanced scoring effort, led by Allisha Gray’s 20 points and 6 assists. Gray’s playmaking kept the offense flowing, and Atlanta’s defense tightened when it mattered most, holding the Sparks to 71 points on their home floor.
Sparks Fight Back Behind Ogwumike’s Double-Double
Despite the loss, the Sparks were led by a stellar performance from Nneka Ogwumike, who posted 27 points and 16 rebounds. Ogwumike was a force on both ends, keeping Los Angeles competitive throughout. Ariel Atkins added 6 assists, but the Sparks struggled to find consistent scoring outside of Ogwumike. The team also faced significant adversity, playing without Tonie Morgan, Rae Burrell, Jaylyn Sherrod, Indya Nivar, and Brionna Jones — all listed as out. Burrell’s absence was especially notable after her 20-point outburst in the Sparks’ previous win over Connecticut.
Turning Point: Reese’s Record Rebound Seals It
The game’s pivotal moment came in the fourth quarter when Reese grabbed her 26th rebound, breaking the single-game record and giving the Dream a crucial possession with the game still in balance. The milestone seemed to energize Atlanta, who closed the game on a decisive run. From that point, the Sparks could not close the gap, as the Dream’s rebounding advantage proved insurmountable.
What It Means for the Dream
Atlanta has already clinched a playoff berth and sits atop the Eastern Conference at 25-13. The win extends their momentum as they prepare to host the Portland Fire on Friday. Additionally, reports indicate that free agent DeWanna Bonner is set to sign with the Dream after a contract buyout with the Mercury, a move that could significantly bolster their title aspirations. With Reese rewriting the record books and a potential star addition on the horizon, Atlanta looks like a legitimate championship threat.
What It Means for the Sparks
Los Angeles, now 13-25, is running out of time to make a late playoff push. The loss snaps the brief momentum gained from their win over Connecticut, and the injury list continues to hamper their depth. Ogwumike’s consistent production remains a bright spot, but the Sparks will need more contributions from role players if they hope to stay in the postseason conversation. They host the Washington Mystics on Saturday, a game that feels increasingly like a must-win.
Key Takeaways
- Angel Reese set WNBA single-game (26) and season rebounding records in the same game.
- Allisha Gray led Atlanta with 20 points and 6 assists.
- Nneka Ogwumike posted 27 points and 16 rebounds for Los Angeles.
- The Dream improved to 25-13, while the Sparks fell to 13-25.
- Atlanta has clinched a playoff spot; Los Angeles faces an uphill battle.
🎧 Listen daily to both teams
Beatline Sports covers every team, every day — new episodes each morning.