Why Angel Reese believes the Atlanta Dream are primed for a title run

Angel Reese isn't hiding her expectations for the Atlanta Dream as the WNBA playoffs approach. After Atlanta's emphatic 103-59 victory over the Connecticut Sun, the forward made a bold declaration about where she believes this team can finish.

“I believe we're going to go all the way,” Reese said after the win. “Obviously, it's gonna be a lot of chatter on the outside, but as long as we continue to focus on what's in our locker room, that's all that matters.”

That confidence comes at an important point in Atlanta's season. The Dream have already secured a playoff berth, but their remaining regular-season games still carry significant importance because the standings remain tightly contested.

Atlanta entered the final stretch of the regular season with home-court positioning still within reach, giving the team another incentive to finish strongly.

Reese has also returned from international competition with plenty of momentum. After helping Team USA win gold at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, she immediately reminded everyone of the impact she can have on the court.

In her first game back with Atlanta, Reese recorded 30 points and 10 rebounds in only 25 minutes, shooting 11-for-14 from the field. She scored 19 points in the first half alone and helped the Dream cruise past Connecticut. The performance showed that her time away hadn't slowed her down.

Reese's confidence is backed by Atlanta's recent form

The Dream's biggest strength has been their ability to combine defensive pressure with enough offensive firepower to punish opponents when opportunities appear. Against Connecticut, Atlanta held the Sun to just 59 points while pulling away decisively after halftime.

Five Dream players finished in double figures, highlighting the depth around Reese .

That balance could become especially important once the postseason begins. A championship run requires more than one standout player, and Atlanta has veterans who understand the demands of playoff basketball.

DeWanna Bonner is particularly valuable in that regard. The experienced forward has already won championships and understands the preparation and composure required when the stakes rise. Reese has spoken about leaning on Bonner and her teammates as she prepares for her first WNBA playoff appearance.

“DB came in and was telling us about how important it is right now to be together, and she's obviously played a lot in the playoffs,” Reese said.

“She's won a championship or two, and she knows what it takes to win. When you have people in the locker room that know, it gives you that leverage, and I'm excited.”

Reese's comments about FIBA officiating have also offered an interesting glimpse into the style that allows her to thrive. She praised the international game for permitting more physical contact, something that fits naturally with her aggressive approach to rebounding and interior play.

That physicality has been a major part of Reese's identity throughout her career. Her ability to battle for position, attack the glass and create second-chance opportunities gives Atlanta another dimension when games become difficult.

Still, the Dream know the postseason will bring a different level of pressure. Strong regular-season performances won't guarantee anything once the playoffs begin, and Atlanta will need consistency from its entire rotation.