In a thrilling season opener that had fans on the edge of their seats, the Atlanta Dream staged a remarkable comeback to edge out the Minnesota Lynx 91-90 on Saturday night. It was a game that showcased both veteran grit and emerging talent, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting WNBA season.
Allisha Gray was the offensive catalyst for Atlanta, pouring in 16 of her game-high 24 points in the second half. But the story of the night belonged to Angel Reese, who made an immediate impact in her Dream debut. The former Chicago Sky star posted 11 points and 14 rebounds, notching her 50th career double-double in just 65 games—the fastest any player has reached that milestone in WNBA history. Reese, acquired by Atlanta on April 6 in exchange for future first-round picks, is already proving to be a game-changing addition.
The Dream needed every bit of that production, as rookie sensation Olivia Miles nearly stole the show for Minnesota. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 draft announced her arrival with a dazzling performance: 21 points, eight assists, two steals, and two blocks in her WNBA debut. She looked every bit the part of a future star.
Minnesota was without five-time All-Star Napheesa Collier, who is recovering from offseason ankle surgery and is expected to return to on-court activity in early June. Even without their anchor, the Lynx controlled much of the game, building a lead that seemed comfortable until Atlanta's furious rally.
The turning point came in the final minute. With the Lynx clinging to a one-point lead, Jordin Canada sliced through the lane for a basket, and then Te-Hina Paopao knocked down a pull-up jumper to give the Dream their first lead of the game at 91-90 with just 12 seconds remaining. From there, Atlanta's defense took over, with Gray and Reese each blocking shots in the final seconds to seal the improbable victory.
It was a balanced effort for the Dream, with Naz Hillmon and Rhyne Howard each contributing 15 points, while Canada finished with 12. For Minnesota, Kayla McBride led the way with 18 points, Courtney Williams added 14, and rookie Emma Cechova chipped in 12 points and provided a strong interior presence.
The Lynx appeared to have control after a dominant stretch, but Atlanta refused to fold. Trailing by double digits, the Dream used an 18-4 run to cut the deficit to 58-57 late in the third quarter. Minnesota momentarily regained its footing when Cechova converted a layup and Miles drilled a three-pointer, but the Dream's resilience proved too much in the end.
This season opener was a reminder of the WNBA's growing depth and excitement—from established stars like Gray to rising forces like Reese and Miles. If this game is any indication, fans are in for a thrilling ride.