May 24, 2026; College Park, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (15) and forward Angel Reese (5) high-five during the game against the Phoenix Mercury during the second quarter at Gateway Center Arena at College Park. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
May 24, 2026; College Park, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (15) and forward Angel Reese (5) high-five during the game against the Phoenix Mercury during the second quarter at Gateway Center Arena at College Park. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
You couldn't have asked for a more competitive game than the one between the Atlanta Dream and the Phoenix Mercury, with a total of 35 fouls committed by players. However, Angel Reese commented on the strict refereeing in the game in a peculiar way.
The tough game that ended in an 82-80 scoreline in favor of Dream produced 35 fouls, including two flagrant fouls and three technical fouls. While the strict refereeing even annoyed the crowd at one point, Reese later detailed how she maintained her composure without lashing out.
"We practice a lot on controlling our emotions," Reese said, as per USA TODAY. "I would probably give us a 'C' today. We didn't do a great job." In a strange but funny way, Reese addressed the stringent refereeing.
May 9, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) celebrates a basket against the Minnesota Lynx during the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) celebrates a basket against the Minnesota Lynx during the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
We could have crashed out a little bit more," Reese continued. "We're just continuing trying to control what we can control." Reese further stated, "We emphasize a lot on that … We're gonna clean that up going into (our game on) Tuesday."
Reese also acknowledged the fact that Dream gave away points to Mercury with the two technicals and two flagrant fouls. The sundry fouls made the game an intense one, making it a hard-fought win for the Dream.
Coach Karl Smesko also jumped on the rating scale, stating, "I'm an easy grader. I'll give us an A because we regrouped and found a way to win. Obviously, we don't wanna give away points."
Reese also made sure to be more vigilant ahead of their next game.
Atlanta Dream Face Minnesota Lynx Next
Dream would want to work on the fouls-committing scenario, as Reese mentioned, for their next game. They play Lynx next, a team with four wins of the six they have played so far.
Dream has a solid lineup in their hands. Players such as Allisha Gray, averaging 22.8 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. Also, Reese has been in fine form, averaging 12.8 points and 11.4 rebounds for the Dream.
Additionally, Rhyne Howard could play a crucial role as well, as she has averaged 18 points and 5.7 assists for the Dream up to now. Also, Jordin Canada's lethal steals will be important, with her averaging 2.8 steals per game.
All in all, Dream would be looking to continue this form for the rest of the season.
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Written by
Dhruv Singh
Edited by
Souvik Roy