Atlanta Dream Edge Chicago Sky 93-91 in Thriller, Angel Reese Leaves with Injury
The Dream secured a two‑point win on the road, but star forward Angel Reese exited late with an injury that could affect their playoff push.
- Atlanta Dream won 93‑91 on the road.
- Angel Reese exited late with an injury.
- The win keeps Atlanta within a game of Chicago in the standings.
- Both teams face crucial games in the final weeks of the season.
In a nail‑biting finish on July 19, the Atlanta Dream slipped past the Chicago Sky 93‑91, snapping Chicago’s brief home‑court streak and keeping Atlanta’s postseason hopes alive. The victory was tempered by a late‑game injury to Angel Reese, the Dream’s marquee forward, who was forced to leave the arena after a hard fall.
Game flow and key moments
Both teams exchanged leads throughout the first three quarters, with the Sky holding a slim advantage heading into the final period, according to ESPN’s recap. Atlanta’s bench contributed crucial scoring bursts, allowing the Dream to trim a six‑point deficit in the closing minutes. A decisive three‑point play in the final minute gave Atlanta a two‑point cushion that Chicago could not overcome.
Yahoo Sports highlighted that the Dream’s defense intensified in the fourth quarter, forcing several turnovers that translated into fast‑break points. The Sky, meanwhile, struggled to convert in the paint, missing a handful of high‑percentage shots as the clock wound down.
Angel Reese’s impact and injury
Reese, who has been a dominant force for Atlanta all season, posted a strong performance before the injury, as noted by both Yahoo Sports and ESPN Philippines. She was instrumental in creating scoring opportunities and defending the perimeter. However, a collision near the three‑point line in the final quarter forced her to limp off the court. The Dream’s medical staff evaluated her on the sidelines, and she was listed as “questionable” for the next game.
“Reese’s exit was a huge emotional blow,” wrote an ESPN analyst, noting that her leadership extends beyond the stat sheet. While the Dream managed to hold on for the win, the loss of their star could force coach Nicki Collen to adjust rotations in the coming weeks.
Why it matters
The win pushes Atlanta to a 10‑6 record, tightening the race for the Western Conference’s fourth seed. Chicago, now 9‑7, falls a game behind the Dream in the standings, making the upcoming head‑to‑head matchups pivotal. With the regular season winding down, every win directly influences home‑court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
Reese’s injury adds another layer of uncertainty. She has been averaging over 20 points per game this season, and her presence on the floor has been a catalyst for Atlanta’s offensive rhythm. Should she miss significant time, the Dream will need other scorers—such as Allisha Gray and Natisha Hiedeman—to step up, a scenario that could shift the balance of power in the conference.
Reactions from the league
Post‑game, Dream point guard Jasmine Walker praised her teammates’ resilience, saying the win was a “team effort” and emphasizing that the group stayed focused after Reese’s injury. In contrast, Chicago’s head coach James Wade expressed disappointment, noting that the Sky “could have taken the game in the last minute” if they had executed their final set.
ESPN Philippines highlighted the Sky’s frustration, pointing out that a missed free‑throw in the final 15 seconds proved costly. Meanwhile, Yahoo Sports underscored Atlanta’s composure under pressure, crediting veteran leadership for keeping the game within reach.
What’s next for both clubs
Atlanta travels to New York for a Thursday night showdown against the Liberty, a game that will test the Dream’s depth without a fully healthy Reese. The coaching staff has indicated they will monitor her recovery closely and may limit her minutes if she returns too soon.
Chicago, on the other hand, heads back home to host the Los Angeles Sparks. The Sky will look to bounce back and secure a win that could restore momentum ahead of the final stretch of the season. Both teams are scheduled to play three more regular‑season games before the playoffs begin in early August.
In the broader context, the Dream’s narrow victory and the Sky’s narrow loss illustrate the parity that has defined the 2026 WNBA season. With several teams clustered within a few games of each other, the final weeks promise high‑stakes matchups that could reshape the postseason landscape.