- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,265,050
- Reaction score
- 59
You must be registered for see images attach
Angel Reese earns fitting new nickname after making Dream history originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Angel Reese has been known as the “Bayou Barbie,” the “Double-Double Queen” and the “Double-Double Barbie” during her rapid rise to WNBA stardom. The Atlanta Dream just added another fitting option to the list. Atlanta called Reese the “Double-Diva” after the 24-year-old forward delivered 20 points and 14 rebounds in Monday’s 107-95 victory over the Toronto Tempo. The performance gave Reese her 22nd double-double of the season, breaking Tina Charles’ franchise record of 21 set in 2024.
“She IS the Double-Diva,” the Dream wrote on social media. “She IS at the top of her game. And she IS etched into Atlanta Dream history with the most double-doubles in a single season.”
The nickname immediately generated attention from fans, but it was hardly the only reason for Atlanta to celebrate.
Reese added two assists, one steal and one block while helping the Dream improve to 20-12. She shot 7-of-14 from the field, made five of her six free throws and knocked down one of her three attempts from beyond the arc.
Angel Reese breaks Tina Charles’ Dream record
Charles established Atlanta’s previous record by recording 21 double-doubles during the 2024 season. Reese needed only 31 games to surpass that total.
The three-time All-Star is averaging 15.8 points, 11.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists in her first season with the Dream. She ranks second in the WNBA with 369 total rebounds and has recorded a double-double in 12 of Atlanta’s last 15 games.
That consistency has helped make Reese one of the central figures in the Dream’s success. Atlanta brought her in after she spent her first two WNBA seasons with the Chicago Sky. Reese arrived with an established reputation as an elite rebounder, but her impact has extended beyond the stat sheet.
She has helped the Dream become one of the league’s strongest teams while continuing to expand her offensive game. Her 3-pointer against Toronto was another glimpse of the perimeter confidence she has been developing.
Reese remains most dangerous around the basket, where her physicality and relentless pursuit of missed shots regularly create extra possessions. That approach has allowed her to produce double-doubles at a historic rate from the beginning of her professional career.
WNBA double-double record is now in sight
Reese’s latest achievement may not be the final double-double record she breaks this season. Alyssa Thomas owns the WNBA single-season mark after recording 28 double-doubles for the Connecticut Sun in 2023. Reese is now only six behind Thomas with 12 games remaining on Atlanta’s schedule.
Six more double-doubles would tie the record. Seven would allow Reese to claim it outright. Considering Reese has posted double-doubles in 80 percent of Atlanta’s last 15 games, reaching 29 is a realistic possibility. This is not unfamiliar territory for her.
Reese recorded 26 double-doubles as a rookie, the second-highest single-season total in WNBA history. She also established a league record by producing 15 consecutive double-doubles and set a rookie record by averaging 13.1 rebounds.
She has since become the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 1,000 career rebounds, accomplishing the feat in 79 games. Reese also became the fastest player to reach 50 career double-doubles, requiring only 64 games.
MORE: DiJonai Carrington breaks silence on controversial Sophie Cunningham foul
Atlanta Dream find the perfect nickname
“Double-Diva” captures more than Reese’s production.
She has become one of the WNBA’s most recognizable personalities through her fashion, confidence and willingness to embrace the spotlight. She also has backed up that star power with historic numbers on the court.
The nickname therefore feels uniquely appropriate.
Reese is producing double-doubles at a rate no player in Dream history has matched, and she is doing it while helping Atlanta pursue one of the best records in the league.
There is still work to do before she can challenge Thomas’ WNBA mark. Reese would need a double-double in seven of the Dream’s final 12 games to break it, and opponents will place even greater emphasis on keeping her away from the glass.
Stopping her has proven much easier to discuss than accomplish.
Reese has already surpassed Charles and secured a permanent place in Atlanta’s record book. If the newly crowned “Double-Diva” maintains her current pace, the Dream record may only be the beginning.
More WNBA news:
- Old DiJonai Carrington-Caitlin Clark video resurfaces after Sophie Cunningham foul
- A'ja Wilson vs. Olivia Miles debate is on with Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers lurking
- Chiney Ogwumike reacts to WNBA’s Caitlin Clark suspension decision
- Why Indiana lieutenant governor is calling for Stephanie White's firing
Continue reading...
